허쉬성형외과의원

Does the Side of Your Buttocks Look Uneven? Causes of Hip Dip and Ways to Manage It

When wearing leggings or tight-fitting pants, there are times when the side line of the hips looks particularly indented, 

or the curves between the pelvis and hips on the side or back view are more noticeable than the front.

Even if the overall volume of the hips is not lacking, some people are concerned that the side lines do not smoothly connect, o

r that specific areas remain hollow despite regular exercise.

The form that appears indented from below the pelvis to the sides of the hips like this is commonly called a hip dip.

A hip dip is not simply caused by insufficient fat or underdeveloped gluteal muscles.

It is a natural body-shape characteristic influenced by a combination of factors, including the structure of the pelvis and femur, muscle development, and fat distribution.

So why do hip dips occur? Which aspects can be managed through exercise, and when may Hip Dip Filler be considered?

Today, we will take a closer look at the causes of hip dips, exercise and management approaches, 

and the characteristics and precautions of Hip Dip Filler at HERSHE Plastic Surgery Korea.

What Is a Hip Dip?

A hip dip refers to an inward curve below the pelvis, around the hip joint, and along the outer side of the buttocks.

It may also be described as a hollow along the pelvis, outer buttocks, or lateral hip line.

It generally appears as an indentation between the curve extending from the waist to the pelvis and the line connecting the buttocks and thighs.

Hip dips are not limited to a particular age group or body type.

They can appear in slim individuals as well as in people with greater muscle mass or body fat.

This is because the shape of the pelvis, the position of the femur, and the distribution of muscle and fat differ from person to person.

Importantly, having hip dips does not indicate a health problem or mean that correction is necessary.

A hip dip is a natural body-shape characteristic. 

Whether it becomes an aesthetic concern depends on the body line a person prefers and the silhouette they notice when wearing clothes.

Rather than viewing hip dips as something that must be removed, it is advisable to begin by understanding the characteristics of your own body.

Why Does the Outer Hip Line Look Indented?

Hip dips do not occur for just one reason.

Factors may include the skeletal structure of the pelvis and hip joint, fat distribution, and the degree of gluteal muscle development.

1. Structural Differences in the Pelvis and Femur

One of the main factors behind hip dips is the natural skeletal structure.

The width and shape of the pelvis, the position of the femur, and the structures surrounding the hip joint vary from person to person.

These differences can create a natural indentation in the area extending from below the pelvis toward the thighs.

In particular, the relationship between the pelvis and femur can make the outer hip area appear relatively hollow.

When skeletal structure is the primary factor, gaining weight or exercising may not completely change the contour into the desired shape.

2. Fat Distribution Along the Outer Hips

The total amount of body fat matters, but where that fat is distributed also affects the overall hip line.

For example, even when the buttocks have sufficient overall volume, a relatively thin fat layer along the outer hips may make a particular area look more indented.

Conversely, when surrounding areas carry relatively more fat, the indentation may appear more pronounced.

Hip dips therefore cannot be understood simply as a lack of fat. The distribution of fat relative to the surrounding areas should also be considered.

3. Degree of Gluteal Muscle Development

The buttocks contain several muscles, including the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus.

The gluteus medius is located along the outer buttocks and contributes to pelvic stability and leg movement.

The size and development of the gluteal muscles can influence the overall shape of the buttocks and their side silhouette.

Because muscle development can vary according to exercise and physical activity, muscular condition is another factor to consider when assessing the hip line.

However, when the location of a hip dip is largely determined by skeletal structure, exercise alone may not completely alter the indentation.

4. Changes in Body Weight and Overall Proportions

Rapid weight loss or repeated weight fluctuations may affect the amount of fat around the hips and the overall body shape.

If the volume of the outer hip area decreases after weight loss, an existing hip dip may become more noticeable.

The visibility of hip dips can also differ according to the proportions of the waist, pelvis, buttocks, and thighs.

Ultimately, hip dips should be understood within the overall silhouette of the lower body rather than as an isolated feature.

Can Hip Dips Be Managed Through Exercise?

