Hip Dip Fat Grafting in Seoul: A Smoother Hip Contour
The short answer
Hip dip fat grafting fills the inward curve just below the hip bone with your own fat, taken by gentle liposuction from the waist, flanks or thighs, for a smoother side profile. In Gangnam it typically costs about KRW 4–8 million, takes 2–3 hours, and about 50–70% of the fat usually survives long-term, so a touch-up is sometimes needed. Plan about 7–10 days in Seoul.
Key facts
- What it treats: Visible hip dips (violin hips)
- Typical cost in Gangnam: About KRW 4–8 million
- Procedure time: About 2–3 hours
- Anesthesia: Sedation or general
- Donor areas: Waist, flanks, abdomen, thighs
- Fat survival: About 50–70%
- Recommended stay: About 7–10 days
How fat grafting smooths hip dips
Hip dips are inward curves just below the hip bone, between the upper hip and the top of the thigh. They come from the shape of your pelvis and the attachment of the skin to deeper tissue there, as well as how fat is spread around the hips and thighs, so diet and exercise rarely change them. They are a completely normal feature, and some people simply want a smoother outline.
Fat is removed by gentle liposuction, cleaned, and injected in many thin layers into the dip so each droplet can pick up a blood supply. Sometimes the tethering bands under the dip are released with a fine instrument so the fat can lift the skin evenly. About 50–70% of the fat survives long-term and the rest is absorbed, so a touch-up is sometimes needed. Taking the fat from the waist or flanks also slims those areas, which adds to the curve.
Most often chosen for and combined with
- Visible hip dips in fitted clothing or swimwear
- An uneven side profile from waist to thigh
- Wanting a curvier silhouette without implants
It is commonly combined with flank and waist liposuction and sometimes buttock fat grafting. Our page on fat transfer explains the technique for other areas.
The procedure, step by step
Harvest the fat
Standing, the surgeon marks the dips and donor areas. Fat is harvested with low pressure to protect the cells.
Process and graft
The fat is purified and injected in small strands into the subcutaneous layer of the dip, fanning in several directions.
Where the fat is taken and placed
Tiny ports at the donor sites and one or two small entry points near each hip.
How the marks heal over 12 months
Port marks are small dark dots that usually fade to pale points within a year.
Recovery timeline
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Soreness and bruising at donor sites |
| Weeks 1–2 | Avoid sleeping on your sides or tight waistbands over the hips |
| Weeks 2–6 | Swelling falls; some volume loss expected |
| Months 3–6 | Stable result; touch-up if needed |
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have spare fat in the waist, flanks or thighs
- Want a natural, moderate change
- Accept that a second session might be needed
Another option may suit you better if
- You have very little fat to harvest
- You want a temporary trial: some clinics offer hip dip filler, which is not permanent
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about uneven absorption, lumps or oil cysts, asymmetry between hips, infection and contour irregularities at donor sites. Ask how much volume is planned for each side.
Hip dip fat grafting cost in Seoul
Typical Gangnam quotes are KRW 4–8 million including harvest. See hip dip fat grafting clinics in Seoul.
Hip dip fat grafting vs. fat transfer
| Hip dip grafting | General fat transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Target | The dip below the hip bone | Any area (buttocks, breasts, face) |
| Volume | Smaller, precise | Varies widely |
| Typical cost | KRW 4–8 million | KRW 3–10 million |
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Can exercise fix hip dips?
Usually not, because hip dips are mainly caused by bone structure and how the skin is anchored.
Is the result permanent?
The fat that survives after about 3 months is generally permanent, but it changes with your weight.
How many sessions will I need?
Many patients need one; some choose a second session after 3–6 months.
Can I sleep on my side?
Most surgeons advise avoiding side sleeping for about 2 weeks.
Is filler an alternative?
Body filler can temporarily fill hip dips, but it is not permanent and costs add up with repeat sessions.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and usually reply with free quotes within 24 hours.