Hip Dips: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Fixing Hip Dips (2026)

Hip dips — also known as violin hips or hip divots — are the inward curves on the sides of the body below the hip bones. They are completely natural, affect approximately 30% of women, and are determined primarily by your pelvic bone structure and genetics.

What Are Hip Dips?

Hip dips occur where the hip bone (ilium) meets the top of the thigh bone (femur). The indentation is created by the shape of your pelvis and the distance between these bones. Some women have very pronounced hip dips; others have almost none. Both are completely normal.

What Causes Hip Dips?

• Pelvis shape: The width and angle of your pelvic bone determines the depth of hip dips
• Bone structure: The distance between your ilium and greater trochanter
• Genetics: Hip dips run in families — you cannot change your bone structure
• Muscle mass: The gluteus medius muscle sits in the hip dip area
• Body fat distribution: Fat can partially fill the indentation but does not eliminate it

Can You Fix Hip Dips?

Because hip dips are caused by bone structure, they cannot be completely eliminated. However, their appearance can be significantly reduced through several methods:

• Exercise: Building the gluteus medius and surrounding muscles ($0)
• Shapewear: Padded shapewear provides instant smoothing ($15-$60)
• Fillers: Sculptra or Radiesse injections add volume ($4,000-$12,000)
• Surgery: Fat transfer (BBL) or implants ($8,000-$25,000)

Which Solution Is Right for You?

The best approach depends on your budget, desired results, and risk tolerance. Most people start with exercise and shapewear before considering medical treatments.