Core Utility
Aesthetic smoothing of the trochanteric depression.
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Accessing procedural parameters.
Accessing procedural parameters.
Surgical contouring to minimize hip dips via fat transfer or implants.
Not every patient is structurally suited for Hip Dip Repair Surgery. Enter your clinical markers to calculate your alignment score and unlock highly compatible, board-certified surgeons in your area.
Wear compression 24/7 for 6 weeks. Avoid direct pressure on hips.
Swelling and bruising; sitting may be uncomfortable initially.
Ensure the surgeon does not overfill to avoid an unnatural shelf appearance.
Comprehensive medical and procedure overview.
Hip dip repair surgery, clinically referred to as trochanteric depression correction or lateral hip contouring, is a cosmetic procedure designed to smooth the indentation located between the iliac crest (hip bone) and the greater trochanter (the top of the thigh bone). This depression, commonly known as a "hip dip" or "violin hips," is primarily a result of the skeletal anatomy—specifically the distance between the pelvis and the femur—and the attachment points of the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) and gluteus medius muscles. Because the skin is tightly tethered to the underlying bone and fascia in this area, a concavity is naturally formed.
While hip dips are a normal anatomical variation and not a medical defect, aesthetic medicine has developed surgical interventions to minimize their appearance for individuals seeking a curvier, more continuous silhouette. The surgery does not actually alter the bone structure; rather, it alters the soft tissue distribution. By adding volume immediately adjacent to the depression or reducing volume above and below it, surgeons can create a visual straightening or convexity of the hip line. It is crucial to understand that this procedure is aesthetic in nature and is performed to enhance body contour rather than correct a physical impairment.
Not every individual is a suitable candidate for hip dip surgery. The ideal candidate possesses specific physical characteristics and psychological expectations to ensure a safe procedure and a satisfactory outcome. Because the most common technique involves fat transfer, the patient's body composition is a primary determining factor.
There are two primary surgical approaches to correcting hip dips, with fat transfer being the gold standard. In some cases, a combination of techniques is utilized to achieve the optimal aesthetic result.
This is the most widely used and preferred method for hip dip correction. It is a two-step process that involves liposuction and fat grafting. First, the surgeon harvests fat from areas of the body with excess deposits, such as the abdomen, waist, or back. This fat is then processed and purified to separate healthy fat cells from fluid and debris. Once purified, the fat is carefully reinjected into the specific depressions of the hips. The surgeon uses a series of small injections at various depths and angles to create a smooth, natural transition between the pelvis and the thigh. This method is favored because it uses the patient's own tissue, reducing the risk of allergic reaction or rejection, and it simultaneously contours the donor area.
For patients who do not desire added volume or who lack sufficient donor fat, liposculpture may be employed. This technique focuses on removing fat from the areas immediately above and below the hip dip. By reducing the convexity of the buttock and the upper thigh, the relative depth of the depression is minimized, creating a straighter line from the waist to the leg. This is often an adjunct procedure used alongside fat transfer to further define the silhouette.
While less common than fat transfer, silicone implants can be used to correct hip dips. This involves the surgical insertion of custom-shaped silicone prosthetics over the trochanter area. This method is generally reserved for patients who have very little body fat and are not candidates for fat grafting. The recovery is typically longer, and the risks of complications such as implant shifting or capsular contracture are higher compared to autologous fat transfer.
Recovery from hip dip surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure, particularly if liposuction was performed on multiple areas. Patients should plan for a gradual return to normal activities.
As with any surgical procedure, hip dip repair carries inherent risks. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon mitigates these risks, but patients must be fully informed of potential complications.
The cost of hip dip repair surgery varies widely based on geographic location, the surgeon's expertise, facility fees, and the complexity of the case. Because this is generally considered an elective cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by medical insurance.