How to Get Rid of Hip Dips

Hip dips—technically known as “violin hips” or “trochanteric depressions”—are inward curves along the sides of your hips. They’re a normal part of human anatomy, determined largely by your bone structure, muscle mass, and fat distribution. While you can’t change your pelvic bone shape, you can soften the appearance of hip dips through targeted exercises, nutrition, posture, wardrobe choices, and, for those seeking quicker or more dramatic results, cosmetic procedures.

What Causes Hip Dips?

• Pelvic shape: The width and angle of your hip bones create natural indentations.
• Muscle development: Low muscle mass around the glutes, outer thighs, and hips can make dips more noticeable.
• Fat distribution: Genetics influence where your body stores fat—some store less fat over the greater trochanter (the bony point on your hip), enhancing the dip.

Hip dips are neither unhealthy nor abnormal. Still, if you experience pain, imbalance, or sudden changes in your hips, consider doing a free, online symptom check for any warning signs—and speak to a healthcare professional if something feels off.

Non-Surgical Strategies

1. Exercise and Strength Training

Building muscle around your hips and glutes helps fill out indentations and improves overall shape. Focus on:

• Glute bridges
  Lie on your back, knees bent. Lift hips until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees. Squeeze glutes at the top.
• Clamshells
  Lie on your side with knees bent. Keeping feet together, lift the top knee open, then lower. Targets outer hips.
• Donkey kicks
  On hands and knees, kick one leg back and up, squeezing the glutes. Keep hips square.
• Fire hydrants
  From hands and knees, lift one knee out to the side, keeping it bent at 90°.
• Side-lying leg raises
  Lie on your side, legs stacked. Lift top leg up and lower with control.
• Curtsy lunges
  Step one foot behind and across the other, bending both knees. Return and switch sides.
• Squats and lunges
  Fundamental moves that engage the entire lower body. Vary foot position to target glute-medius (outer hip).

Training tips:

• Aim for 3 sets of 12–15 reps.
• Use resistance bands or ankle weights to increase challenge.
• Train hips and glutes 2–3 times per week, allowing rest days in between.

2. Nutrition

While you can’t spot-reduce fat, you can support muscle growth and overall body composition:

• Eat enough protein (chicken, fish, beans, tofu) to aid muscle repair.
• Include healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil) for hormone balance.
• Choose whole grains and colorful produce for sustained energy.
• Stay hydrated to help muscle recovery and skin elasticity.

3. Posture and Mobility

Improving posture can make your hips and glutes look more lifted:

• Pelvic tilts: Lie on your back, flatten your lower back into the floor by tilting your pelvis up. Hold 5 seconds, release.
• Hip flexor stretches: Kneel on one knee, push hips forward to stretch the front of your hip.
• Foam rolling: Gently roll your outer thighs and glutes to reduce tightness and improve muscle activation.

4. Wardrobe Tips

Strategic clothing choices can visually minimize hip dips:

• High-waisted bottoms sit above the dip.
• Ruching or side panels camouflage curves.
• A-line skirts and dresses create a smoother hip silhouette.
• Shapewear can offer temporary smoothing under tight outfits.

Cosmetic and Minimally Invasive Options

If you’re seeking faster or more pronounced results, consider consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon. Discuss benefits, risks, cost, and recovery for procedures such as:

• Fat grafting (lipofilling)
  Using your own fat—harvested via liposuction from another area—to fill hip dips. According to Mofid MM & Mofid VC (2019), gluteal fat grafting is a commonly performed procedure with evolving techniques to enhance safety and outcomes.
• Dermal fillers
  Hyaluronic acid or other fillers can be injected to smooth dips. Results last up to 18 months but require periodic maintenance.
• Implants
  Solid silicone implants placed near the hips to round out the silhouette. Permanent but involve a longer surgical and recovery process.

Key considerations:

• All surgical and minimally invasive procedures carry risks: infection, asymmetry, scarring, or changes in sensation.
• Recovery time varies. Fat grafting and implants may require several weeks off strenuous activity.
• Costs range widely based on location, surgeon experience, and technique.

Always choose a qualified specialist and verify board certification. Request before-and-after photos, read patient reviews, and ask about revision policies.

Realistic Expectations

• Muscle and fat take time to change. Non-surgical approaches often require 8–12 weeks of consistent effort to see noticeable improvements.
• Cosmetic procedures can deliver quicker results but come with higher cost, downtime, and medical risk.
• Hip dips may never disappear entirely—embracing them as a normal body feature can be just as empowering.

When to Seek Professional Advice

• If you feel persistent pain, numbness, or experience sudden swelling around your hips, do a free, online symptom check for those symptoms.
• Consult a doctor if you plan major cosmetic surgery or if you have health conditions (e.g., bleeding disorders, heart issues) that could affect procedures.
• Always speak to a doctor before beginning a new high-intensity workout plan, especially if you have underlying medical concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Hip dips are a natural variation in body shape, influenced by bone structure and tissue distribution.
• Targeted glute and hip exercises, proper nutrition, good posture, and wardrobe tricks can soften their appearance.
• Cosmetic interventions—fat grafting, fillers, or implants—offer more immediate change but involve medical risks.
• Manage expectations: it takes consistency and time to see non-surgical improvements.
• For any serious pain or unusual symptoms around your hips, do a free, online symptom check for and speak to a healthcare professional.
• Always consult a qualified doctor or plastic surgeon before pursuing invasive treatments or if you have concerns that could be life-threatening or serious.

Remember: Hip dips are a normal part of many people’s bodies. Whether you choose to enhance your curves through exercise, style, or cosmetic means, focus on approaches that align with your comfort, health, and long-term well-being.