My results surpassed my expectations
Louise R
Surgery Time 90 Minutes
Results Seen 2-3 Months
Back To Work 2-5 Days
Pain Level Moderate
Hospital Stay Day Case
Cost On Consultation
Buffalo Hump Removal Before And After Gallery
Vaser Liposuction on Abdomen & Flanks
9 months post op
Vaser Liposuction on Abdomen & Flanks
9 months post op
Vaser Liposuction on Abdomen & Flanks
10 weeks post op
GMC Registered Surgeons
6700+ Happy Patients
Flexible Finance Options
CQC Registered Private Hospital
Medically reviewed by Mr Shivram Singh MBBS, FRCSI, FRCS (Plast), Medical Director & Lead,
Medical Advisory Committee for Manchester Private Hospital
Last Reviewed May 16th 2025
What Is Buffalo Hump Removal?
Buffalo hump removal is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing excess fat at the base of the back of the neck, between the shoulder blades. The medical term for it is dorsocervical fat pad removal. You may have also heard of it being referred to as ‘dowager’s hump surgery’ or ‘dowager hump removal’.
This procedure can involve liposuction or fat-dissolving injections. Ideal candidates can be male or female.
What Causes A Buffalo Hump?
A buffalo-hump shape at the back of the neck can be caused by a variety of different things, including:
- Cushing’s syndrome, which causes the body to make excessive amounts of cortisol
- certain HIV/AIDS treatments
- genetic disorders
- hormonal imbalances
- obesity
- long-term use of specific
- glucocorticoid medicines
- Madelung’s disease (a rare disorder of fat metabolism)
- poor posture
Why Choose Buffalo Hump Removal?
You may be able to get rid of a buffalo hump by addressing the underlying cause of the problem. However, this is not always the case. For example, in the case of obesity, you may find that the fat accumulations around your neck will not respond well to diet and exercise. This is likely because the fat deposits have hardened and become stubborn.
Whatever the cause of your prominent soft tissue, it’s a good idea to have a consultation to see if your problem can be treated in other ways or whether buffalo hump removal might be your best option.
Undergoing buffalo hump surgery can result in a variety of benefits, including:
- improved range of motion
- better posture
- reduced pain or discomfort in the neck and back
- increased self-confidence and self-esteem
- no longer feeling embarrassed by the appearance of your neck and back
- clothing fitting more comfortably
- feeling more confident to wear different types of clothing, for example backless dresses and tops
What Happens During Buffalo Hump Removal?
Buffalo hump removal can be performed in a variety of ways. At your consultation, your doctor will recommend the best method for you based on your overall health, the size and shape of your hump, your personal preferences, as well as a number of other factors.
Liposuction
Buffalo hump liposuction involves removing the prominent fat at the back of the neck by mechanical suction. This procedure is typically carried out using a thin tube, called a cannula, which is connected to a vacuum and inserted into the body through an incision. It is performed under general anaesthesia and stitches are required. The procedure usually takes between one and three hours.
Vaser Liposuction
A method called Vaser liposuction can also be used to get rid of your excess neck and back fat. This procedure relies on modern ultrasound technology to break down fat cells in the hump without damaging cells and tissue in the surrounding areas. The fat accumulations in the neck are melted and removed from the body through a thin tube. Because the incisions required for the cannula are very small, stitches are not usually necessary. Vaser liposuction is a great option for people looking to target specific areas of stubborn fat. In addition, patients typically recover from Vaser Lipo much quicker than from traditional methods. General anaesthetic is not usually needed.
Fat-Dissolving Injections
A buffalo hump can sometimes be treated with fat-dissolving injections. These injections turn the fat cells into liquid and they are removed from the body through the lymphatic system. This non-surgical treatment is a fast and effective way of targeting localised fatty areas of the body, and the recovery time is minimal.
Recovery
How long it takes to recover will depend largely on the type of procedure you have.
Liposuction
If you have liposuction, you may feel some mild to moderate discomfort and pain once the anaesthesia has worn off. This can be managed with painkillers. You can expect to stay in the hospital overnight.
During the first 72 hours, you will need to rest and avoid heavy lifting. You will also need to return to the hospital within five days of your procedure to have compression garments removed and to have your incisions checked.
You can expect to be able to return to work after a week or two, depending on the nature of your job. By six weeks, you should be able to get back to any strenuous exercise or contact sports you would usually do.
Vaser Liposuction
Vaser liposuction is a less invasive treatment option than traditional liposuction. Generally speaking, patients can expect to be back at work two to three days after their procedure.
Fat-Dissolving Injections
If you have fat-dissolving injections to remove your buffalo hump, you should be able to return to your normal activities almost immediately.
Side Effects And Complications
All procedures carry a risk of side effects and complications. Often they are rare, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks before undergoing treatment.
Here are some of the common side effects associated with traditional liposuction and Vaser liposuction:
- bruising
- swelling
- scarring
- inflammation
Here are some of the possible complications of liposuction:
- bleeding under the skin (haematoma)
- long lasting numbness
- contour deformities
- pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
- skin colour changes in the affected area
Side effects of fat-dissolving injections are usually limited to the injection site and can include:
- tenderness
- swelling
- redness
- itchiness
- bruising
These side effects tend to be short lived.
Possible complications of fat-dissolving injections include:
- nerve damage
- infection
- tissue death
Why Choose Us For Buffalo Hump Removal?
At Manchester Private Hospital, we pride ourselves on our patient-centred approach, our excellent surgical facilities and our highly experienced team of GMC-registered surgeons, doctors and nurses. We have been trusted by over 4,000 patients so if you choose us for your neck hump removal, you’ll be in good company.
