Hip dip surgery is a cosmetic procedure involving removing or transferring fat from the hip and thigh region. It is done to minimize the appearance or presence of indentation found in some people between the hip bone and the thigh bone.
The hip dip is a natural curve that occurs between the hip bone and femur on the sides of the body of humans. It happens when the skin on the sides of the hip is more tightly attached to the trochanter which is a deeper part of the thigh bone. These dips are visible depending on the anatomy of an individual, fat distribution and amount, and the muscle mass.
Also cosmetically they are considered undesirable in context with an ideal body image presented. There is no medical concern related to it, it is just people having hip dips feel self-conscious.
What Is Hip Dip Surgery?
Hip dip surgery is a procedure through which the fat present is redistributed. The fat is removed with a suction (liposuction) method and injected into the trochanter area.
The main goal of this surgery is to smoothen out the curvature of the hips.
The fat is removed from the dip area. Artificial or silicone implants may also be used as alternatives to fat grafts.
The Procedure Of Hip Dip Surgery
- Hip dip surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. Depending on the doctor’s recommendation the patient is put under general anesthesia.
- Firstly, small incisions are made in the area where the fat is to be removed. The fat is removed from the body, through a procedure known as liposuction. The fat is removed from the stomach, buttocks, and inner thighs. The incision areas are stitched closed and bandaged.
- The fat is then prepared to be injected. It is put in a machine in which the blood and other fluids are removed.
- The fat is then injected into the hip area. No stitched are required on the injection site.
- After the procedure, if the person does not require to stay in the hospital overnight, he needs to be driven back home by someone.
- There might be slight pain at the site of incision and injection. Bruising and pain can last for 2 weeks or more.
The results of hip dip surgery do not show up right after the surgery. 6 months are needed for the graft to give a complete effect.
Who Can Go Ahead With The Hip Dip Surgery?
A nonsmoker with 30 percent of ideal body weight, no history of any bleeding condition, and with a highly responsive skin can go ahead with a liposuction procedure like hip sip surgery.(1)
Those with any bleeding condition or an autoimmune disease or those who have a recent dramatic weight loss are advised not to go ahead with the procedure.(2)
If someone is suffering from an eating disorder or any other condition which can lead to body dysmorphia, they should be extremely cautious if considering going ahead with hip dip procedure.
The result of the surgery can be unpredictable. About 30-70 percent of fat injected in the hip area might get absorbed by the body in around a year.(3) This might make you want to go ahead with another fat grafting procedure.
Is Hip Dip Surgery Safe?
Liposuction and fat grafting procedures are low risks, safe, and simple procedures(4)
A few complications are as follows:
- Bruising and pain at the site of incision and injection
- Dimpling due to fat migration at the site of injection
- Swelling and bleeding in the area from where the fat was removed or was injected
- Scaring
- Hip dip surgery can cause infection and discharge at the site of the incision.
How to minimize risk:
To minimize the risk of complications, it is important to follow the instructions of the healthcare provider, which include:
- Keep the area of incision clean and dry
- Do not soak in water or pool or hot tubs until given a clean chit by the doctor
- Do not go for rigorous physical exercise until the doctor says so
- Go to a licensed and experienced healthcare provider for the procedure.
- There is nothing wrong with having hip dips. They can also be minimized by following a diet and exercise routine.
If wanting to go ahead with the hip dip surgery, it is important to look for an experienced provider who can give a realistic expectation and result, and fewer chances of risk and complication.
