A buffalo hump, medically referred to as a dorsocervical fat pad, is a localized accumulation of fat at the base of the neck, situated between the shoulders. This condition is a form of lipodystrophy, an abnormal fat distribution that can cause a noticeable protrusion. The cost for liposuction to remove this fat pad varies significantly, depending on the complexity of the patient’s underlying condition and the surgical facility’s geographic location.
What Causes a Buffalo Hump
The development of this fatty deposit is linked to underlying metabolic or hormonal irregularities. A primary cause is the long-term use of corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone or hydrocortisone, which treat various inflammatory conditions. These synthetic hormones can trigger a redistribution of fat toward the central body and the dorsocervical region.
Another significant cause is Cushing’s syndrome, a condition where the body produces excessive levels of the hormone cortisol. High cortisol levels prompt the body to store fat in characteristic areas, including the neck and upper back. Certain older antiretroviral therapies used to manage Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have also been associated with this fat accumulation, known as lipohypertrophy. Severe obesity can also lead to excess fat accumulation, but the fat composition in a buffalo hump is often denser and more fibrous than typical body fat.
The Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction for the dorsocervical fat pad is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to re-contour the upper back and neck region. Because the fat here is typically more fibrous and dense compared to fat elsewhere on the body, specialized techniques are necessary for effective removal. Surgeons often favor energy-assisted methods, such as VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) or tumescent techniques.
The tumescent technique involves injecting a large volume of diluted local anesthetic solution into the fat pad to numb the area, constrict blood vessels, and make the fat easier to remove. VASER liposuction uses ultrasound energy to emulsify, or liquefy, the dense fat cells before they are suctioned out through a thin tube called a cannula. This ultrasonic method is valued for its precision, helping to minimize trauma to surrounding tissues and achieve a smoother contour. The procedure usually takes one to two hours and is often performed under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia may be used for larger cases.
Key Variables Influencing Liposuction Cost
The total expense for buffalo hump liposuction typically falls between $2,000 and $8,000. This wide variation is determined by several components that contribute to the final price. The surgeon’s fee is often the largest factor, reflecting the practitioner’s experience, reputation, and the complexity of the case. A more experienced surgeon, especially one specializing in the fibrous nature of the dorsocervical fat, will command a higher fee.
The facility fee covers the use of the operating room, equipment, and support staff. This cost varies significantly based on whether the procedure is performed in an accredited in-office surgical suite or a hospital setting. Facility fees can range from approximately $500 to $2,000. The anesthesia fee is another major component, depending on the type of anesthesia used and the procedure’s duration. General anesthesia, which requires a board-certified anesthesiologist, is typically more expensive than local anesthesia with oral sedation.
Pre- and post-operative expenses also add to the final cost. These include necessary lab work, medical clearances, and prescribed post-surgery medications for pain and infection prevention. Patients must also account for the cost of specialized compression garments, which are necessary for healing and contouring and can cost between $100 and $300. A consultation with a surgeon is necessary to receive an accurate cost quote.
Recovery and Long-Term Results
The recovery period following dorsocervical fat pad liposuction is generally straightforward due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within a few days to one week after the surgery. Swelling and bruising are common temporary side effects, with the bulk of the swelling subsiding within the first six weeks.
Wearing a specialized compression garment full-time for several weeks is standard, as it helps reduce swelling and promote optimal skin contraction over the newly contoured area. Patients are advised to avoid vigorous physical activity and heavy lifting for about four to six weeks. While initial improvements are noticeable immediately, final results often take three to six months to become fully visible as residual swelling resolves. The results are generally considered permanent since the removed fat cells do not regenerate. However, the fat pad can grow back if the underlying medical condition or medication that caused the accumulation is not managed, making stable weight and health maintenance important for long-term success.