Fat Transfer for Hip Dips

surgery

How Fat Transfer Works for Hip Dips

Fat transfer (also called fat grafting or lipofilling) is a two-part surgical procedure. First, fat is harvested from a donor area using liposuction. Second, the harvested fat is purified and injected into the trochanteric depression in multiple passes. Common donor sites are the abdomen, flanks, lower back, and thighs.

The Procedure Step by Step

Step 1: Harvesting

The surgeon makes small incisions (2-4mm) at the donor site. A cannula attached to a vacuum removes fat cells. The goal is to harvest enough fat to fill the depression — typically 100-300cc per side, though this varies by dip size. More fat is harvested than needed because some will be lost during purification and some will resorb after transfer.

Step 2: Purification

The harvested fat is processed to remove blood, oil, and damaged cells. Centrifugation or filtration separates viable fat cells from waste. Only healthy, intact fat cells are used for transfer — damaged cells will not survive in the new location.

Step 3: Injection

The purified fat is loaded into small syringes and injected through a blunt cannula into multiple layers of the trochanteric depression. The surgeon makes multiple passes, depositing tiny droplets of fat throughout the area. This technique maximizes the surface area for blood vessel growth, which is how the fat develops a blood supply and survives long-term.

Fat Retention Rates

The central uncertainty of fat transfer: not all transferred fat survives. Typical retention is 60-80%, meaning you keep roughly two-thirds to four-fifths of what was injected. Factors affecting retention: surgeon technique (blunt cannula, small droplets, multiple passes = higher retention), post-operative care (avoiding pressure on the area for 4-6 weeks), and individual healing factors (smokers have lower retention, younger patients tend to retain more).

Recovery Timeline

  • Days 1-3: Significant pain at the donor site. Pain medication required. Most patients cannot return to work.
  • Days 4-7: Pain manageable with medication. Sitting is uncomfortable. Compression garments worn continuously.
  • Weeks 1-2: Return to office work if job permits standing and movement. No exercise.
  • Weeks 4-6: Gradual return to exercise. Compression garments typically discontinued.
  • Months 3-6: Final result. Surviving fat is now permanently yours.

Cost

$8,000-$20,000 total. Typical: $12,000-$15,000. Includes surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility fee, compression garments, and follow-up. One revision is typically included at reduced cost (facility/anesthesia only).