Hip dips — the inward curve between the hip bone and the upper thigh — are one of the most common reasons patients seek body contouring, even when they don't want a full BBL. The medical term is trochanteric depression: a natural indentation caused by the shape of your pelvis and the way your muscles attach to the femur. It's not a defect, and not everyone who has them wants to change them. But for patients who do, fat transfer to the hip dip area is one of the most satisfying body contouring procedures available.
All BBL procedures referenced on this site follow the subcutaneous-only fat injection protocol. Fat must be placed above the gluteal muscle fascia — never intramuscularly. This standard, endorsed by major plastic surgery societies worldwide, dramatically reduces the risk of fat embolism. Always confirm your surgeon follows this protocol before booking.
Hip Dip Fat Transfer vs. Full BBL
| Factor | Hip Dip Fat Transfer Only | Full BBL (includes hip filling) |
|---|---|---|
| Volume transferred | 200 – 400cc total (both sides) | 600 – 1,600cc total (buttocks + hips) |
| Primary goal | Smooth hip contour; eliminate indentation | Buttock projection + hip contour + waist definition |
| Liposuction zones | 1–2 donor areas (flanks, abdomen) | 3–5 donor areas (360° lipo common) |
| Operating time | 1.5 – 2.5 hours | 3 – 5 hours |
| Cost in Colombia | $2,500 – $4,000 | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| Cost in U.S. | $5,000 – $8,000 | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Recovery intensity | Moderate — easier sitting than full BBL | More restrictive — full sitting protocol required |
| Ideal patient | Slim frame; hip contour is primary concern | Wants comprehensive body transformation |
Hip dip fat transfer is a standalone procedure — you don't need a full BBL to address hip contour. In Colombia, it costs roughly $2,500–$4,000 all-in, compared to $5,000–$8,000 in the United States. It's also one of the most commonly combined procedures: many patients add hip filling to a BBL or 360° lipo for a complete hourglass silhouette.
What Causes Hip Dips?
Hip dips are not caused by being overweight, underweight, or out of shape. They're an anatomical feature determined by your skeletal structure — specifically:
Pelvic width and shape: The ilium (upper hip bone) and the greater trochanter (top of the femur) create the framework. When there's a gap between where the ilium ends and the trochanter begins, you'll see a natural indentation.
Muscle attachment points: The gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae muscles attach at the trochanter. Their size and shape relative to the surrounding tissue affect the depth of the dip.
Fat distribution genetics: Some people naturally deposit fat in the trochanteric area, filling the dip organically. Others don't — and no amount of exercise can change this genetic distribution pattern.
Candidacy: Who Gets Good Results?
| Good Candidate | May Need to Adjust Expectations |
|---|---|
| Has enough donor fat in at least one area (abdomen, flanks, thighs) | Very lean with minimal donor fat (may need smaller volume transfer) |
| Realistic goals — wants smoother contour, not dramatically wider hips | Expects fat transfer to change skeletal hip width |
| Non-smoker or willing to quit 4–6 weeks pre/post-op | Active smoker unwilling to stop (fat survival drops significantly) |
| BMI under 35 (for safety and optimal results) | BMI over 35 (higher surgical risk; may be asked to lose weight first) |
| Stable weight for 3+ months | Currently gaining or losing weight rapidly |
The Procedure Step by Step
Step 1 — Liposuction: Fat is harvested from donor sites — usually the abdomen, flanks, or inner thighs — using tumescent or VASER-assisted technique. More fat is harvested than will be injected, because processing removes non-viable cells, oil, and fluid.
Step 2 — Fat processing: Harvested fat is purified through decanting, washing, or centrifugation to isolate healthy fat cells with the highest survival potential.
Step 3 — Fat injection: Purified fat is injected into the trochanteric depression in small, precise aliquots (10–20cc at a time) through multiple passes. The surgeon builds the contour layer by layer, feathering the edges to create a smooth transition.
Step 4 — Symmetry assessment: The surgeon evaluates both sides for symmetry and natural-looking contour. Fine adjustments are made before closing.
Recovery: Easier Than a Full BBL
Hip dip fat transfer recovery is significantly easier than full BBL recovery because the sitting restriction is less strict. The fat is placed on the lateral hip — not the buttock — so normal sitting doesn't apply direct pressure to the grafted area. Most patients return to desk work within 5–7 days and light exercise within 3–4 weeks.
Compression garments are still required (4–6 weeks), and lymphatic drainage (5–8 sessions) is recommended. Swelling resolves over 2–4 months, with final results visible at 6 months.
Hip dip results are subtle by design. This procedure smooths a contour — it doesn't create dramatic curves. If you're expecting a visible before-and-after transformation in photos, discuss expectations with your surgeon. The improvement is real but often most noticeable in how clothes fit and how you feel in your body.
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