Hip Dips Surgery: What to Know

Hip dips surgery is a cosmetic operation that either injects or removes fat around the hip and upper thigh region.

The objective of this procedure is to eliminate indentations along the side of the hips and create a smooth, continuous curve from the hip into the thigh.

This piece outlines the stages of hip dips surgery, potential risks and complications, and everything else you should know if you’re curious about pursuing the treatment.

What are hip dips?

In many depictions of the ideal body, particularly female figures, we’re accustomed to a sleek, semicircular silhouette that bulges at the hip and tapers back at the thigh.

Although that contour is often presented as a “normal” or preferred look, numerous people’s bodies differ from that ideal.

“Hip dips,” sometimes called “violin hips,” describe natural indentations along the curve from the hip to the thigh. These hollows can occur when the skin at the sides of the hips is more closely adhered to the trochanter, a deeper portion of the femur.

The way fat is distributed across your body can make these indentations more or less prominent.

There’s nothing medically abnormal about hip dips. They do not pose a health risk. Yet for some individuals, hip dips can cause self-consciousness.

What is hip dips surgery?

Hip dips surgery is a form of fat redistribution (also called liposculpture). Fat is suctioned from one area of the body and then grafted into the trochanter area.

The purpose of the fat transfer is to smooth the hip’s contour.

Alternatively, fat may be removed from the dip region to sculpt a different silhouette. Synthetic fillers or solid silicone implants can also be used instead of fat grafts.

What’s the procedure like?

Hip dips surgery is generally done as an outpatient operation. Based on your surgeon’s guidance, you’ll typically receive general anesthesia.

Surgical steps

1. First, fat is harvested from your body via liposuction. Common donor sites include the buttocks, abdomen, or inner thighs. Small incisions are made to extract the fat; these cuts are then closed with sutures and dressed.
2. The removed fat is processed for reinjection. A centrifuge or similar device is used to separate blood and other fluids from the fat.
3. The purified fat is injected into the hip region. In most cases, sutures are not needed at the injection sites.

Aftercare and recovery

Even if you’re discharged the same day, you’ll need someone to drive you home after a fat grafting procedure.

You can expect some soreness at the incision and injection sites for a couple of weeks. Bruising and discomfort may persist for two weeks or longer.

The final outcome of hip dips surgery may not be immediately apparent. It can take up to six months for the fat graft to settle and for the full results to emerge.

Who’s a good candidate?

Non-smokers who are within about 30 percent of their ideal body weight, have good skin elasticity, and no bleeding disorder may be appropriate candidates for liposuction-based procedures such as hip dips surgery.

If you’ve recently lost a large amount of weight (roughly 25 pounds or more), have an autoimmune or bleeding condition, or are taking anticoagulant medications, your surgeon may recommend against undergoing hip dips surgery.

Individuals diagnosed with eating disorders or body dysmorphic conditions should approach this procedure with great caution.

It’s essential to recognize that surgical outcomes can be somewhat unpredictable; no result can be guaranteed.

Also note that a portion of the fat placed in your hips during a fat graft may be resorbed by your body within the first year after surgery. Because of this, additional grafting sessions might be necessary.

Is it safe?

Fat grafting and liposuction are relatively low-risk and straightforward procedures. Still, as with any surgery, complications can occur — some potentially serious.

Common side effects following hip dips surgery include:

• bruising and discomfort at incision or injection sites
• fat migration or dimpling where fat was injected
• swelling and bleeding at the areas of fat removal or placement
• scarring

Rarely, the surgery can lead to fever and drainage from the surgical site, which may indicate an infection.

Minimizing risk

To reduce your chance of complications from hip dips surgery, follow all instructions from your care team carefully. Additional recommendations include:

• Keep any incision sites clean and dry.
• Avoid soaking in baths, pools, or hot tubs until your doctor clears you.
• Don’t return to strenuous exercise until your surgeon approves.
• Choose a licensed, experienced provider to perform the procedure — this significantly lowers the risk of infection and other complications.

How much does it cost?

Hip dips surgery is a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by most insurance plans.

You will be responsible for the full cost of the operation, including anesthesia and facility fees, paid out of pocket. Also factor in any lost wages due to recovery time when estimating the total expense.

Prices vary by location and surgeon experience. According to patient-reported costs on RealSelf for hip augmentation, fees can range from $8,000 to $11,000.

How to find a board-certified surgeon

If you’re thinking about hip dips surgery, it’s crucial to select a board-certified and licensed professional to perform it.

The procedure can be simple and low risk when done by a knowledgeable, qualified practitioner.

Begin your search with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons finder tool to locate cosmetic surgeons near you. Then arrange consultations with potential surgeons.

Bring questions about fees, recovery timeline, and expected outcomes. Ask how many hip dips procedures the surgeon has performed and to see before-and-after photos.

Disclose any previous cosmetic surgeries as well as medical history, medications, and supplements you’re taking.

A responsible cosmetic surgeon will give you realistic expectations about hip dips surgery and emphasize that a perfect hourglass figure cannot be guaranteed.

They may also suggest trying targeted exercise and dietary changes before recommending surgery.

Hip dips exercises

You might be able to alter your hip curvature through workouts that strengthen and shape the muscles surrounding your hip dips. Exercise is a safer, less expensive alternative to surgery.

Moves such as side hip openers, lunges, squats, and side squats can tone and develop the muscles connected to your thighs.

A diet rich in leafy vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can also support the hips and thighs in adopting a fuller shape.

Key takeaways

There is nothing inherently wrong with having hip dips. Some people simply prefer a more contoured silhouette for aesthetic reasons.

Both diet and exercise can reduce the appearance of hip dips, and surgery is another option.

If you opt for the procedure, the most important step is selecting a trained, licensed, and experienced provider who will give honest guidance about realistic outcomes, costs, and risks.