Understanding the Hip Dip

Hip dips, also known as “violin hips,” are the inward depressions along the sides of your body that are found just below the hip bone. In anatomical terms, these hip dips are known as the “trochanteric depression” due to the shape of your pelvis. People who have a wider pelvis that sits up higher can have a natural dent between the hip bones and where the thigh bone starts. This bone structure paired with dominant quadriceps and hip flexor muscles causes the characteristic “dip.” Because so many body types are in existence, not everyone is affected by this condition. Hip dips are entirely normal and most likely will exist regardless of weight gain or loss, and are usually accompanied by “saddlebags” which are fat pockets right below the hip dip towards the backside of the legs. Like so many other body features, hip dips can be modified with targeted exercise, diet, and practicing general wellness. Exercises that might help to minimize the appearance of a hip dip includes hip abductions, clamshells, squats with an elastic band for resistance, and core exercises to build up the gluteus medius, which is the muscle that lies on the outer surface of the pelvis.Healthy calorie consumption can essentially diminish the layer of fat that lies on top of the hip dip. While this may reduce the size of the hip dip, due to the body’s natural framework, the hip dip will still appear.Another option for patients who are insecure about this textural irregularity is replacing volume with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) -- also known as SculptraⓇ. This bio-stimulatory filler stimulates the skin’s natural collagen production to increase the volume of the area of injection. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), the active ingredient is SculptraⓇ, is a nontoxic lactic acid polymer that is both biocompatible and biodegradable. Studies have shown that injected PLLA differs from traditional fillers in its ability to stimulate controlled neocollagenesis to increase dermal thickness, leading to long-term volumization.

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Upon injection, PLLA stimulates an inflammatory reaction to the presence of foreign body material. As the PLLA microparticles are absorbed by the skin, they stimulate collagen production to replace the PLLA, creating a framework that helps restore facial volume. Several treatment sessions (an average of 3 over a few months) are recommended to ensure enough stimulation for collagen growth in the area of interest. This collagen growth, which occurs gradually over time, works to subtly enhance and rejuvenate areas of volume loss for results that can last more than 2 years.SculptraⓇ was approved by the FDA in 2009 for cosmetic use, and through its efficacy in treating volume loss, it has been integrated for off-label usage in the hands, neck, abdomen, and buttocks. Other treatment options for enhancing volume in the hip and gluteal area include silicone implants, autologous fat transfer, and injectable fillers. However, SculptraⓇ has several advantages: it is minimally-invasive, lasts longer than hyaluronic acid fillers, and has a well-documented safety profile. There is virtually no downtime in treatment with SculptraⓇ, and there is no risk of fat embolism. Results may take a few weeks after treatment to show, but due to the gradual building of collagen, this is normal.For many, the hip dip is a common feature that isn't bothersome. I encourage all of my patients to embrace their natural features but love being able to offer a solution to those that are affected by it. Modern advancements in medicine allow us to refine the parts of our bodies that diminish our confidence. With products like SculptraⓇ, we are able to soften irregularities in a natural, safe manner. If you're someone that is affected by the hip dip, call my office to schedule a consultation! I'd love to meet you.