Neck hump removal surgery: Transformative 2025

Understanding Your Path to a Smoother Neckline

Neck hump removal surgery is a proven way to eliminate the stubborn fat deposit that creates a visible bulge at the base of your neck. This procedure offers lasting results, significantly improving your appearance and quality of life.

Quick Facts About Neck Hump Removal Surgery:

• Primary Method: Liposuction (most common), with power-assisted techniques for fibrous tissue
• Anesthesia Options: Local anesthesia (awake) or general anesthesia
• Recovery Time: Most patients return to work within 1-2 weeks
• Results Timeline: Immediate improvement with final results visible by one year
• Longevity: Permanent removal of fat cells when underlying causes are managed
• Alternative: Direct excision for very large humps or excess skin

A prominent hump at the base of your neck—medically known as a dorsocervical fat pad or commonly called a “buffalo hump”—can be more than just a cosmetic concern. It often causes self-consciousness and can even restrict neck movement.

The good news is that surgical removal offers a definitive solution. Unlike temporary non-surgical treatments, neck hump removal surgery permanently eliminates the excess fat cells that create the bulge, restoring a smooth, natural contour to your upper back and neck.

At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, CA, Dr. Justin Yovino and I, Dr. Sarah Yovino, are double board-certified specialists who help patients achieve transformative results with advanced neck hump removal surgery techniques, including our innovative Precision Sculpt awake liposuction.

Understanding the Neck Hump: Causes and Characteristics

What exactly is a buffalo hump, and what causes it? A buffalo hump, or dorsocervical fat pad, is a localized buildup of fat at the base of the neck, creating a noticeable hump. This fat is often fibrous and dense, making it resistant to diet and exercise and requiring specialized removal techniques.

Several factors can contribute to the development of a buffalo hump:

• Medical Conditions: Conditions like Cushing syndrome, which involves high cortisol levels, can lead to fat accumulation in this area.
• Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids or certain antiretroviral therapies (ART) for HIV are known to cause fat redistribution.
• Genetics and Weight: A genetic predisposition can make you more likely to develop a buffalo hump. While obesity can be a factor, weight loss alone may not eliminate the hump, especially if other causes are present.
• Rare Conditions: Less common causes include familial partial lipodystrophy and Madelung’s disease.

It’s crucial to distinguish a fatty buffalo hump from a dowager’s hump (kyphosis), which is a curvature of the spine. While they can appear similar, their causes and treatments are entirely different. Kyphosis is a skeletal issue, often related to osteoporosis or degenerative changes.

Understanding the root cause is the first step in deciding on the right treatment. For more information on what can be done about your buffalo hump, we invite you to explore our dedicated resource: what can be done about my buffalo hump.

Are You a Candidate for Neck Hump Removal Surgery?

Determining if neck hump removal surgery is right for you starts with a personal consultation with Dr. Sarah Yovino or Dr. Justin Yovino at Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, CA.

Generally, an ideal candidate for buffalo hump removal surgery is someone who:

• Is in Good General Health: You should be free from any medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks.
• Maintains a Stable Weight: If obesity is a contributing factor, we typically recommend being within 30 percent of your optimal body weight for the best results, as per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) guidelines for liposuction candidates.
• Is a Non-Smoker: Smoking can significantly hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
• Has Realistic Expectations: While the surgery can dramatically improve your contour, it’s important to understand what can be achieved and the recovery process involved.
• Experiences Emotional Distress: The hump can be a significant source of self-consciousness, affecting body image and confidence.
• Suffers Physical Discomfort: In some cases, a severe buffalo hump can lead to neck pain, nerve compression (causing numbness and pain), poor posture, or even sleep disturbances. It can also restrict neck motion.

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial for your safety and results. Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino are committed to prioritizing your well-being throughout your surgical journey.

We encourage you to consider if this surgery is right for you by visiting our detailed guide: surgery for a buffalo hump is it right for me.

Surgical Options for a Smoother Neckline

Surgical removal is the most effective and lasting solution for a buffalo hump. The two primary approaches are liposuction and direct excision, and the best method depends on the size and nature of your hump.

