how to get rid of buffalo hump: 5 Powerful Solutions 2025

Understanding Buffalo Hump: Your Path to Freedom

That persistent bulge at the base of your neck isn’t just frustrating—it can affect how you feel about yourself every time you catch a glimpse in the mirror. If you’re wondering how to get rid of buffalo hump, you’re not alone. The journey to freedom starts with understanding what you’re dealing with.

A buffalo hump (medically known as a dorsocervical fat pad) is that stubborn fat deposit that forms between your shoulder blades, creating a rounded appearance at the base of your neck. Beyond being a cosmetic concern, it often impacts your confidence, alters your posture, and sometimes signals that something deeper might be happening in your body.

What makes buffalo humps particularly challenging is their resistance to traditional weight loss methods. Even dedicated diet and exercise enthusiasts find this area frustratingly stubborn because the fat here tends to be more fibrous and less responsive to lifestyle changes alone.

But here’s the good news—you don’t have to accept it as permanent. As a double board-certified specialist in whole body rejuvenation, I’ve helped countless patients overcome this condition through our range of targeted approaches, including our signature Precision Sculpt method that delivers immediate, visible results with minimal recovery time.

The right approach for eliminating your buffalo hump depends entirely on what’s causing it in the first place:

Understanding the underlying cause is crucial—whether it’s hormonal imbalance, medication side effects, or simply the way your body stores fat. This knowledge shapes your entire treatment journey, from diagnosis to recovery.

Throughout my practice at Ideal Face & Body, I’ve witnessed how transformative buffalo hump removal can be. Patients often tell me it’s not just about looking better—it’s about feeling like themselves again, standing taller, and no longer having that constant physical reminder weighing them down.

In the sections that follow, we’ll explore each potential solution in depth, helping you understand which approach might be right for your unique situation. You don’t have to live with a buffalo hump forever—effective solutions are available, and freedom from this burden is absolutely possible.

What Is a Buffalo Hump (Dorsocervical Fat Pad)?

That noticeable bump at the base of your neck isn’t just in your imagination. A buffalo hump, which doctors call a dorsocervical fat pad, is a collection of stubborn fat that settles between your shoulder blades, creating that distinctive rounded appearance that resembles – you guessed it – a buffalo’s hump.

“Out of all the areas treated with liposuction, the fat in the buffalo hump area is very fibrous and hard,” explains Dr. Sarah Yovino. “This makes it particularly resistant to diet and exercise alone.”

What makes this area so frustrating for many people is that it’s actually a form of lipodystrophy – a fancy way of saying your body is distributing fat in unusual patterns. Even people who aren’t otherwise overweight can develop this stubborn bump.

So why does this happen? Buffalo humps typically develop for several key reasons:

Hormonal battles are often to blame. When your body produces too much cortisol (that pesky stress hormone), it can trigger fat to accumulate specifically in this area. This is why stress management is actually part of buffalo hump prevention!

Medication side effects can be surprising culprits. Long-term use of glucocorticoids like prednisone or certain HIV medications often lead to this distinctive fat pattern. Up to 60% of patients on chronic steroid medications develop some form of lipodystrophy, including buffalo humps.

Cushing’s syndrome, a condition characterized by excessive cortisol production, almost always includes a buffalo hump as one of its most recognizable symptoms. This condition affects approximately 10-15 people per million each year.

Weight gain can certainly contribute, though many people with healthy BMIs still develop buffalo humps.

Poor posture doesn’t directly cause the fat pad, but that forward-head position many of us adopt while looking at phones and computers can definitely make a buffalo hump appear more pronounced.

Madelung’s disease, though rare, causes unusual fat deposits specifically around the neck and shoulders area.

A buffalo hump isn’t just a cosmetic concern – though the emotional impact shouldn’t be minimized. Sometimes, this stubborn bump can actually signal underlying health conditions that require medical attention. This is why proper diagnosis should always be your first step when figuring out how to get rid of buffalo hump issues.

