Quick answer: BBL hip dips surgery is a Brazilian Butt Lift that also fills the hollows on the sides of your hips with your own fat. Liposuction takes fat from the waist, back and tummy. The surgeon then places it in the buttocks and the hip dips. In Turkey it costs from $5,290 all-inclusive. Surgery takes 4–6 hours, you stay 7–10 days and most people return to desk work in 2–3 weeks.
| Key fact | BBL for hip dips at BBL Turkey |
| Price from | $5,290 all-inclusive (Standard package) |
| Typical UK price | £14,000–£18,000 |
| Typical US price | $18,000–$25,000 |
| Surgery time | 4–6 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Hospital nights | 1–2 nights |
| Stay in Turkey | 7–10 days |
| Back to desk work | 2–3 weeks |
| Final results | 3–6 months |
Many people who come to us for a BBL say the same thing. They like their bottom, but the dent below the hip bone breaks the line of their figure. A BBL alone can make the bottom fuller. It does not always fix that dent. That is why we plan BBL hip dips treatment as one joined-up operation. The aim is a smooth curve from the waist, over the hip and down to the thigh.
What are hip dips and why do you have them?
Hip dips are inward curves on the outer side of the hips, just below the hip bone. They are normal. Most people have them to some degree. Doctors call the area the trochanteric depression, after the bony bump at the top of the thigh bone.
The bones set the shape
Your pelvis and thigh bone (femur) form a frame. The top of the pelvis sits high. The top of the femur sits lower and further out. Between the two there is a small gap. How wide your pelvis is, how long the neck of the femur is and where the bones sit all change how deep that gap looks. Some people have a wide, high pelvis and a short femur neck. Their hip dips are often more visible.
Fat and muscle fill in the rest
The second factor is how your body stores fat. Some bodies store fat on the upper hip and the outer thigh, but not in the gap between them. That makes the dip stand out more. In this spot the skin is also tied down to deeper tissue by firm bands. These bands pull the skin inward, a bit like a button on a sofa.
Hip dips are not a defect
It is worth saying clearly: hip dips are not a flaw and not a health problem. They are a normal part of human shape. Many people like them. Others simply prefer a rounder line. Surgery is a personal choice, never a need. Because the shape comes from bone, diet and exercise rarely change it much. Losing weight can even make the dips look deeper.
Gym work can build the gluteus medius muscle on the side of the hip. This may soften a mild dip a little. It cannot move bone. If you have tried training for a year or more and still dislike the shape, a surgical option may be worth a talk with a surgeon.
What is BBL for hip dips?
BBL for hip dips is a Brazilian Butt Lift that adds a second target: the hollow on each side of the hips. It uses your own fat, taken by liposuction, so there is no implant. The result is one smooth curve rather than a full bottom with a dent above it.
A standard BBL with Lipo 360 focuses on the buttocks. It adds volume and lift to the back and lower part of the bottom. The hip dip sits more to the side, so it needs its own plan. In BBL hip dips surgery the surgeon maps the dip, releases the bands that hold the skin down and then fills the space with fine threads of fat.
How hip dip fat transfer works
Hip dip fat transfer has three stages. First, the surgeon removes fat from areas where you have extra, such as the waist, flanks, back and tummy. Second, the fat is cleaned and prepared so only healthy fat cells are used. Third, the fat is injected in small amounts into the layer under the skin, in the hip dips and in the buttocks.
The liposuction part matters too. Slimming the waist and lower back makes the hips look wider by contrast. In many patients this effect does as much for the shape as the fat that goes into the hips.
Why combine it with a BBL?
Most people who dislike their hip dips also want more shape at the back. Doing both together means one anaesthetic, one hospital stay and one recovery. It also lets the surgeon plan the whole outline at once. The hip and the buttock are shaped to flow into each other. Doing them months apart can leave a step where the two areas meet.
Very slim patients with little spare fat may suit a Skinny BBL, which can still include modest filling of the hips. Your surgeon will tell you which plan fits your body.