Here’s a quick comparison of the primary surgical options:

When considering neck hump removal surgery, we’ll also discuss anesthesia options to ensure your comfort and safety. These can include:

• Local Anesthesia: The targeted area is completely numbed, allowing you to remain awake and comfortable during the procedure. This is often preferred for less extensive cases or with our Precision Sculpt technique.
• Mild Sedation (“Twilight” Anesthesia): You’ll be relaxed and drowsy, but still able to respond. This is a good option for those who prefer not to be fully awake but wish to avoid general anesthesia.
• General Anesthesia: You’ll be completely asleep during the surgery. This is typically reserved for more extensive procedures or when combined with other surgeries.

As you can see, there are various ways a buffalo hump can be surgically removed. For a more detailed understanding, we invite you to read our page on can a buffalo hump be surgically removed.

Liposuction: The Gold Standard for Neck Hump Removal

Liposuction is the most common and effective method for removing a buffalo hump, especially because the fat in this area is often dense and fibrous. We use advanced techniques to ensure optimal results:

• Tumescent Technique: A solution of saline, local anesthetic, and epinephrine is injected to numb the area, minimize bleeding, and make fat removal easier.
• Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL): This technique uses a vibrating cannula to break up tough, fibrous fat, allowing for more efficient and gentle removal. Other methods like ultrasonic or laser-assisted liposuction can also be used to liquefy the fat.

Liposuction for neck hump removal surgery achieves significant contour improvement through minimal, strategically placed incisions (typically 3-5mm). This results in less noticeable scarring than direct excision, making it an excellent choice for a smoother neckline.

If you’re curious about which approach might be best for you, our article on buffalo hump removal what is the best approach offers further insights.

Understanding Awake Neck Hump Removal Surgery with Precision Sculpt

At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, CA, we specialize in an innovative approach called Precision Sculpt, which is neck hump removal surgery performed under local anesthesia while you are awake. This method offers several key benefits:

• Improved Safety: Avoids the risks associated with general anesthesia.
• Faster Recovery: With less medication, patients typically recover more quickly and can return to their daily routines sooner.
• Greater Precision: Your ability to cooperate with positioning allows Drs. Sarah and Justin Yovino to achieve superior, finely-tuned results.

Our Precision Sculpt technique is specifically designed to effectively remove the fibrous fat of a buffalo hump, ensuring a smooth, natural-looking contour with maximum comfort and safety.

Direct Excision: When Is It Necessary?

While liposuction is our preferred method for most neck hump removal surgery cases, direct surgical excision is sometimes the more appropriate approach. This method involves making an incision to directly remove the fatty tissue and any excess skin.

Direct excision is typically considered for:

• Very Large or Dense Humps: When the fat deposit is exceptionally fibrous and extensive, liposuction alone may not be sufficient.
• Significant Loose Skin: If the hump is accompanied by loose, inelastic skin, direct excision allows for the removal of both the fat and the excess skin.

The primary consideration with direct excision is the resulting scar. While it is more prominent than with liposuction, Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino are skilled in placing incisions strategically to minimize their visibility. We will discuss all options and potential scarring with you during your consultation.

The Recovery Process and Long-Term Results

Understanding the recovery process and the longevity of your results is key when considering neck hump removal surgery. We want to ensure you’re fully prepared for what to expect on your journey to a smoother neckline.

What is the recovery process like after buffalo hump removal surgery?

Recovery from buffalo hump removal is generally straightforward. Here’s what to expect:

• Post-Operative Care: You will wear a compression garment for about 6 weeks to reduce swelling and support the new contour.
• Swelling and Bruising: These are normal and will subside over several weeks. Keeping your head liftd can help.
• Pain Management: Discomfort is usually mild and easily managed with medication.
• Returning to Activities: Most patients can return to office-based work within a few days. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.
• Showering: You can typically shower the day after surgery. A temporary drain may be placed for larger procedures.

How long do the results of buffalo hump removal last?

The results of neck hump removal surgery are permanent, as the removed fat cells do not grow back. You’ll see an immediate improvement, though final results will emerge as swelling subsides over several months, with the full effect visible after about a year.

To maintain your new contour, it’s important to manage any underlying medical causes and maintain a stable weight. This will help prevent new fat accumulation in surrounding areas.

For everything you need to know about buffalo hump surgery, you can visit: buffalo hump surgery everything need know. We also encourage you to see the transformative results our patients have achieved by visiting our gallery: View our gallery of results.