Understanding what’s causing your buffalo hump is critical to treating it effectively. While some respond well to lifestyle changes, others might need more targeted interventions to address the underlying medical causes. According to scientific research on hump causes, proper diagnosis is essential before beginning any treatment plan.

How to Get Rid of Buffalo Hump: Step-By-Step Game Plan

When it comes to tackling a buffalo hump, throwing random solutions at the problem rarely works. What you need is a thoughtful, systematic approach that addresses both the hump itself and whatever might be causing it in the first place. Let’s walk through a comprehensive plan that’s helped hundreds of our patients find relief.

Step 1 – Get a Professional Diagnosis

Before jumping into any treatment, you need to know exactly what you’re dealing with. This isn’t a step you want to skip – the underlying cause of your buffalo hump determines everything about your treatment path.

A thorough diagnostic process typically includes:

A physical examination where your doctor checks the hump’s consistency and looks for other telltale signs of conditions like Cushing’s syndrome. We’ll also review your medical history, paying special attention to medications you’re taking (particularly corticosteroids or HIV treatments).

Laboratory testing is often essential – this might include a 24-hour urinary free cortisol test, late-night salivary cortisol measurements, dexamethasone suppression testing, and blood work to check glucose and lipid profiles. For some patients, imaging studies like MRI, CT scan, or X-rays help distinguish between a fat-based buffalo hump and spinal issues like kyphosis.

“I see so many patients who’ve spent years trying various home remedies without success,” Dr. Sarah Yovino often shares. “Proper diagnosis is absolutely fundamental – treating just the visible hump without addressing why it’s there almost guarantees it’ll come back.”

For more specifics about diagnosis and evaluation, check out our detailed guide about Buffalo Hump Surgery.

Step 2 – Lifestyle & Posture Upgrades

For milder cases – or alongside medical treatments – simple lifestyle changes can make a surprising difference in how your buffalo hump looks and feels.

Ergonomic improvements can transform your daily posture. Set up your workstation with your monitor at eye level, invest in a chair with proper lumbar support, and take regular “posture breaks” throughout your day. These small changes add up dramatically over time.

How you use your devices matters too. That constant downward gaze at phones and tablets (aptly nicknamed “tech neck”) can worsen a buffalo hump’s appearance. Try holding devices at eye level when possible, or use stands for longer sessions.

Weight management plays a supporting role for many patients. Focus on overall healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular cardio exercise. Many patients find working with a nutritionist helpful for personalized guidance.

Don’t underestimate the power of stress reduction either. Meditation, adequate sleep, and relaxing activities like yoga can help regulate cortisol levels – potentially addressing a root cause of some buffalo humps.

One of our patients put it perfectly: “I honestly thought the posture suggestions were just a formality until I committed to them for a month. Not only did my hump look less noticeable, but the constant neck pain I’d been living with started fading too.”

Step 3 – Targeted Exercises & Stretches

While you can’t magically melt away fat from specific areas through exercise (more on that myth in a moment), certain movements can significantly improve your posture and strengthen the muscles that support proper neck and upper back alignment.

The pectoral stretch is a game-changer for many patients. Simply stand in a doorway with your arms at shoulder height, place your forearms against the doorframe, and gently lean forward until you feel a stretch across your chest. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat three times.

Chin tucks are subtle but powerful. While sitting or standing with a straight spine, gently draw your chin straight back (yes, you’ll temporarily create a “double chin”). Hold for 5 seconds, release, and repeat 10 times. This simple movement can be done several times throughout your day.

Many patients find wall angels particularly effective. Stand with your back against a wall, feet about 6 inches out, and press your lower back, shoulders and head against the wall. With elbows bent at 90 degrees, slowly slide your arms up the wall in a “snow angel” motion, then return to starting position. Aim for 10 repetitions.

The cobra pose from yoga helps counteract the forward slouch many of us develop. Lie face down on a mat with hands under shoulders, then gently press up through your hands while keeping hips on the floor. Hold for 15-30 seconds while breathing deeply, release, and repeat 3-5 times.

For more detailed exercise guidance, visit our comprehensive resource on How to Get Rid of Neck Hump.