Who is a good candidate for BBL hip dips?
The best candidate has visible hip dips, enough spare fat for both the hips and the buttocks, and good general health. Realistic goals matter as much as body shape.
You may be a good candidate if you
- Have hip dips that have not changed with diet or exercise
- Have spare fat on the tummy, waist, flanks, back or thighs
- Have a body mass index (BMI) roughly between 21 and 32
- Have kept a stable weight for at least six months
- Do not smoke, or can stop all nicotine for four weeks before and after surgery
- Are in good health, with any long-term conditions well controlled
- Want a smoother line, not a total change of your bone structure
Who should not have this surgery
- People with very little body fat, who may not have enough to fill both areas
- Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy within a year
- People with blood clotting problems or a past history of clots, unless cleared by a specialist
- People with uncontrolled diabetes, heart or lung disease
- Anyone with a BMI well above 32, where the risks of surgery rise
- Anyone who expects the bony outline of the hip to disappear completely
If you are not sure, send us photos from the front, side and back. A surgeon will look at your fat reserves and the depth of your dips. You will get an honest view, even if that view is that surgery is not right for you yet.
How is hip dip BBL surgery performed?
Hip dip BBL surgery takes 4–6 hours under general anaesthesia. It has six main steps: marking, liposuction, fat preparation, release of the hip dips, fat grafting and closure. Each step is done in a JCI-accredited theatre with a consultant anaesthetist.
Step 1: Marking while you stand
On the morning of surgery, your surgeon marks your body while you stand. Hip dips look different when you lie down, so standing marks show the true shape. The surgeon draws the depth and size of each dip, the zones of the buttocks and the areas for liposuction. Photos are taken from several angles.
Step 2: Liposuction and waist shaping
Once you are asleep, the surgeon makes a few small cuts, each a few millimetres long. Through these, a thin tube called a cannula removes fat from the tummy, waist, flanks and back. Our team often uses power-assisted or VASER methods. The goal is not just to collect fat. It is to carve a slimmer waist that makes the hips stand out.
Step 3: Cleaning the fat
The fat is filtered and washed to remove fluid, blood and damaged cells. Only healthy fat goes back in. Clean, well-handled fat has a better chance of surviving.
Step 4: Releasing the hip dips
Through a tiny cut near each hip, the surgeon uses a fine, blunt tool to gently free the bands that hold the skin down. This step is key. If the bands are left tight, the fat can push around them and the dip may come back. Freeing them lets the skin lift and the fat spread evenly.
Step 5: Grafting fat into the hips and buttocks
The surgeon injects fat in many thin threads, layer by layer. In the buttocks, all fat goes into the layer under the skin, never into or under the muscle. Our surgeons use real-time ultrasound to check the cannula position. In the hips, the fat is laid into the hollow and blended with the upper hip and outer thigh, so there is no clear edge.
Step 6: Closing and compression
The small cuts are closed with fine stitches. You wake up in a compression garment. It supports the liposuction areas and is designed not to press hard on the new fat in your hips. You are watched closely in recovery before moving to your room.
How much fat goes into each hip dip?
Most hip dips need about 100–300cc of fat per side. That is extra to the fat used for the buttocks. A shallow dip may need less. A deep one may need more, or a second session later.
To picture it, 100cc is a little less than half a mug of tea. The amount you need depends on three things: how deep the dip is, how loose the skin becomes once the bands are freed, and how much fat you can spare. The surgeon also adds a little extra, because some of the fat will not survive.
Sharing the fat between the hips and buttocks
Your fat is a limited supply. Every cc in the hips is a cc that does not go into the buttocks. Your surgeon will plan the split with you before surgery. Some patients care most about the hips. Others want more projection at the back. A clear talk before the day makes sure the fat goes where it matters to you.
| Area | Typical fat per side | Main goal |
| Hip dips | About 100–300cc | Fill the hollow and smooth the side curve |
| Buttocks | Planned per patient | Add volume, roundness and lift |
| Waist, flanks, back | Fat removed, not added | Slim the waist to boost the hourglass shape |
What results can you expect from BBL hip dips?
