If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and noticed indentations along the sides of your hips—what the internet loves to call “hip dips”—you’re not alone. These dips, or natural depressions below the hip bone, are common, harmless, and entirely normal. But for some people, they can also be a source of insecurity—especially in an era where sculpted curves dominate social feeds and beauty ideals.
While exercise and body positivity go a long way, there are some contours that just don’t respond to squats or self-acceptance. That’s where procedures like fat grafting perth come in, offering a subtle, natural-looking way to enhance volume and balance out uneven areas—without implants or synthetic fillers.
So if you’ve been chasing symmetry or softness in certain areas but aren’t sure where to turn, here’s what you should know.
Why Hip Dips Happen
Hip dips are mainly the result of your bone structure. The shape of your pelvis, combined with the way fat and muscle distribute around it, creates these inward curves. Some people have more pronounced dips due to higher muscle attachments, less fat in the hip region, or tighter skin.
Importantly, hip dips are not flaws. But if you’re seeking to smooth them out or add volume to flat spots on the hips or thighs, especially after weight loss or pregnancy, it’s okay to explore your options.
What Is Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting—also called fat transfer—is a cosmetic procedure where fat is harvested from one part of your body (like your stomach or thighs), purified, and then reinjected into another area that needs volume.
It’s especially well-suited to areas like the hips, where the goal is to create soft, natural-looking curves that move and feel like your own tissue. Since the fat comes from your own body, there’s minimal risk of rejection or reaction, and the results can last for years with proper care.
Key Benefits:
- Natural look and feel
- No implants or synthetic material
- Can target multiple areas in one procedure
- Minimal scarring
- Dual benefit of body contouring (remove from one area, add to another)
Is It Right for Everyone?
Fat grafting is generally a good option if you have:
- Areas of unwanted fat for harvesting (even a small amount is enough for minor contouring)
- Realistic expectations—this isn’t about creating a dramatic change overnight
- Healthy skin elasticity
- No major underlying medical conditions
It’s also worth noting that if you’re looking for a very dramatic hip or buttock augmentation, other procedures like implants or more extensive fat transfer may be recommended. But for those seeking subtle sculpting, fat grafting often provides the right balance of results and recovery.
What’s the Process Like?
The procedure usually takes place under local or general anesthesia and involves two main stages:
- Harvesting – Fat is removed via liposuction from areas like your abdomen, thighs, or flanks.
- Purification & Injection – The fat is processed and strategically injected into areas like the hips or upper thighs.
Recovery typically includes swelling and bruising for one to two weeks, but most people return to light activities within a few days. You’ll wear a compression garment to help with healing and shaping, and you’ll be advised to avoid putting pressure directly on the treated area during early healing.
What About Results?
One of the key things to understand with fat grafting is that not all the transferred fat will “take.” Your body will naturally reabsorb a portion of it—usually around 30%. For that reason, your surgeon might overfill the area slightly during the initial session.
Most people see noticeable improvements within a few weeks, with final results settling in by the 3-month mark. Best of all? Since it’s your own tissue, the fat that does survive will stay in place permanently, even gaining or losing weight with your body.
Things to Consider Before Committing
Before moving forward, take time to:
- Have a thorough consultation with a board-certified surgeon experienced in body contouring and fat grafting.
- Understand the limitations—this isn’t about creating an entirely new body, but rather enhancing what’s already there.
- Plan for recovery—it’s not a lengthy downtime, but you’ll need to give your body time to heal properly.
Also, understand that some cases might require a second session for touch-ups or refinement, especially if you’re aiming for more definition.
Body confidence is personal. For some, it means learning to love every dip and curve. For others, it means feeling empowered to make changes that better reflect how they want to look and feel. If subtle shaping and enhanced symmetry are your goals, fat grafting offers a natural and effective path forward—without dramatically altering your body or relying on implants.