FeminizationSurgeries.com
If you’ve scrolled social lately, you’ve probably seen celebrities like Lizzo and Ashley Graham celebrating their natural curves—hip dips included. Hip dips, sometimes called “violin hips,” are an anatomical contour where the upper thigh meets the hip. They’re common, normal, and not a flaw. Still, body neutrality means two things can be true at once: you can appreciate hip dips on others and decide you’d feel more confident softening your own. If you’re curious about a surgical option—often called hip dips surgery or fat-transfer hip dip correction—this guide explains what it is, who it’s for, the risks, recovery, and what to expect at Allure Esthetic.
What are hip dips, really?
Hip dips are the inward curve above the outer thighs caused by the shape of your pelvis and the way your skin, fat, and muscle drape over the greater trochanter of the femur. Genetics largely dictate whether you have a more rounded or indented silhouette. Even elite athletes and supermodels have hip dips because bone structure matters more than body fat percentage. Strength training can build surrounding muscles and improve overall shape, but it won’t change pelvic width or eliminate the indentation completely. That’s why some people explore contouring procedures that add volume to the hollow itself.
Body positivity and body autonomy can coexist
Lizzo and Ashley Graham have helped millions see that every body has texture, lines, and unique curves—and that’s beautiful. Choosing a cosmetic procedure doesn’t reject that message; it’s an exercise of autonomy. The goal isn’t to chase someone else’s proportions. It’s to refine your silhouette so you feel more like you in jeans, dresses, or swimwear. If a small, targeted change would boost your confidence, it’s valid to research your options thoughtfully.
What is hip dips surgery?
When people say “hip dips surgery,” they usually mean fat-transfer hip dip correction. It’s a body-contouring procedure that harvests your own fat via liposuction from areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. The fat is then purified and strategically injected into the hip dip area to smooth the indentation and create a softer hourglass line.
How it differs from a Brazilian butt lift (BBL):
- Focus area: Hip dips surgery targets the trochanteric hollow; a BBL primarily augments the buttocks and may or may not address hip dips.
- Volume: Hip dip correction uses smaller, more precise volumes than a classic buttock augmentation.
- Aesthetic goal: The aim is a seamless transition from waist to outer thigh, not necessarily larger projection behind you.
Benefits and limitations
Potential benefits:
- Smoother outer-hip contour with a more continuous curve
- Subtle, natural-looking change using your own tissue
- Fat removed from a donor area can improve overall proportions
Important limitations:
- Results are limited by available donor fat and your anatomy
- Some grafted fat does not survive; touch-up sessions may be considered
- Symmetry can improve, but perfect mirror-image hips are unrealistic
- Significant weight changes after surgery can alter your result
Who is a good candidate?
You may be a candidate for hip dips surgery if:
- You have a defined indentation at the outer hips and desire more fullness there
- You have enough pinchable fat in at least one donor area for transfer
- Your weight is stable and you’re within a healthy range for surgery
- You do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after the procedure
- You understand the risks and have realistic expectations about subtle, proportionate improvements
Who might not be a candidate:
- Very lean individuals with minimal donor fat (dermal fillers like Sculptra may be discussed as a non-surgical, off-label alternative, though they require maintenance)
- Patients with uncontrolled medical conditions, bleeding disorders, or active infections
- Anyone seeking an “instant hourglass” or social-media-style filters in real life; surgical artistry works with your anatomy, not against it
Safety, risks, and how Allure Esthetic minimizes them
Every surgical procedure carries risks. With hip dips surgery, considerations include:
- Liposuction-related: bruising, swelling, contour irregularities, fluid collections (seromas)
- Fat transfer-related: partial fat resorption, firmness or small oil cysts, asymmetry, rare infection
- Anesthesia-related: reactions vary by patient and are carefully managed
- Scars: tiny incisions for liposuction and fat transfer are typically a few millimeters and fade over time
Safety is our highest priority. Your Allure Esthetic team will review your medical history, perform a focused physical exam, and design a surgical plan tailored to your proportions. Techniques such as using small cannulas, micro-droplet fat placement, and avoiding high-risk planes help promote even distribution and long-term softness. You’ll receive detailed pre-op and post-op instructions to support smooth healing.
What the procedure day looks like
- Consultation and planning: We discuss your goals, map the areas to refine, and decide where to harvest fat. You’ll see how hip dip augmentation can complement your waist and thighs for a harmonious look.
- Anesthesia: Depending on the surgical plan, you may have local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
- Fat harvest: Tumescent liposuction gently removes fat from donor zones. The fat is then filtered and prepared.