Most patients see a smoother, rounder hip line and a fuller bottom. The change from waist to thigh looks more like one curve. Final results take 3–6 months to show, once swelling settles and the fat that will survive has a blood supply.
What you will see and when
Right after surgery, the hips and bottom look bigger than the final result. This is swelling plus the extra fat added to allow for losses. Over the first three months, some fat is reabsorbed and the swelling goes down. By month six the shape is usually close to final. You can view real patient results in our BBL before and after gallery.
How long do the results last?
Fat that is still there after about six months has formed a blood supply. It behaves like the rest of your body fat and is long-lasting. It will grow if you gain weight and shrink if you lose weight. Keeping a stable weight is the best way to protect your new shape. Pregnancy and ageing can also change your figure over time.
Honest limits: bone and fat survival
There are two main limits. The first is bone. Fat can fill the soft tissue over a bony gap, but it cannot change the bone. A very deep dip caused by a wide pelvis may be softened a lot, yet still show a slight curve. The second is fat survival, often called fat take. Not all grafted fat lives. The hip area can lose a bit more than the buttocks, because the skin there is tighter and moves a lot.
Because of this, a small number of patients choose a top-up fat transfer after 12 months. It is usually shorter and simpler than the first operation. We will always tell you if we think this may be needed before you book. Results vary between people, and no surgeon can promise an exact outcome.
What is BBL hip dips recovery like, week by week?
Recovery from BBL hip dips surgery is much like a standard BBL, with extra care for the hips. Expect 1–2 nights in hospital, about a week of rest in Istanbul, desk work after 2–3 weeks and full exercise after about six weeks.
Days 1–2: in hospital
You will feel sore and tired. Nurses manage your pain and help you walk within hours of surgery. Walking early helps prevent blood clots. Swelling and bruising on the hips, back and waist are normal. Your surgeon checks you before you leave.
Days 3–7: at your hotel
You rest at a 5-star hotel near the clinic. Your coordinator checks in every day. You have lymphatic drainage massages to ease swelling. Try to sleep on your front. Side sleeping presses on the hips and can harm the new fat, so avoid it for now. Sitting is limited, so use your BBL pillow when you must sit.
Week 2: flying home
After a final surgeon review, most people fly home between day 7 and day 10. Wear your garment and compression socks on the plane. Walk the aisle every hour if you can, and drink plenty of water. Read our BBL Turkey travel guide for tips on the trip home.
Weeks 3–6: back to normal life
Most people return to desk work after 2–3 weeks. Keep wearing your garment as advised. Light walks are good. Avoid gym work, heavy lifting and side sleeping until your surgeon says it is safe. This is usually around six weeks.
Months 2–6: the shape settles
Swelling keeps going down. The hips may feel firm at first and then soften. Some fat is reabsorbed during this time. By month three you will have a good idea of the result. By month six the shape is usually close to final. For more detail, see our full BBL recovery timeline.
| Time after surgery | What to expect | Key do's and don'ts |
| Days 1–2 | Hospital stay, soreness, swelling | Walk early; do not sit on your bottom |
| Days 3–7 | Hotel rest, massages, surgeon check | Sleep on your front; avoid side sleeping |
| Days 7–10 | Fit to fly home | Wear compression; walk on the plane |
| Weeks 2–3 | Back to desk work for most | Use your BBL pillow when sitting |
| Week 6 | Most limits lifted | Return to the gym if your surgeon agrees |
| Months 3–6 | Final shape appears | Keep a stable weight |
Tips that help the fat survive
- Do not smoke or vape for at least four weeks after surgery. Nicotine shrinks blood vessels.
- Avoid pressure on the hips and buttocks in the first weeks.