Exercise is one of the first approaches many people consider for managing hip dips.

Exercises that engage the gluteal muscles—such as squats, lunges, and hip thrusts—can help develop the muscles and manage the overall hip line.

Consistent strength training may support gluteal development, physical function, and overall body-shape management.

However, it is important to distinguish between aspects that can be managed through exercise and contours primarily formed by skeletal structure.

1. Squats

Squats are a representative lower-body exercise that engages both the gluteal and thigh muscles.

Repeated flexion and extension of the hip and knee joints activate the gluteus maximus and thigh muscles.

When performed consistently with proper form and suitable intensity, squats may help improve lower-body strength and gluteal development.

2. Hip Thrusts

Hip thrusts primarily target the gluteal muscles.

The movement involves lifting the pelvis while the upper body remains supported, helping to activate the gluteus maximus.

It may be included in a workout routine intended to manage overall gluteal muscle mass and volume.

3. Side Leg Raises

This exercise involves lifting the leg while lying on one side and engaging the muscles that move the hip outward.

It can target the outer gluteal muscles, including the gluteus medius, and may support pelvic stability.

4. Banded Side Walks

This movement is performed by placing a resistance band around the knees or ankles and stepping sideways.

It can engage the outer gluteal muscles while supporting lower-body stability.

Exercise intensity and repetitions should be adjusted according to individual strength and exercise experience.

Can Exercise Alone Eliminate Hip Dips?

Exercise can help develop the gluteal muscles and manage overall hip volume.

However, exercise alone may have limitations in changing contours created by the structure of the pelvis and femur into a desired shape.

If a particular area remains indented despite consistent exercise,

it may be helpful to determine whether the concern is related to muscle development, skeletal structure, or fat distribution.

What Is Hip Dip Filler?

An approach designed to supplement volume along an indented outer hip line

Hip Dip Filler is a procedure that uses hyaluronic acid (HA) filler to supplement volume in areas that appear indented between the pelvis and thighs.

Its purpose differs from simply increasing the overall size of the buttocks.

Hip Dip Filler considers the volume of relatively hollow areas and the lateral line extending from the pelvis through the buttocks to the thighs.

At HERSHE Plastic Surgery Korea, hyaluronic acid filler is used to supplement the indented area between the pelvis and thighs.

The treatment is planned according to the individual’s skeletal structure and body shape.

Key Characteristics of Hip Dip Filler

1. Use of hyaluronic acid (HA) filler

2. Volume supplementation for the indented area between the pelvis and thighs

3. Consideration of the outer hip line and lateral silhouette

4. Design based on the individual’s skeletal structure and body shape

5. Treatment planning that considers the depth and shape of the hip dips on both sides

The important point is not to inject a large amount of filler into the hip-dip area without individual assessment.

Because the shape of the pelvis and the location and depth of hip dips differ between individuals, the required treatment area and volume should be evaluated carefully.

When May Hip Dip Filler Be Considered?

Having hip dips does not necessarily mean that filler treatment is required.

However, if you have concerns such as the following, a consultation can help determine whether Hip Dip Filler may be suitable for your body type.

1. When Indentation Along the Outer Buttocks Is the Primary Concern

This applies when the main concern is the hollow area between the lower pelvis and outer buttocks rather than the overall size of the buttocks.

2. When the Buttocks Have Sufficient Overall Volume but the Outer Line Appears Uneven

If the buttocks have sufficient volume but a particular area appears indented from the side or rear, the shape of that area can be assessed.

3. When a Specific Indentation Remains Despite Consistent Exercise

If an indentation associated with skeletal structure or fat distribution remains a concern despite gluteal exercise, other volume-supplementing approaches may be discussed during consultation.

4. When the Hip Dips Differ Between the Left and Right Sides

The pelvis, muscles, and fat distribution may differ between the two sides.

When the hip dips appear different on each side, the condition of both sides should be assessed when planning the design.

5. When the Line Extending From the Waist to the Pelvis and Buttocks Is a Concern

Rather than examining the hip-dip area in isolation, it is advisable to consider the overall silhouette extending from the waist and pelvis to the buttocks and thighs.