- Precision grafting: Your surgeon places fat in thin layers into the indentation, sculpting a smooth outer-hip curve while checking symmetry from multiple angles.
- Duration: Many standalone cases take 1–2 hours; combined procedures may take longer.
- Going home: Most patients return home the same day with a compression garment and simple aftercare instructions.
Recovery timeline and aftercare
Week 1:
- Expect swelling, bruising, and tightness at both donor and transfer sites
- Wear your compression garment as directed to help control swelling and support contours
- Short, frequent walks help circulation; avoid pressure directly on the grafted areas
- Pain is typically manageable with prescribed medications and then over-the-counter options
Weeks 2–4:
- Many patients return to desk work after 5–7 days, depending on comfort
- Swelling gradually improves; small lumps often soften as healing continues
- Light activity is fine; avoid strenuous exercise and any movements that stress the outer hips
Weeks 4–6:
- Gentle lower-body exercise can usually resume with clearance
- You’ll see a clearer preview of your final shape as residual swelling resolves
- Continued garment use may be advised based on your progress
Months 3–6:
- By this window, most swelling has resolved and your contours look and feel more natural
- Final results continue to refine as transferred fat fully stabilizes
How long do results last?
Transferred fat that survives behaves like fat anywhere else on your body. With a stable weight, results can be long-lasting. Significant weight loss may decrease hip fullness, while weight gain could add volume in the transfer area. Aging and hormones also influence fat distribution over time, so maintain healthy habits to protect your outcome.
Costs and financing
Pricing for hip dips surgery varies widely based on the amount of liposuction needed, whether you combine it with other contouring (such as lipo 360), anesthesia fees, facility fees, and your geographic location. Many patients see quotes ranging from the mid-thousands to low five figures when combined with additional areas. At your consultation, Allure Esthetic will provide a personalized quote and discuss financing options if needed. Beware of prices that seem too good to be true—experience, safety, and accredited facilities matter.
Hip dips surgery vs. non-surgical options
- Fat transfer: Uses your own tissue for a soft, natural feel; typically one recovery period; potential touch-ups
- Biostimulatory fillers (e.g., Sculptra, off-label): Gradual collagen stimulation; subtle change; requires multiple sessions and maintenance
- Hyaluronic acid fillers (off-label): Immediate but temporary volume; cost can add up for larger areas; variable softness
- Fitness and nutrition: Excellent for posture, strength, and overall shape, but cannot change bony anatomy or fully “fill” the indentation
Frequently asked questions
Is hip dips surgery the same as a BBL?
No. A BBL focuses on buttock projection and may include hip shaping. Hip dips surgery targets the side indentation specifically, usually with smaller, more precise fat volumes.
What if I don’t have enough fat?
Very lean patients may consider staged weight optimization, small-volume transfer, or non-surgical volumizers. Your surgeon will help set realistic goals for your frame.
Will the results feel natural?
When fat survives, it typically feels like your own tissue. Early firmness generally softens over several weeks to months.
What about scars?
Incisions are tiny—often just a few millimeters—and placed in discreet locations. They usually fade significantly with time and proper scar care.
Can I combine procedures?
Yes. Many patients pair hip dip correction with lipo 360, waist contouring, or conservative buttock shaping for balance. Combining can optimize proportions while consolidating recovery, when safe and appropriate.
How do I pick the right surgeon?
Experience with fat grafting and an eye for proportions are critical. When you consult at Allure Esthetic, ask to see before-and-after photos of hip dip cases, discuss how many procedures your surgeon performs annually, and review the plan for your unique anatomy. You should feel heard, supported, and never rushed. A good consultation includes a clear explanation of benefits, risks, and alternatives so you can make an informed choice.
The Allure Esthetic approach
Our philosophy is simple: celebrate what you love about your body and thoughtfully refine what you’d like to change. For hip dips surgery, that means meticulous planning, conservative artistry, and safety-first protocols. We aim for natural-looking curves that complement your waist, thighs, and glutes—not an overfilled look that trends today and fades tomorrow.
A final word on empowerment
Lizzo and Ashley Graham remind us that beauty isn’t a single template. If you embrace your hip dips, that’s powerful. If you’d feel more confident softening them, that’s powerful too. Your body, your rules. Hip dips surgery with fat transfer is one tool among many to help align how you feel with how you look. Education and expert guidance are step one.
Ready to explore your options?
If you’re considering hip dips surgery, schedule a personalized consultation with Allure Esthetic. We’ll listen to your goals, evaluate your anatomy, and create a plan that prioritizes safety and natural-looking results. Whether you’re ready now or just gathering information, we’re here to help you make the choice that’s right for you.
Related blogs
