Hip dips, also known as trochanteric depressions or “violin hips,” are the inward curves found along the side of the body just below the hip bone. These indentations result from the underlying bone structure of the pelvis and the distribution of fat and muscle around the upper thigh and hip area. Individuals seeking a smoother, more rounded silhouette often explore surgical options to minimize their appearance. The primary surgical method for addressing this contour is the transfer of the patient’s own fat, which fills the depression and creates a more continuous curve.
The Primary Correction Method: Autologous Fat Transfer
The most common surgical solution for correcting trochanteric depressions is autologous fat transfer, also called fat grafting. This procedure moves the patient’s own fat from an area of excess to the hip area where volume is desired. Using the patient’s own tissue reduces the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. This technique offers the dual benefit of contouring a donor site, often the abdomen or flanks, while smoothing the hip line.
The process begins with the harvesting of fat cells through liposuction. A surgeon uses a thin tube, or cannula, to suction fat from the designated donor area. Next, the harvested material undergoes purification, typically by centrifugation, which separates and removes damaged cells, excess fluid, and oil. This step ensures that only the most viable fat cells are prepared for transfer to maximize their survival rate.
Finally, the purified fat is injected into the hip dips using small cannulas to restore volume and create a smoother transition from the hip to the thigh. The surgeon injects the fat in tiny droplets across multiple layers to establish a healthy blood supply for the newly placed cells. A portion of the transferred fat is expected not to survive, with graft survival rates typically ranging from 30% to 70%. Surgeons often overfill the area initially to compensate for this anticipated volume reduction, and patients may require a touch-up procedure.
Synthetic Materials and Implants
For patients who lack sufficient donor fat or seek a non-fat-based solution, alternative methods involving synthetic materials are available for hip contouring. These options are reserved for individuals with a low body mass index or those desiring a dramatic and immediate volume increase.
Solid silicone implants can be custom-molded to fit the specific hip area. These devices are surgically placed through small incisions, typically along the underwear line, to provide a fixed and substantial augmentation. While they offer a permanent form, the procedure is more invasive and carries risks, including the potential for implant shifting, palpability, or the development of a fibrous capsule.
Injectable materials, often large-volume cosmetic fillers, provide a less invasive, temporary alternative to fat grafting or implants. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is frequently used for body contouring because it stimulates the body’s own collagen production over time. These fillers are injected directly into the depression but require significant volume, often six to ten vials per session, and multiple treatment sessions. Results are not immediate, gradually appearing over several months, and they are less permanent than fat transfer, lasting approximately two years before requiring maintenance injections.
Patient Selection and Pre-Procedure Factors
Determining candidacy for hip dip correction surgery involves assessing an individual’s overall health and anatomical characteristics. Patients must be in good general health, free from underlying medical conditions, and non-smokers, as nicotine compromises the survival of transferred fat cells. A stable body weight is recommended, ideally within 30% of the patient’s goal weight, because significant weight fluctuations can alter the final contour.
For autologous fat transfer, adequate fat stores in donor areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs are a prerequisite. The surgeon must harvest enough viable fat to compensate for the expected reabsorption and achieve a smooth result. During consultation, the surgeon assesses the patient’s expectations, ensuring they understand that the underlying bone structure determines the maximum achievable change. The goal is typically to minimize the depression, not to completely erase a natural skeletal feature.
Prior to the procedure, patients receive specific pre-operative instructions, including the cessation of certain medications and supplements that increase bleeding risk. Required testing, such as blood work, may be necessary to confirm the patient is medically cleared for surgery. This careful planning ensures a safe procedure and optimizes conditions for the best possible outcome.
Post-Procedure Recovery and Longevity
The recovery process varies depending on the method used, but both fat transfer and implant procedures require specific post-operative care. Following fat transfer, patients experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort at both the donor and injection sites, typically lasting two weeks or more. A compression garment is worn over the donor area to manage swelling and support the newly sculpted contours.
A key component of fat transfer aftercare is restricting direct pressure on the treated hip areas for several weeks. Patients must avoid sleeping on the side and minimize time spent sitting directly on the hips to protect the fragile, newly transferred fat grafts. Patients can typically return to light daily activities within a week, but strenuous exercise is prohibited for four to six weeks. The final contour is not visible immediately, as it takes three to six months for swelling to fully subside and for the surviving fat cells to integrate into the surrounding tissue.
The longevity of results is tied to maintaining a stable weight after either procedure. The fat cells that survive the initial transfer are considered permanent and will fluctuate in size with the patient’s overall weight. For implant patients, recovery involves managing discomfort and swelling, with a return to normal activities generally taking six to eight weeks. Both surgical options provide a long-term change to the body contour, but the continued aesthetic success relies heavily on adherence to post-operative instructions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.