Important Considerations for Your Procedure

Before starting on your neck hump removal surgery journey, it’s natural to have questions about practical aspects like cost and insurance. We believe in transparency and want to help you understand these important considerations.

What factors influence the cost of buffalo hump removal surgery?

The overall cost of buffalo hump removal surgery can vary based on several factors, including:

• Surgeon’s Experience and Expertise: The skill of your surgeon is a primary factor in the cost.
• Anesthesia Type: Local anesthesia is often more cost-effective than general anesthesia.
• Geographic Location: Surgical costs can differ based on the region and facility.
• Extent of the Procedure: The amount of fat removed and whether direct excision is needed will influence the complexity and price.
• Combining Procedures: Opting to combine procedures can sometimes offer cost efficiencies.

Can insurance cover the cost of buffalo hump removal?

Insurance companies usually consider buffalo hump removal a cosmetic surgery and will not pay for it. In rare cases where the hump causes documented medical issues like nerve compression or severe pain, there might be a possibility of coverage. We recommend checking with your insurance provider directly. For more information on this topic, you can read our detailed page: buffalo hump removal covered by insurance.

Potential Risks of Neck Hump Removal Surgery

While neck hump removal surgery is generally safe when performed by experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino, it’s important to be aware of potential risks. We prioritize patient safety and will discuss all risks with you during your consultation.

General surgical risks can include:

• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Scarring
• Asymmetry
• Nerve injury (temporary or, rarely, permanent)
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia

It’s important to reiterate that the spinal cord is deep and protected by bone, so it is not at risk during this procedure. The expertise of your surgeon is paramount in minimizing these risks. For more insights into safety, you can explore our page: is liposuction of the buffalo hump dangerous.

Neck Hump Removal vs. Neck Lift: What’s the Difference?

It’s common to confuse neck hump removal surgery with a neck lift, but they target different areas and address distinct concerns.

• Neck Hump Removal: This procedure focuses on the back of the neck to remove the localized fat deposit known as a buffalo hump. The goal is to create a smoother contour between the shoulders and the neck using liposuction or excision.

• Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty): This procedure addresses the front of the neck and jawline. It is designed to correct signs of aging like sagging skin (“turkey neck”), jowls, and muscle banding.

If your primary concern is the bulge at the back of your neck, neck hump removal surgery is the procedure you’re looking for. If you’re bothered by sagging skin, jowls, or vertical bands in the front of your neck, a neck lift would be more appropriate. To learn more about neck lift procedures and what they entail, you can visit: Learn more about Neck Lift procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions about Neck Hump Surgery

Here, we address some of the most common questions our patients have about neck hump removal surgery.

Can a neck hump come back after surgery?

The fat cells removed during surgery are gone permanently and will not grow back. However, significant weight gain can cause remaining fat cells in the area to enlarge. To ensure your results are long-lasting, it’s important to maintain a stable weight and manage any underlying medical conditions that may have contributed to the hump.

Is the procedure painful?

With our Precision Sculpt technique, the area is numbed with local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure—only pressure or movement. Post-surgery soreness is normal and comparable to muscle ache after a workout. This discomfort is easily managed with pain medication, and we will provide a plan to keep you comfortable.

How soon will I see results?

You will see a noticeable improvement immediately after surgery. However, swelling will temporarily obscure the final outcome. As the swelling subsides over several months, your new, smoother contour will be revealed. The final, refined result is typically visible after one year.

Conclusion

Reclaiming your confidence and improving your profile is possible with neck hump removal surgery. This procedure not only improves your physical appearance by creating a smoother, more neat neckline but also provides significant emotional and psychological benefits. Imagine no longer feeling self-conscious about that stubborn bulge, being able to wear any hairstyle or clothing you desire, and experiencing a boost in your overall self-esteem.

The journey to a smoother, more confident you begins with understanding your options and choosing the right experts. By choosing a skilled, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Sarah Yovino or Dr. Justin Yovino at Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, CA, you can safely and effectively say goodbye to the burden of a neck hump and accept the change you’ve been dreaming of.

Ready to explore your options? See real patient results and learn more about Buffalo Hump Removal: Ready to explore your options? See real patient results and learn more about Buffalo Hump Removal.