Buffalo hump liposuction - how many ccs of fat can be removed?

The number of cc's is very individual. A buffalo hump can be a localized fatty pad, but it can also include dense fibrous fat, posture or spine shape, and occasionally medical factors such as steroid use or endocrine conditions. Because of that, the removable volume cannot be predicted accurately without an exam.

In many patients the amount removed from this area is modest compared with larger areas such as the abdomen or flanks. The goal should be a smoother neck and upper back contour, not chasing a specific number of cc's. Removing too aggressively can create dents, looseness, contour irregularity, or skin problems.

A plastic surgeon should examine the thickness of the fatty layer, skin quality, neck and shoulder contour, and your medical history. If the area is mostly fat, liposuction may help. If it is very dense or fibrous, special techniques or, rarely, limited excision may be discussed. If an underlying medical cause is contributing, treating that issue is important to reduce the chance of recurrence.

The best next step is an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can give you a realistic estimate and show examples of similar cases.

Dear Eryka6,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination because not every buffalo hump is the same. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for the question! The amount removed from any area is dependent on how much is there initially. We would to discuss this further with you and help you reach your personal goals. Schedule a consult today with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

The amount of fat that can be removed is extremely variable, although it is likely less than you think. The total volume in the area can be as little as 10cc and is likely no more than 100. The most important part is not the total volume, but rather than the shape of the deformity is improved.

Hi Eryka6,
Answering this question really centers on how large the fatty accumulation is in the lower posterior neck area ('buffalo hump') for the individual patient. Typically, I will remove 150 - 350 cc's of lipoaspirate from this area, of which approximately half is fat. Obviously, the larger the amount of fat accumulation, the greater volume that we can remove. In this area, even a small volume of liposuction can have a significant impact on a patient's appearance.
Sincerely,Dr. Smith

The amount of fat that can be removed from the buffalo hump depends upon how much fat is present. The goal is to get a nice contour with the rest of the back and not remove all to have a dent.