Shop If you’ve been scrolling through social media or looking in the mirror, wondering about those inward curves on your hips, you’re not alone. Hip dips have become a widely discussed topic in body image conversations, and many people are just learning that these natural indentations have a name.
Hip Dip Definition
Hip dips—also called violin hips, hip divots, or by their medical name “trochanteric depressions”—are the inward curves that occur naturally along the side of your body, just below your hip bone and above your thigh.
Imagine the outline of a violin: that gentle inward curve before it rounds out again. That’s exactly what hip dips look like on the human body, hence the nickname “violin hips.”
The Science Behind Hip Dips: Why Some People Have Them
Here’s something that might surprise you: hip dips are not caused by being overweight or underweight. They’re actually determined by your bone structure, specifically:
- The width of your hips: Wider-set hip bones can create more noticeable dips
- The size of your greater trochanter: This is the top portion of your femur (thigh bone)
- The distance between your ilium, hip socket, and greater trochanter: The spacing between these bones creates the dip
- Your natural fat and muscle distribution: This affects how visible the dips appear
Think of it this way: your skin and tissue are essentially draped over your skeleton. Where there’s less bone support between your hip bone and thigh bone, a natural indentation occurs.
Are Hip Dips Normal?
Absolutely. Hip dips are completely normal and incredibly common. In fact, most people have them to some degree—they’re just more visible on some body types than others.
The recent focus on hip dips is largely due to social media and changing beauty standards. What was once just considered a natural part of human anatomy has become another body feature that people feel pressured to “fix.”
Hip Dips vs. Love Handles: Understanding the Difference
People often confuse hip dips with love handles, but they’re entirely different:
- Hip dips: Inward curves caused by bone structure, located below the hip bone
- Love handles: Excess fat that accumulates above the hip bone, around the waist area
- Key difference: Love handles can be reduced through diet and exercise; hip dips cannot because they’re structural
Can You Get Rid of Hip Dips Naturally?
This is one of the most searched questions about hip dips, and the honest answer is: not really. Since hip dips are caused by your bone structure, no amount of exercise or dieting will eliminate them completely.
However, certain exercises can help minimize their appearance by building muscle in the surrounding areas:
Exercises That May Help Minimize Hip Dip Appearance:
- Side leg lifts: Strengthen the gluteus medius
- Curtsy lunges: Build the outer glutes and thighs
- Side planks with leg lifts: Target the entire hip area
- Clamshells: Strengthen hip abductors
- Bulgarian split squats: Build overall lower body muscle
Remember: these exercises won’t eliminate hip dips, but they can help create a more muscular, toned appearance in the area.
The Body Positivity Perspective on Hip Dips
Before considering any cosmetic procedures, it’s worth noting that many celebrities and influencers have hip dips, including:
- Bella Hadid
- Selena Gomez
- Miley Cyrus
- Many fitness influencers who embrace them as “hip dimples”
The body positivity movement encourages embracing hip dips as a natural part of body diversity. Many people are choosing to celebrate their hip dips rather than viewing them as flaws.
When People Consider Professional Treatment
Despite the body positivity movement, some individuals still feel self-conscious about their hip dips and seek professional consultation. Common reasons include:
- Difficulty finding clothes that fit comfortably
- Feeling asymmetrical or unbalanced
- Personal aesthetic preferences
- Impact on self-confidence
If you’re considering professional treatment for hip dips, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand all your options.
Types of Professional Hip Dip Treatments
Non-Surgical Options
Some clinics offer temporary solutions using dermal fillers or specialized injections. These treatments:
- Require multiple sessions
- Provide gradual, subtle results
- Need maintenance over time
- Are less invasive but also less dramatic
Hip Dip Surgery
For those seeking more permanent solutions, surgical options exist that involve fat transfer or implants. Surgery to get rid of hip dips …
- Provides more dramatic results
- Requires recovery time
- Offers longer-lasting outcomes
- Should only be performed by board-certified plastic surgeons
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Considering Treatment
Why do I want to change my hip dips?
Is it for yourself or because of external pressure?
Have I tried accepting them first?
Sometimes, perspective shifts with time.
Am I a good candidate for treatment?
General health, lifestyle, and expectations all matter.
Have I researched qualified providers?
Board certification and experience are crucial.
Do I understand the risks and recovery?
All procedures have potential complications.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Provider
If you decide to explore plastic surgery for hip dips, choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon is crucial. Look for:
- Board certification in plastic surgery
- Extensive experience with body contouring
- Before and after photos of similar procedures
- Positive patient reviews
- A thorough consultation process
Learn More About Hip Dip Correction
If you’re interested in learning more about hip dip treatments and whether you might be a candidate, the experienced team at Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute can provide personalized information during a consultation.
To schedule a confidential consultation, call us or reach out online.
Learn more about hip dip correction options at Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute.