Can you really get rid of buffalo hump with exercise alone?

I wish I could tell you that a few neck exercises would melt away your buffalo hump, but honesty matters more than easy answers. The truth? Targeted fat reduction through exercise is largely a myth. You simply cannot selectively burn fat from one specific body area, including a buffalo hump.

“Exercise offers tremendous benefits for overall health and can definitely improve posture, which may make a buffalo hump less noticeable,” explains Dr. Sarah Yovino. “But the reality is that buffalo hump fat is particularly fibrous and stubborn – it rarely responds well to exercise alone.”

That said, don’t underestimate exercise’s value. It improves overall body composition, strengthens the muscles supporting good posture, can help regulate cortisol levels, and prevents the condition from worsening. Think of exercise as a crucial supporting player rather than the solo star in your buffalo hump treatment plan.

Step 4 – Medical Management of Underlying Conditions

For many patients, addressing underlying medical conditions is the key to long-term success in treating a buffalo hump.

If medications like corticosteroids are contributing to your buffalo hump, your doctor might consider adjusting your dosage, switching to alternatives, implementing an intermittent dosing schedule, or prescribing the minimum effective dose. One critical note: never stop or change prescribed medications without medical supervision – the risks can be serious.

Cushing’s syndrome treatment might involve surgery if caused by tumors, medications to control cortisol production, regular monitoring, and comprehensive endocrine care. The good news? According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, proper treatment of Cushing’s syndrome often leads to significant improvement in symptoms, including reduction of buffalo humps. Learn more through the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

For patients on HIV medications, newer antiretroviral treatments typically have fewer lipodystrophy side effects. Your infectious disease specialist can evaluate whether adjusting your regimen might help, while still maintaining effective viral control.

Many patients benefit from an endocrinologist referral for complex hormonal issues. These specialists provide comprehensive hormonal evaluation, targeted treatment plans, monitoring of metabolic parameters, and coordination with other healthcare providers.

Step 5 – Minimally Invasive & Surgical Options

When lifestyle changes and medical management aren’t enough (which is common with stubborn buffalo humps), minimally invasive and surgical options can provide dramatic, immediate results.

Morpheus8 RF Microneedling combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling to liquify fat cells while simultaneously tightening skin. This approach typically requires 2-3 sessions with minimal downtime (just 1-3 days) and works best for mild to moderate buffalo humps.

Injectable treatments like Aqualyx can gradually dissolve smaller fat deposits. While these require multiple sessions spaced weeks apart, they involve minimal downtime. Results develop gradually over 2-3 months.

Our signature approach at Ideal Face & Body is Precision Sculpt Awake Liposuction, which offers unique advantages for buffalo hump treatment. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia while you’re comfortably awake. Advanced laser technology helps break up the notoriously fibrous fat in the buffalo hump area, allowing for precise sculpting that creates natural contours.

“The buffalo hump contains some of the most stubborn, fibrous fat in the entire body,” explains Dr. Sarah Yovino. “Our Precision Sculpt technique was specifically developed to address this challenging tissue. The results are dramatically better than what conventional approaches can achieve.”

What makes this approach special? It’s a single-session treatment with immediately visible results, stimulates collagen production for skin tightening, and permanently removes the troublesome fat cells. Most patients return to normal activities within days.

After your procedure, you’ll wear a compression garment for 1-2 weeks, experience mild swelling for 1-3 weeks, and need to avoid strenuous activity for about 2 weeks. Following all post-care instructions and attending follow-up appointments ensures optimal results.

For more details about our advanced buffalo hump removal approaches, visit Buffalo Hump Removal – What Is the Best Approach?

Buffalo Hump vs. Dowager’s Hump: Spot the Difference

If you’ve been researching your neck bump, you’ve probably come across both terms – buffalo hump and dowager’s hump. Though they might look similar at first glance, they’re actually quite different conditions that require completely different treatment approaches.

“One of the most common misunderstandings I see in my practice is patients confusing these two conditions,” explains Dr. Sarah Yovino. “Before we can help you get rid of a buffalo hump, we need to be certain that’s actually what we’re dealing with.”

