She Strengthens

Sculpting Your Silhouette: Understanding Hip Dip Surgery

Are you self-conscious about the indentations on the sides of your hips? You’re not alone. Many people have what’s known as hip dips, a natural variation in body shape that can affect anyone. While some people embrace their hip dips, others may want to reduce their appearance and achieve a more rounded silhouette. That’s where hip dip surgery comes in.

What Are Hip Dips?

Hip dips, also referred to as violin hips, are indentations on both sides of the hips, just below the waistline. They’re caused by a combination of bone structure, muscle mass, and fat distribution in the pelvis area. Hip dips can be more visible with a higher body fat percentage or due to how fat is distributed in the hips. The size of the dips can vary, ranging from subtle to more pronounced.

The Procedure: Fat Grafting for Smoother Hips

Hip dip surgery involves redistributing fat from another area and using it to fill the dips. This process, also known as liposculpting, typically involves taking fat from the thighs or abdomen and injecting it into the hip dips to create a more even shape and reduce their appearance. In some cases, a doctor may use filler instead of fat grafts if the dips are small. Alternatively, silicone implants can be used, but this is a more invasive option requiring longer recovery.

Surgical Expectations

Most people undergo hip dip surgery as an outpatient procedure, meaning you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. However, you’ll likely have a general anesthetic, which means you’ll be asleep during the surgery and feel groggy for several hours afterward. Here’s what to expect during the surgery:

• Sedation and general anesthetic to ensure your comfort
• Harvesting fat from an area like your buttocks, abdomen, or thighs using liposuction
• Fat preparation to remove blood or other impurities
• Injecting the prepared fat into the hip dips to create a more even shape

Recovery and Aftercare

After hip dip surgery, your body will need time to recover. You can expect some soreness and swelling in the area for a couple of weeks. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure proper care and minimize the risk of complications.

Who Can Get Hip Dip Surgery?

If you’re unhappy with your hip dips, you may be a good candidate for liposuction procedures like hip dip surgery. You should:

• Not smoke
• Be within 30% of your ideal body weight
• Have responsive skin elasticity
• Have no history of bleeding conditions

Your doctor may not recommend hip dip surgery if you have an eating disorder or struggle with body dysmorphia.

Is Hip Dip Surgery Safe?

Like all surgeries, hip dip surgery carries risks, including pain, swelling, bleeding, and scarring. However, experts consider liposuction and fat grafting relatively low-risk and safe. To minimize the risk of complications, follow your doctor’s orders about aftercare.

Finding a Qualified Provider

Going to a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential if you want hip dip surgery. These professionals are highly qualified to give you the best possible outcome. You can find a surgeon using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons search tool. Check their reviews and before-and-after photos of their previous work.

Can Exercise Get Rid of Hip Dips?

If surgery isn’t your thing, you can try exercises to help reduce the appearance of hip dips. While no exercise can guarantee results, some may help improve your body shape and tone up your muscles. Focus on exercises that target your glutes, such as squats and lunges, as well as hip and thigh exercises that strengthen the muscles around your butt, hips, and thighs. Pilates or yoga can also help you strengthen your core and tone up the muscles around your hips.

Takeaway

Hip dips are a natural variation in body shape that can affect anyone. While some people are happy with their hip dips, others may want to reduce their appearance and achieve a more rounded silhouette. Hip dip surgery involves grafting fat to the area and is considered safe if performed by a qualified doctor. However, there’s no guarantee of the outcome, and it may not be suitable for everyone. For those who don’t want to go under the knife, some exercises may help reduce hip dips by strengthening and toning up muscles around your hips.