The indentation that forms inward in the area between the hip and the thigh is commonly referred to as “hip dips.” While this is a completely normal anatomical variation from a medical standpoint, determined by skeletal structure and fat distribution, many people feel aesthetically uncomfortable with this indentation and wish to achieve a smoother hip contour. Hip dips surgery encompasses the surgical and semi-surgical methods that address this concern.
What Are Hip Dips?
Also known as hip indentations, this condition refers to the depressions that form in the area between the hip bone (iliac crest) and the thigh bone (greater trochanter), depending on the natural distribution of fat and muscle tissue. Low fat storage in this area or a prominent bone structure causes the indentation to become more visible. This aesthetic procedure aims to fill precisely this area, smoothing the line that extends from the hip to the thigh.
Methods Used in Hip Dips Surgery
The most commonly used method to correct hip indentations is fat transfer (lipofilling). In this method, fat removed via liposuction from another area of the body (usually the abdomen, waist, or back) is purified and injected into the target area. This way, both the donor area becomes slimmer and the hip line gains fullness. Alternatively, in some cases, dermal fillers or implant options may also be considered; however, fat transfer is the most preferred method in terms of natural appearance and compatibility.
Hip Dips Correction with Fat Transfer
Fat transfer is the approach that yields the most natural results for hip dip correction. The procedure can be performed under general or local anesthesia; the duration varies between 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the amount of fat to be harvested and transferred. A portion of the transferred fat is absorbed by the body; therefore, the surgeon typically injects slightly more fat to account for this absorption. The majority of results are permanent; however, the final contour usually becomes clear within 3 to 6 months. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ulaş Bali aims to achieve balanced results that avoid exaggeration while preserving natural proportions in fat transfer procedures.
Recovery Process and Expectations
Mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the first week after the procedure are normal. Most patients can return to their daily activities within a few days; however, heavy exercise and applying direct pressure should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks. The use of compression garments in the treated area is recommended. To increase the survival rate of the transferred fat, it is important to avoid excessive pressure on the treated area during the first few weeks.
Can Hip Dips Be Corrected with Exercise?
Exercise can improve the overall appearance of the hip area by strengthening the gluteal muscles; however, it cannot completely eliminate the indentation caused by bone structure. Therefore, exercise alone may not be sufficient. Hip dips surgery addresses the structural indentations that exercise cannot correct, creating a smoother hip line.
The Difference Between BBL and Hip Dips Surgery
BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) aims to increase the overall volume and shape of the buttocks, while this procedure specifically focuses on the indentation at the hip-thigh transition. In some cases, both procedures are performed together, both increasing buttock volume and correcting the hip line. Which one is appropriate is determined during the examination based on the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Who Is a Candidate?
Hip dips surgery is suitable for individuals who are aesthetically uncomfortable with the indentation in the hip-thigh area, are in good general health, have realistic expectations, and are close to their ideal body weight. If fat transfer is to be performed, there must be sufficient fat tissue in the donor area. During the examination, body structure, skin quality, and expectations are evaluated together to determine the most appropriate method.
Choosing the Right Surgeon and Managing Expectations
In this procedure, the naturalness and symmetry of results are directly related to the surgeon’s experience and aesthetic understanding. In fat transfer, correctly determining the amount to be transferred and the placement points is crucial in achieving a result that avoids exaggeration and is compatible with body proportions. Openly discussing expectations during the pre-operative examination forms the foundation of a successful process for both patient and surgeon. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ulaş Bali aims to achieve results that preserve natural proportions by creating a personalized plan according to each patient’s anatomy and goals. Realistic expectations are the most important component of surgical satisfaction.
Hip Dips Surgery Prices
Hip dip aesthetics prices vary according to the method to be applied (fat transfer, filler, or implant), the scope of the procedure, the number of donor areas, the surgeon’s experience, and clinic conditions. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to set a fixed price; the exact cost becomes clear after a detailed examination and personalized treatment plan. All options and expected outcomes are shared transparently during the consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hip dips surgery results permanent?
The majority of results obtained with fat transfer are permanent; however, a portion of the transferred fat is absorbed in the first months. The final contour usually becomes clear within 3-6 months.
Is the procedure painful?
Mild to moderate pain and tenderness are normal and managed with medication. Most patients return to daily activities within a few days.
Can hip dip correction and BBL be done at the same time?
Yes, in many cases, both procedures are performed together, both increasing buttock volume and correcting hip dips.
Can exercise completely correct hip dips?
Muscle development can improve the appearance of the area, but it cannot completely eliminate the indentation caused by bone structure.
How long is the recovery process?
Daily activities can be resumed within a few days; heavy exercise is started after 3-4 weeks. Compression garment use is recommended.