A buffalo hump is essentially a fat deposit (dorsocervical fat pad) at the base of your neck. When you touch it, it feels soft and fatty because that’s exactly what it is – a collection of adipose tissue. It’s typically caused by hormonal issues, medication side effects, or obesity.

A dowager’s hump, on the other hand, is actually a structural change in your spine called kyphosis. It feels hard and bony to the touch because it’s literally your vertebrae creating an excessive forward curve. This condition most commonly results from osteoporosis, vertebral fractures, or years of poor posture.

Here’s a simple way to tell the difference: if you can grab and squeeze the bump between your fingers, it’s more likely a buffalo hump. If it feels rigid and unmovable, you’re probably dealing with kyphosis.

The treatment approaches for these conditions couldn’t be more different. While how to get rid of buffalo hump often involves addressing hormonal issues or removing the fat deposit itself, treating a dowager’s hump focuses on strengthening the spine, improving bone density, and correcting posture.

“I’ve had patients come in requesting liposuction for what turned out to be kyphosis,” shares Dr. Sarah Yovino. “That would have been completely ineffective. This is why proper diagnosis is the critical first step in any treatment plan.”

If you do have a dowager’s hump rather than a buffalo hump, you’ll want to focus on:

Bone health – Working with your doctor on calcium, vitamin D, and possibly bone-strengthening medications if osteoporosis is present.

Physical therapy – Specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and improve your posture over time.

Posture training – Learning proper alignment techniques and ergonomic adjustments for daily activities.

Bracing – In some cases, a back brace may help support proper alignment.

Surgical intervention – In severe cases of kyphosis, spinal fusion surgery might be recommended, though this is relatively rare.

At Ideal Face & Body, we specialize in buffalo hump treatment but can help you get appropriate referrals if your examination reveals you’re dealing with kyphosis instead. Our goal is always to provide the most effective treatment for your specific condition.

What to Expect From Buffalo Hump Removal Procedures

Considering a buffalo hump removal procedure can feel intimidating, but knowing what to expect makes all the difference. At Ideal Face & Body, we’ve designed our process to be as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

Your journey begins with a thorough consultation. During this initial meeting, Dr. Sarah Yovino will evaluate your buffalo hump, review your medical history, and discuss any previous treatments you’ve tried. She’ll take time to explain all your options and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns. This is also your opportunity to ask questions – we want you to feel completely informed and comfortable.

Before your procedure, we’ll provide detailed preparation instructions. You might need to temporarily adjust certain medications (always with your doctor’s guidance), avoid alcohol for at least a week, and stop smoking at least four weeks prior if you’re a smoker. It’s also important to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, even though our procedures use only local anesthesia.

“Many patients are surprised to learn they don’t need general anesthesia for buffalo hump removal,” explains Dr. Sarah Yovino. “Using local anesthesia not only makes the procedure safer but dramatically reduces your recovery time.”

When the day of your Precision Sculpt procedure arrives, here’s what happens:

First, we map and photograph the treatment area to create a precise surgical plan. We then administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Through tiny, discreet incisions (typically just 2-3mm), we use advanced laser technology to break up the stubborn fibrous fat that makes buffalo humps so resistant to diet and exercise.

A specialized microcannula gently removes the liquefied fat while Dr. Yovino carefully sculpts the area for natural-looking contours. For optimal results, we may apply cold helium radiofrequency to tighten the skin. After closing the incisions with minimal or no sutures, we fit you with a compression garment that helps shape the area and reduce swelling.

Your recovery timeline will typically follow this pattern:

During the first few days, you’ll experience mild swelling and discomfort, which most patients manage easily with over-the-counter pain relievers. By days 3-7, most swelling begins to subside, and many patients feel comfortable returning to desk work. In the second week, you can resume light exercise while continuing to wear your compression garment.

By weeks 3-4, most residual swelling resolves, and you’ll begin to see your final contours emerge. At six weeks, you can typically resume all normal activities, including strenuous exercise. The complete healing process continues, with final results becoming fully visible between 3-6 months as skin retraction completes.

