A cosmetic surgery clinic has seen a 300 percent increase in patients going under the knife to have a ‘buffalo hump’ removed. The condition sees sufferers develop a fatty deposit behind the neck, on top of the shoulders, and can leave some people feeling self-conscious.
And bosses at cosmetic surgery experts Signature Clinic revealed they have seen a rise in the number of people having liposuction to resolve the problem. Dr. Ahmed Alsayed, Lead Surgeon of Signature Clinic, said: “A buffalo hump is not necessarily a serious condition but many sufferers tell us it affects their self-confidence, which clothes they can wear and how they feel in public.
“It can be caused by factors such as obesity, osteoporosis, poor posture, long-term steroid use or as a side effect of some medications.
“It can also be a result of Cushing’s syndrome, where the body produces too much of the steroid hormone Cortisol.
“Liposuction can be an effective treatment for removing buffalo humps, along with addressing the root cause of the condition.
“We’re definitely seeing a rise in patients going under the knife, with a 300 percent increase in 2022 compared to the year before.
“This could be because more people are becoming aware there are effective treatments available, but it may also be because of lifestyle and diet factors.”
Buffalo humps are relatively uncommon in the UK and anecdotal evidence suggests they are more prevalent in women than with men.
They are not inherently harmful to a patient’s health and removal is often a cosmetic choice. The surgery can take as little as 60 minutes with full recovery usually expected within two to three weeks.
It is done under local anaesthesia, and surgeons use small incisions to remove the excess fat. As well as surgery, patients are also urged to address the root cause of the problem.
There are no guaranteed ways to avoid buffalo humps forming on the body, but steps can be taken to avoid some of the common causes. Maintaining a healthy posture can be effective, while avoiding steroid use is also recommended.
Additionally, consuming the recommended amount of calcium and Vitamin D can help avoid osteoporosis.