These characteristics do not mean that Hip Dip Filler is suitable for everyone.

Suitability should be assessed after reviewing the individual’s skeletal structure, skin, fat layer, and previous treatment history.

What Should Be Considered When Planning Hip Dip Filler?

Hip Dip Filler should not be understood simply as filling an indented area. The overall body shape and volume distribution should be considered together.

At HERSHE Plastic Surgery Korea, an individualized design is plannedby assessing not only the hip-dip area but also the overall silhouette extending across the pelvis, buttocks, and thighs.

1. Individual Skeletal Structure and Body Shape

The shape and width of the pelvis, the position of the femur, and the overall volume of the buttocks are assessed.

Even among people with hip dips, the location and depth of the indentation and the shape of the surrounding tissue can differ, making individual assessment important.

2. Left–Right Balance and Degree of Indentation

Hip dips may not appear identical on both sides.

One side may be deeper or positioned differently, so differences between the left and right sides should be considered.

3. The Line Connecting the Pelvis and Thighs

Instead of focusing only on the hip dip, the silhouette extending from the waist through the pelvis and buttocks to the thighs should be assessed together.

What matters is not simply the amount of filler but how the volume of each area is supplemented.

4. Individual Filler Volume and Treatment Plan

The same filler volume is not appropriate for every individual.

The required volume and treatment plan may vary depending on the depth and width of the hip dip, the condition of the surrounding tissue, and the desired design.

Points to Check Before Hip Dip Filler

Unlike general facial filler procedures, Hip Dip Filler involves a larger treatment area and requires consideration of both volume and anatomical structure.

Important blood vessels, nerves, and muscles are located around the buttocks and hip joints. 

A thorough consultation and appropriate safety assessment are therefore necessary before treatment.

1. Check the Product and Its Approved Use

Not all products are identical simply because they are categorized as hyaluronic acid fillers.

Ingredients, physical properties, and approved uses may differ between products. 

It is important to confirm which product will be used and its approval status in Korea.

2. Check the Treatment Area and Injection Plan

Treatment suitability and planning should be determined according to the location of the hip dip and the shape of the surrounding tissue.

The injection area, depth, and volume should be determined by the medical professional after assessing the anatomical structure and individual condition.

3. Disclose Previous Treatment History

If you have previously received buttock filler, pelvic filler, fat grafting, or another body-contouring procedure, 

inform the medical professional of the product used, treatment area, and timing as accurately as possible.

4. Understand Possible Side Effects

Swelling, bruising, pain, tenderness, asymmetry, nodules, inflammation, or infection may occur after treatment.

Although uncommon, serious complications such as vascular occlusion or tissue damage may occur. 

The potential risks and emergency-response process should be explained before treatment.

If severe pain, pale or darkened skin, sudden swelling, fever, or another unusual symptom occurs after treatment, contact a medical institution promptly for evaluation.

5. Review Post-Treatment Care Instructions

Post-treatment precautions may vary depending on the product, treatment area, and individual recovery process.

Follow the medical professional’s instructions regarding exercise, compression, posture, and other aftercare measures.

Hip dips are not simply caused by insufficient fat.

They are a natural body-shape characteristic influenced by a combination of factors, 

including the structure of the pelvis and femur, gluteal muscle development, and fat distribution.

When considering management options, it is important to distinguish between aspects that may respond to exercise and contours primarily formed by skeletal structure.

An individualized treatment plan should consider the depth, position, 

and left–right differences of the hip dips, as well as the overall body line extending from the pelvis and buttocks to the thighs.

Increasing the overall volume of the buttocks and supplementing an indentation along the outer hip line are separate concerns.

Rather than focusing on injecting a large amount of filler, it is important to identify which areas require assessment based on your current body shape.

If an uneven outer hip line or hip dips are a concern, begin by understanding your skeletal structure and body-shape characteristics.

A thorough consultation can help determine an appropriate approach among options such as exercise and medical treatment.