One of our patients shared, “I was back to my normal routine much faster than I expected. What really impressed me was how the team prepared me for each stage of recovery, so I always knew what to expect next.”

The beauty of our approach is that you’ll see immediate improvements, even with initial swelling. As one patient put it, “I looked in the mirror the very next day and could already tell a huge difference. It just kept getting better as the swelling went down.”

For more detailed information about what you can expect during recovery, visit Buffalo Hump Removal – What to Expect.

Emotional Well-Being & Support After Treatment

When it comes to buffalo hump removal, the change goes far beyond the physical changes. At Ideal Face & Body, we’ve witnessed how addressing this concern often open ups a profound emotional journey for our patients.

Many of our patients have hidden their buffalo hump for years, adjusting their clothing, hairstyles, and even their posture to conceal it. The emotional burden of this constant self-consciousness shouldn’t be underestimated.

“It’s rewarding because you see how many years they’ve been holding it in,” shares Dr. Sarah Yovino. “Either they didn’t know that they could fix it, or they didn’t know where to go to fix it.”

The psychological benefits after treatment are often just as significant as the physical ones. Patients frequently tell us about their newfound confidence in social settings, the freedom to wear different clothing styles without worrying about their profile, and a genuine reduction in self-consciousness about their appearance.

One particularly touching pattern we’ve noticed is how many women start wearing their hair up after treatment. Something so simple – sending a selfie with their hair pulled back – becomes a celebration of their change and newfound comfort with their appearance.

Recovery isn’t just a physical process but an emotional one too. We encourage our patients to:

• Set realistic expectations about their healing journey and results
• Practice patience during the recovery period, understanding that final results take time
• Celebrate small victories along the way rather than focusing only on the end result
• Maintain open communication with our care team about any concerns

At Ideal Face & Body, we provide ongoing support throughout your journey. Our regular follow-up appointments aren’t just to check your physical healing but also to check in on how you’re feeling about your results. Our care team remains accessible for questions and concerns that may arise during recovery.

Since stress and liftd cortisol levels can contribute to buffalo hump formation in the first place, we also emphasize the importance of ongoing stress management for long-term success. Simple practices like regular mindfulness, ensuring adequate sleep, maintaining balanced nutrition, and making time for enjoyable activities can all help maintain your results while improving your overall well-being.

True change encompasses both physical changes and emotional growth. Our comprehensive approach at Ideal Face & Body addresses both aspects, helping you achieve not just a better contour, but a more confident relationship with your body.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Get Rid of Buffalo Hump

Will buffalo hump come back after you get rid of it?

This is probably the question I hear most often in consultations. The truth has some nuance to it, but here’s what you need to know:

When we remove fat cells through procedures like Precision Sculpt, those specific cells are gone forever. They don’t regenerate or grow back. However, your results can still change over time depending on several important factors.

If you gain significant weight after treatment, the remaining fat cells in the area can expand. Similarly, if underlying hormonal issues like high cortisol aren’t properly managed, or if you continue taking medications that contribute to fat redistribution, you might notice changes in the treated area.

“When we remove fat cells with Precision Sculpt, those specific cells are gone permanently,” explains Dr. Sarah Yovino. “However, maintaining your results requires addressing the underlying causes and maintaining a stable weight.”

The key to lasting results is a comprehensive approach: treating any underlying medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, working with your doctor on medication adjustments if possible, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and managing stress levels to keep cortisol in check. Don’t skip those follow-up appointments either—they’re crucial for monitoring your long-term success.

The good news? Most patients who maintain their weight and address underlying causes enjoy results that last for years.

How long does it take to get rid of a buffalo hump once treatment starts?

Patience is important when treating a buffalo hump, as timeframes vary significantly depending on your chosen approach:

If you’re going the lifestyle and posture correction route, expect gradual improvement over 3-6 months. This approach works best for mild humps that are primarily related to posture issues, and your consistency makes all the difference.

