Buffalo Hump Liposuction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Boulder, CO

Buffalo hump liposuction is a contouring procedure that can address the area where the upper back meets the base of the neck. This procedure uses special techniques to contour and sculpt the upper back, helping you restore a smoother and more slender silhouette.

Dr. Nathan Roesner of Aura Advanced Skin Care & Plastic Surgery is a fellowship-trained and board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He has more than 20 years of experience performing surgical and non-surgical procedures for patients across Colorado and beyond, helping them each achieve their personal and aesthetic goals.

To learn more about your liposuction options, please schedule a consultation online or call (303) 440-7546.

About Buffalo Hump Liposuction

Buffalo hump liposuction is a procedure that uses a thin, suction cannula (tube) to address stubborn, diet-resistant fat in the upper back, commonly referred to as a ‘buffalo hump.’ This bulge can develop due to weight fluctuations, genetics, posture, and more, and it is often difficult to address through dieting and exercise alone.

Buffalo hump liposuction offers an effective solution to help you target any aesthetic concerns or discomfort found around this area of your back, restoring both your natural contours and your daily comfort.

Benefits

There are numerous benefits to contouring your figure with buffalo hump lipo. Dr. Roesner tailors each procedure to ensure you experience benefits such as:

  • Smoother Back Contours: Contouring your back with buffalo hump liposuction can help you create a more balanced transition between the neck and upper back.
  • Improvements in Posture: Reducing any weight or pressure on your back can help you stand and sit straighter, preserving the alignment of your spine.
  • Enhanced Mobility: Addressing your buffalo hump can enhance the range of motion within your shoulders and neck.
  • Reduced Discomfort: Buffalo hump lipo can reduce any weight or pressure on the back, alleviating any potential back pain or discomfort.
  • Elevated Confidence: Many patients experience improvements in their self-esteem and confidence after their procedure, feeling empowered to wear more open-back styles.
  • Long-Lasting Results: With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits, the results of buffalo hump lipo can last for several years.
  • Tailored Procedures: Dr. Roesner designs each surgical plan around your concerns and anatomy, ensuring the results flatter your natural figure.

Candidates

Suitable candidates for buffalo hump liposuction include anyone interested in addressing the accumulation of fat between their lower neck and upper back that will not respond to lifestyle changes such as dieting or regular exercise. Those experiencing discomfort or mobility issues around their neck and upper back may also benefit from this procedure. Because liposuction is a body-contouring procedure, not a weight-loss treatment, anyone who has recently undergone a weight-loss journey will need to achieve a stable, maintainable weight before undergoing this procedure. (1)

All potential patients should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding their results. Patients should ideally be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine for an extensive period. Dr. Roesner will determine each patient’s candidacy during their personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step in enhancing the contour and sculpt of your back is attending a personal consultation. During this consultation, Dr. Roesner will meet with you individually to determine your candidacy for buffalo hump lipo and create your surgical plan. He will talk with you about your medical history, current prescriptions, concerns, and treatment goals. He will also perform a physical evaluation to assess your upper back and neck.

Dr. Roesner will use this information to choose the most effective surgical techniques for your procedure, and he may recommend additional treatments that could enhance your results. He will also take the time to address any questions or concerns you may have.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation and receive your tailored surgical plan, please contact us online or call (303) 440-7546.

Preparation

Once you schedule your procedure, Dr. Roesner will provide a set of detailed pre-operative instructions to help you prepare.

Dr. Roesner may instruct you to discontinue taking blood-thinning medications and supplements. You will need to fully cease any nicotine and alcohol use in the weeks before and after your procedure. You will also need to prepare to take time away from your responsibilities to focus on resting and arrange transportation home from your procedure, and we advise filling any prescriptions ahead of time.

Procedure

At the beginning of your procedure, Dr. Roesner’s team will cleanse and sterilize your skin, then administer general anesthesia for your comfort. If you are unable to receive general anesthesia, we can administer local anesthesia with or without sedation.

Dr. Roesner will place a small incision near the accumulated fat and inject the area with a tumescent solution. This solution blends epinephrine, lidocaine, and saline to constrict your blood vessels, numb your tissues, and swell the fat cells for easier removal. (1)

Dr. Roesner will then insert a thin cannula into the treatment area. The cannula will emit ultrasonic energy to target the fat, emulsifying it in the process. (2) Gentle suction then pulls the fat out of the body, leaving the area smoother. After removing the fat and sculpting your desired appearance, Dr. Roesner will close each incision with care and precision.

Recovery

Buffalo hump liposuction is an outpatient procedure, which means you will return home to continue resting after treatment.

It is common to experience bruising, swelling, or discomfort around the treated areas. These effects typically subside on their own within several weeks, but you can also manage them with plenty of rest and prescribed medications.

You may return to your career and other light activities after approximately one to two weeks, but you will need to continue avoiding any strenuous or high-impact activities until Dr. Roesner approves. Dr. Roesner will provide additional recovery instructions during your personal consultation.

Results

Once you recover, you will be able to enjoy a smoother transition between the neck and upper back, as well as more defined contours overall. You may also experience a reduction in pressure or pain near the base of your neck, which may lead to overall improvements in your daily comfort and mobility.

The results of buffalo hump lipo may vary, but they are generally permanent. Fat cells cannot return once Dr. Roesner removes them; however, the surrounding fat cells may still swell. This means you will need to maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle to preserve the results of your buffalo hump liposuction long-term.

Cost of Buffalo Hump Liposuction in Boulder, Colorado

Dr. Roesner designs each surgical plan around your specific concerns and anatomy, meaning the cost of your procedure will vary. Our team considers several factors, including the size of the treatment area, the amount of fat being removed, and more. Dr. Roesner will provide a comprehensive cost estimate for your procedure during your personal consultation. We additionally offer financing for those interested.

To learn more about the cost of your personalized procedure, please schedule a consultation online or call (303) 440-7546.

FAQ

What is a buffalo hump?

A buffalo hump is an accumulation of stubborn, diet-resistant fat that can form where the upper back meets the base of your neck. This area can be difficult to tone through dieting and exercising, and it often develops due to obesity, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions. Bad posture can also contribute to the prevalence of a buffalo hump.

Will there be any significant scarring after my buffalo hump lipo?

Dr. Roesner places each incision in a discreet and inconspicuous location to minimize visibility. The incision needed for liposuction is quite small. As you recover, any scars will gradually heal and fade until barely noticeable. Scar treatments may be available to reduce the appearance of scars after you fully heal.

How long will the results of my buffalo hump lipo procedure last?

The results of buffalo hump liposuction can last for several years, especially with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits. The fat removed from the area cannot return, but surrounding fat cells can still swell into the area.

Can I combine my buffalo hump lipo with another cosmetic procedure?

Yes, you can combine your buffalo hump lipo with another procedure for more transformational results. Please schedule a personal consultation for more information on combining your procedures, as well as the other procedures you may be eligible for.

Are there any risks associated with buffalo hump lipo?

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks such as uneven results, poor scarring, infection, bleeding, dissatisfaction with results, and more. This area is also more delicate than others structurally. During your personal consultation, Dr. Roesner will discuss each risk to ensure you understand each aspect of your procedure.

References

  1. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. Nih.gov. Published February 14, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/#article-112503.s4
  2. Ruff PG, Garcia O, Nykiel M, Galanis CJ. Consensus-based Recommendations for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction. Plastic and reconstructive surgery Global open. 2023;11(7):e5110-e5110. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005110