You will receive the very highest standard of care, from your first consultation right through to your procedure and beyond. With our highly qualified and experienced staff, you will be well looked after every step of the way.
Not only do we provide outstanding levels of care, we also offer a range of finance options to make your cosmetic surgery as affordable as possible.
For a free no-obligation consultation for buffalo hump surgery, just contact our friendly team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting rid of a hump might be an option if you’re dealing with a noticeable fat lump on the back of your neck that’s causing discomfort, limiting your mobility or affecting your self esteem. Ideal candidates are generally in good health, have realistic expectations, and are seeking to improve their physical appearance and comfort.
Getting rid of a hump might be an option if you’re dealing with a noticeable fat lump on the back of your neck that’s causing discomfort, limiting your mobility or affecting your self esteem. Ideal candidates are generally in good health, have realistic expectations, and are seeking to improve their physical appearance and comfort.
This surgery typically takes between one and three hours to perform, depending on the type of procedure you have. Your surgeon will be able to provide an accurate estimate during your consultation.
This surgery typically takes between one and three hours to perform, depending on the type of procedure you have. Your surgeon will be able to provide an accurate estimate during your consultation.
If you have liposuction to treat your buffalo hump, you will need to rest for a few days after surgery. Depending on the type of job you do, you may be able to return to work within a week or two, and by six weeks, you should be able to fully resume normal activities. Recovery from Vaser liposuction is shorter. You can typically return to work within a few days.
If you have liposuction to treat your buffalo hump, you will need to rest for a few days after surgery. Depending on the type of job you do, you may be able to return to work within a week or two, and by six weeks, you should be able to fully resume normal activities. Recovery from Vaser liposuction is shorter. You can typically return to work within a few days.
If you have liposuction to remove your buffalo hump, the procedure is likely to be performed under general anaesthetic. Alternatively, if you have Vaser liposuction, your surgeon will typically use local anaesthetic.
If you have liposuction to remove your buffalo hump, the procedure is likely to be performed under general anaesthetic. Alternatively, if you have Vaser liposuction, your surgeon will typically use local anaesthetic.
You will be under either local or general anaesthetic for the procedure, so you won’t feel pain. Any discomfort after the operation can be managed using pain relief medicines.
You will be under either local or general anaesthetic for the procedure, so you won’t feel pain. Any discomfort after the operation can be managed using pain relief medicines.
A buffalo hump is unlikely to resolve by itself. You may find that you can reduce the size by losing weight. However, these fat deposits are often hardened and therefore don’t respond well to exercise and dieting. You may therefore wish to have surgery to remove it.
A buffalo hump is unlikely to resolve by itself. You may find that you can reduce the size by losing weight. However, these fat deposits are often hardened and therefore don’t respond well to exercise and dieting. You may therefore wish to have surgery to remove it.
Following the removal of a hump individuals might notice skin especially in cases where a substantial amount of fat was extracted or if the skin’s elasticity has diminished. Normally any initial skin looseness tends to improve and firm up as time passes.
Following the removal of a hump individuals might notice skin especially in cases where a substantial amount of fat was extracted or if the skin’s elasticity has diminished. Normally any initial skin looseness tends to improve and firm up as time passes.
Removing a hump can help slim down the fat at the back of the neck improving its shape and overall look. It’s important to follow operative instructions and deal with any root causes of fat accumulation to maintain lasting results and prevent fat from coming back.
Removing a hump can help slim down the fat at the back of the neck improving its shape and overall look. It’s important to follow operative instructions and deal with any root causes of fat accumulation to maintain lasting results and prevent fat from coming back.
We provide cosmetic surgery procedures in five clinics across the UK: Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham and London.
We provide cosmetic surgery procedures in five clinics across the UK: Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham and London.
The cost of buffalo hump removal depends on several factors, including the amount of fat that needs to be removed and the type of procedure you choose. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to get more information on prices. We can also advise you on your finance options.
The cost of buffalo hump removal depends on several factors, including the amount of fat that needs to be removed and the type of procedure you choose. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to get more information on prices. We can also advise you on your finance options.
Excess fat buildup on the back of the neck commonly known as neck back fat or a buffalo hump. It can be treated with various methods, including buffalo hump removal surgery, which targets and removes excess fat for a smoother contour.
Excess fat buildup on the back of the neck commonly known as neck back fat or a buffalo hump. It can be treated with various methods, including buffalo hump removal surgery, which targets and removes excess fat for a smoother contour.
As part of our all-inclusive treatment package, you will be booked in for a post-surgery check-up appointment. You will also be provided with a post operative leaflet containing useful information, and you will have access to a 24/7 emergency telephone number.
As part of our all-inclusive treatment package, you will be booked in for a post-surgery check-up appointment. You will also be provided with a post operative leaflet containing useful information, and you will have access to a 24/7 emergency telephone number.
After undergoing treatment it is rare, for a hump, to resurface; however substantial weight gain could lead to the enlargement of any remaining cells. Patients who can maintain a weight post treatment are unlikely to experience the reappearance of the hump.
After undergoing treatment it is rare, for a hump, to resurface; however substantial weight gain could lead to the enlargement of any remaining cells. Patients who can maintain a weight post treatment are unlikely to experience the reappearance of the hump.
0% Finance Available
Manchester Private Hospital have collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer 0% finance for our patients.*
*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.
*Procedure prices are not fixed and may vary as procedure costs are tailored to individual requirements so vary from person to person. You will receive a guide price during your initial eConsult and a fixed price following your surgeon face to face consultation.
