TARD Treatment Strategy for Buffalo Hump Based on Dorsocervical Esthetic Subunits.

Abstract

The buffalo hump, characterized by abnormal fat and fibrous tissue accumulation in the dorsocervical region, presents both esthetic contours and functional challenges. Based on esthetic subunits, we proposed TARD (tumescent anesthesia, sharp cannula release and multi-port liposuction cannula aspiration for debulking) as a minimally invasive technique designed to reshape the dorsocervical contour. Forty-five patients with buffalo hump underwent the TARD from March 2022 to May 2024. Outcomes were assessed independently using a 4-point scale at 8-month follow-up. Treatment achieved favorable outcomes in 91.1% of cases (good: 44.4%; excellent: 46.7%), with mean scores of 2.4 ± 0.7. Transient numbness (26.7%) resolved within 6 months. No infection, hematoma or revision was recorded. TARD is particularly effective for fibrosis-rich dorsocervical humps, offering the advantages including minimal scars and rapid recovery. These findings establish TARD as an innovative and effective treatment method for mild to moderate fibrofatty dorsocervical hump.Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .