Curves, to have or not to have, should never be the question!
It’s a matter of personal choice, and everyone is free to choose how their bodies look. Some online trends may have people finding flaws in themselves, but that does not necessarily mean their bodies aren’t beautiful. The very idea of an ‘ideal body shape’ is based on perceptions. What may be considered ‘perfect’ in one place may not be as awe-inspiring elsewhere.
One such aspect of our bodies that has recently garnered attention is hip dips.
Hip dips, also known as "violin hips" or "hip dents," are the natural inward curves that occur just below the hip bone. These curves are a normal part of human anatomy, influenced by bone structure, muscle mass, and fat distribution. While some embrace their hip dips as a unique aspect of their body, others may feel self-conscious about them and seek ways to minimize their appearance.
If you are one of them, here’s a comprehensive blog for you to understand hip dips completely and discover ways to get rid of them, surgically and naturally.
What Are Hip Dips?
Naturally Occurring Curves.
Hip dips are natural indentations or ‘slight inside curves’ just above the thigh in the outer hips. These are also called violin hips as the shape resembles the outer curves of the instrument. The appearance of hip dips varies from person to person, based on several factors including bone structure, muscle mass, and fat distribution. They may be more noticeable in some people while in others, not so much.
Whether you have hip dips or not depends largely on your genetics. If your blood relatives have them, you will most likely have them too. These curves are caused by the shape of the pelvis and the way the thigh bone (femur) connects to the hip socket, resulting in the characteristic inward curve.
Are Hip Dips and Love Handles One and the Same?
No. Hip dips and love handles are fundamentally different. Love handles show up on the side of your waist. These are areas of fat that can be pinched. On the other hand, hip dips are the indentations or curves below the hip bones, where the skin is more closely connected to the deeper part of the thigh bone (trochanter). Unlike love handles, hip dips are largely influenced by bone structure and muscle attachment points.
How to Fix Hip Dips?
If you have violin hips, you may have searched online for "How to get rid of hip dips?" While hip dips do not indicate any medical health condition, some people may consider them an aesthetic concern. As everyone is entitled to look and feel fabulous in their own way, addressing hip dips can help you achieve the much-desired hourglass figure.
There are various invasive and non-invasive methods to address hip dips and enhance your body's contours. Some of the most common ones are discussed below.
Procedures to ‘Fill the Dips’
Let’s reiterate: Hip dips are not a concern and do not require any medical or cosmetic intervention. But for those who wish to see them gone, we have a list of procedures you can consider for attaining a contoured appearance and ideal body shape.
Hip Dip Surgery
Hip dip surgery, also known as lipo sculpting, is a fat transfer and redistribution procedure designed to create a smoother, more contoured outer hip. The process involves extracting fat from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, and transferring it to the hip dips above the thighs. Unlike traditional liposuction, which covers larger areas, this procedure targets small, specific sections. The extracted fat is then processed and purified before being injected to achieve the desired shape.
This procedure may not be suitable for slimmer individuals who do not have sufficient fat for transfer. Patients typically return home the same day, though they may experience bruising or swelling in the treated regions.
The cost of hip dip surgery varies depending on geographic location and other factors but generally ranges from $8,000 to $10,000.
What to Expect Before and After Hip Dip Surgery?
▶️Before Surgery
You will have a consultation with a qualified surgeon to discuss your goals and the procedure details. This may include pre-operative assessments and medical tests. You will receive instructions on how to prepare, including dietary restrictions and medications to avoid.
▶️After Surgery
After the surgery, you can expect some immediate post-operative care, including monitoring for any adverse reactions. Bruising, swelling, and discomfort are common. Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely, which may include wearing compression garments and avoiding strenuous activities. Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor your healing and ensure optimal results.
Ideal Candidate for Hip Dip Surgery:
- In good overall health
- Non-smokers
- Has sufficient body fat for transfer
- Looking for a natural enhancement
Silicone Hip Implants
Another way you can get rid of hip dips is with the help of silicone implants. Silicone hip implants are custom-made for each patient, providing a more permanent solution to fixing hip dips. Surgeons usually insert the implants through small incisions. Patients typically return home the same day, although they may need some time to recover from the surgery. Silicone implants offer a durable and long-lasting enhancement, creating a smoother and more balanced hip contour.
Average cost ranges between $8,000 to $10,000.
Ideal Candidate for Silicone Hip Implants:
- Looking for a permanent solution
- In good overall health
- Non-smokers
- Has realistic expectations about the results
Fillers
Just as fillers work to volumize the face and smooth out fine lines, fillers for hip dips work to fill in the inside curves and give the outer hip area a fuller, rounded appearance. Many surgeons choose Sculptra®, a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) injectable, for this purpose. (Please note that while Sculptra is FDA-approved to correct volume loss and smooth fine lines and wrinkles on the face, no fillers have been approved specifically for hip augmentation. However, some are used 'off-label' to improve hip contour.)
You typically need several rounds of fillers, spaced a few weeks apart, to achieve the desired effect. Patients may experience swelling in the area and will be advised to massage it gently a couple of times a day.
Ideal Candidate for Fillers for Hip Dips:
- Looking for a non-surgical option
- In good overall health
- Has realistic expectations
- Prefers a less permanent solution
On average the cost of Sculptra® injections for hip dips ranges between $800 to $1,000 per vial.
However, the cost of Sculptra® varies based on geographical region as highlighted in the following table.
| State | Average Cost of Sculptra® |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $535 - $1,465 |
| Arizona | $575 - $955 |
| Arkansas | $550 - $1,645 |
| California | $525 - $2,575 |
| Colorado | $575 - $955 |
| Connecticut | $530 - $1,770 |
| Delaware | $530 - $1,770 |
| Florida | $535 - $1,465 |
| Georgia | $535 - $1,465 |
| Hawaii | $525 - $2,575 |
| Illinois | $550 - $1,645 |
| Indiana | $530 - $1,770 |
| Kansas | $540 - $1,680 |
| Kentucky | $530 - $1,770 |
| Louisiana | $550 - $1,645 |
| Maryland | $530 - $1,770 |
| Massachusetts | $530 - $1,770 |
| Michigan | $530 - $1,770 |
| Minnesota | $550 - $1,645 |
| Mississippi | $535 - $1,465 |
| Missouri | $550 - $1,645 |
| Nevada | $525 - $2,575 |
| New Jersey | $530 - $1,770 |
| New Mexico | $575 - $955 |
| New York | $530 -$1,770 |
| North Carolina | $535 - $1,465 |
| Ohio | $530 - $1,770 |
| Oregon | $525 - $2,575 |
| Pennsylvania | $530 - $1,770 |
| South Carolina | $540 - $1,680 |
| Tennessee | $535 - $1,465 |
| Texas | $575 - $955 |
| Utah | $575 - $955 |
| Virginia | $530 - $1,770 |
| Washington State | $525 - $2,575 |
| Washington, D.C. | $530 - $1,770 |
What All Factors Affect the Cost of Hip Dip Procedure?
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Procedure | Fillers are typically less expensive but may require multiple sessions. Fat transfer is more costly due to liposuction and fat processing. Implants are the most expensive due to the complexity and custom nature of the surgery. |
| Surgeon’s Expertise | Experienced surgeons with specialized skills charge higher fees, reducing the risk of complications and the need for corrective procedures. |
| Geographic Location | Costs vary by location, with metropolitan areas and high-cost regions generally having higher fees due to increased operational costs. |
How to Pay For It?
As cosmetic procedures are not usually covered by insurance, paying for say a hip dip surgery can require significant out-of-pocket expenses. However, there are several financing options available to make the cost more manageable:
▶️Medical Credit Cards
Medical credit cards allow you to finance the procedure you need. You may also avail yourself of low or no interest rates for an introductory period, making it easier to pay off the cost over time. Keep in mind that your credit score plays a crucial role in determining if you can qualify for a medical credit card and what terms you may receive.
▶️Personal Loans
Many financial institutions offer personal loans specifically for medical or cosmetic procedures. With a personal loan, you can receive a lump sum amount to cover hip dip surgery costs. The terms and interest rates of personal loans can vary based on your credit score and financial history. This option can provide the necessary funds upfront, with a structured repayment plan.
▶️Payment Plans
The most convenient way to afford cosmetic surgery is often through flexible payment plans. Many providers offer in-house financing options, allowing you to spread the cost of the procedure over several months or even years. Payment plans typically do not require a credit check, making them accessible to a broader range of people. This option enables providers to offer their services to more patients, including those who might not qualify for traditional financing.
Denefits
A convenient and easy alternative to traditional financing!
Providers often face challenges when offering financing to clients with low credit scores or not-so-great credit histories. This is where Denefits steps in. With a 95% approval rate and a no-credit-check policy, Denefits enables service providers like plastic surgeons or health professionals to expand access to their services. They no longer have to turn away those who did not qualify for traditional financing alternatives.
For patients, Denefits allows them to spread the treatment cost into manageable payments, making it easier to budget for cosmetic procedures and ensuring they can access the treatments they desire without financial strain.
So, ask your provider about Denefits or look for those who offer this flexible financing option to make your cosmetic goals more attainable.
Exercises for Hip Dips
Get rid of them, naturally!
Here are some hip dip exercises you can do on a routine basis. However, it may take time to see the effects of these exercises in eliminating violin hips. These exercises help you strengthen muscles in the hip and thigh area and may gradually smooth out the appearance of hip dips.
Side Leg Raises
Lie on your side and lift your top leg upwards, keeping it straight. Lower it without touching the other leg. Repeat this 15 times for one leg.
This targets the outer thighs and hips.
Squats
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your body as if you're sitting in a chair, then return to standing. Perform 3 sets of 15 repetitions.
Squats target the glutes, thighs, and hips.
Glute Bridges
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips toward the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top, then lower back down.
This targets the glutes and hamstrings.
Side Lunges
Step to the side with one leg while keeping the other leg straight. Bend your knee and lower your hips, ensuring your knee does not extend past your toes. Then push back to the starting position. Do 3 sets of 12-15 reps on each side.
Targets the muscles of the hips, glutes, and thighs.
Lunges
Step forward with one leg and lower your body until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Alternate legs and repeat. Do 15 reps on each leg.
Lunges work the thighs and glutes.
The Final Curve
Hip dips are a natural part of human anatomy and not something that needs to be "fixed." However, if you are looking to reduce their appearance, there are both surgical and non-surgical options available. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to understand the best course of action for your body and to set realistic expectations. Embracing your natural curves and focusing on a healthy lifestyle can also go a long way in feeling confident and beautiful in your own skin. For those considering cosmetic procedures, Denefits is there to lighten your financial burden!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Dips
1. What Causes Hip Dips?
Hip dips are caused by the shape of your pelvis and the way your thigh bone (femur) connects to your hip socket, influenced by genetics, muscle mass, and fat distribution.
2. Are Hip Dips Attractive?
Yes, hip dips are a natural and normal part of the human body, and many people find them attractive. Beauty is subjective, and what matters most is how you feel about your own body.
3. How to Get Rid of Hip Dips Without Exercise?
You can reduce the appearance of hip dips without exercise through cosmetic procedures like fillers, fat transfer, or silicone implants.
4. Can You Get Rid of Hip Dips?
While you cannot completely get rid of violin hips, you can reduce their appearance through exercises, cosmetic procedures, or a combination of both.
5. How to Get Rid of Extreme Hip Dips?
Extreme hip dips can be addressed through more intensive cosmetic procedures like fat transfer or silicone implants.