For those with underlying medical conditions, the timeline depends on your specific situation. With Cushing’s syndrome, you might see improvement within 6-12 months after successful treatment of the underlying condition. For medication-induced humps, changes often become noticeable about 3-6 months after medication adjustments.

Minimally invasive treatments offer a middle ground. With Morpheus8 RF treatments, you’ll typically see visible improvement after 1-3 sessions spread over 4-12 weeks. Injectable treatments tend to produce gradual results over a 2-3 month period.

Precision Sculpt offers the most immediate results. While there’s some initial swelling, you’ll notice contour improvements right away. Most patients see initial results within 1-2 weeks, with final results developing over 3-6 months as the skin naturally retracts.

Dr. Sarah Yovino often tells patients: “What people love about Precision Sculpt is the immediate contouring. While there is some initial swelling, the change is visible right away and continues to improve as healing progresses.”

Is buffalo hump ever dangerous to my health?

While many people seek treatment for buffalo humps primarily for cosmetic reasons, these fat deposits can sometimes signal or contribute to more serious health concerns.

A buffalo hump can be an important visual clue to underlying conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, which left untreated can lead to serious health complications including high blood pressure, diabetes, and immune system problems. This is why proper diagnosis is so crucial before jumping to treatment.

In some cases, particularly large buffalo humps may compress nerves in the neck and upper back region, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling sensations that extend into the shoulders and arms. This physical discomfort can significantly impact quality of life.

There’s also a connection to sleep issues. The fat redistribution pattern that includes a buffalo hump is sometimes associated with sleep apnea and other breathing difficulties, especially when combined with other fat deposits around the neck.

From a metabolic perspective, a buffalo hump—especially when paired with central obesity—can be a red flag for metabolic syndrome, which increases your risk for heart disease and diabetes.

“We always recommend a thorough medical evaluation for any buffalo hump,” explains Dr. Sarah Yovino. “While many cases are benign, it’s important to rule out underlying conditions that could impact your overall health.”

Beyond the physical impacts, the emotional toll shouldn’t be underestimated. Many patients report feelings of self-consciousness, anxiety, and even social isolation due to their buffalo hump. These psychological effects can have very real impacts on overall wellbeing.

If you notice a buffalo hump developing, especially alongside symptoms like unexplained weight gain, unusual fatigue, muscle weakness, or high blood pressure, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider promptly rather than assuming it’s just a cosmetic concern.

Conclusion

Living with a buffalo hump doesn’t have to be your reality. Whether yours developed due to hormonal issues, medication side effects, or lifestyle factors, effective solutions are available to help you reclaim your confidence and comfort.

At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, we understand both the physical discomfort and emotional impact that a buffalo hump can have on your daily life. Many of our patients tell us they’ve spent years hiding their neck area with scarves, high-necked clothing, or strategic hairstyles before finding us.

Our comprehensive approach begins with identifying the root cause of your buffalo hump, then creating a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Expert diagnosis and medical management
• Lifestyle and postural improvements
• Targeted exercise recommendations
• Advanced Precision Sculpt technology for permanent fat removal

The journey to getting rid of a buffalo hump looks different for each person, but the results can be truly transformative. Our patients consistently report not just physical changes, but remarkable improvements in confidence, body image, and quality of life.

“I can finally wear my hair up without feeling self-conscious,” one patient shared six months after her procedure. “I didn’t realize how much I was limiting myself until that weight – both physical and emotional – was gone.”

Dr. Sarah Yovino’s expertise in buffalo hump removal using the Precision Sculpt technique has helped countless patients achieve natural-looking results with minimal downtime. Rather than simply removing the fat deposit, we focus on creating harmonious contours that complement your natural body shape and restore proper neck-shoulder alignment.

Ready to take the first step toward freedom from your buffalo hump? We invite you to schedule a consultation at Ideal Face & Body, where we’ll help you understand your options and develop a personalized plan for lasting results.

To see examples of successful buffalo hump changes, visit our Buffalo Hump Removal gallery.

You don’t have to live with a buffalo hump – effective solutions are available, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.