- Eat enough protein and drink plenty of water.
- Do not try to lose weight fast in the first months.
- Go to all your massage sessions and video follow-ups.
What are the risks of hip dip BBL surgery?
Hip dip BBL surgery is major surgery, and every operation carries risk. The most serious risk of any fat transfer to the buttocks is fat embolism. Other risks include seroma, infection, uneven results, fat loss, blood clots and lumpy contours.
Fat embolism and how we reduce the risk
Fat embolism happens when fat enters a large vein and travels to the lungs. It is rare but can be fatal. Research has linked it to fat injected into or under the gluteal muscle, where large veins run. For this reason, safety groups such as the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons advise that fat should go only into the layer under the skin.
Our surgeons follow this advice. All buttock fat is placed in the subcutaneous layer only, never in the muscle. They use blunt cannulas and check the position with real-time ultrasound. The hip dips sit away from the large gluteal veins, but the same under-the-skin rule applies there too.
Other risks to know about
- Seroma: a pocket of fluid under the skin. It may need draining with a needle.
- Infection: reduced by sterile technique and antibiotics. Watch for redness, heat or fever.
- Asymmetry: the two hips may not match exactly. Small differences are common in all bodies.
- Fat resorption: some of the fat will be lost. The hips may need a top-up later.
- Contour irregularity: small lumps, dents or ridges. Many settle with time and massage.
- Blood clots (DVT and PE): a clot in the leg can travel to the lungs. Early walking, compression and, when needed, blood thinners lower this risk.
- Scars and numbness: the small cuts leave tiny scars. Some skin may feel numb for a few months.
The NHS has helpful advice on cosmetic surgery abroad, and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons also shares guidance for patients. We encourage you to read both. Our own guide, Is a BBL in Turkey safe?, lists the questions to ask any clinic.
How much does BBL hip dips surgery cost in Turkey?
BBL hip dips cost in Turkey starts at $5,290 for our Standard package. Premium is $6,290 and Ultimate is $7,790. Each price is all-inclusive and fixed in writing before you travel. In the UK the same surgery usually costs £14,000–£18,000, and in the US $18,000–$25,000.
BBL hip dips cost by package
| Package | Price | Hospital nights | Hotel nights | Best for |
| Standard | $5,290 | 1 | 5 | Patients who want the core package |
| Premium (most popular) | $6,290 | 2 | 7 | More recovery time, extra massages and a translator |
| Ultimate | $7,790 | 2 | 9 | A hotel suite with a companion, nurse visits and the most aftercare |
What is included in the price
Every package covers the surgery, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, hospital stay, pre-op blood tests and ECG, and a 5-star hotel. It also covers VIP transfers, compression garments, medication and lymphatic massages. You get a 24/7 English-speaking coordinator and 12 months of remote aftercare by video. Premium and Ultimate add a BBL pillow, more massages and a personal translator.
What is not included
Flights are not included, so you can book the times and airline that suit you. Travel insurance, meals outside the hotel breakfast and any personal extras are also not included. If you want a longer stay or extra nights for a friend, your coordinator can add them.
Compare BBL hip dips cost with other countries
The interactive price comparison engine on this page compares the cost of BBL hip dips in Turkey with 16 European and North American countries. You can see how the Turkey package stacks up against home, side by side. For all our packages and add-ons, visit our BBL Turkey prices page.
Why is it cheaper in Turkey?
Lower costs in Turkey come from lower rent, staff costs and hospital fees, not from cutting corners. Our surgeons are ISAPS members who work in JCI-accredited hospitals. The large number of body contouring cases they do each year also keeps costs down. A 30% deposit secures your date, and the rest is paid on arrival.
How do you choose a surgeon for BBL for hip dips?
Choose a qualified plastic surgeon who does BBL for hip dips often, uses ultrasound-guided fat transfer, works in an accredited hospital and shows real results. Do not choose on price alone.
Questions to ask any clinic
- Is the surgeon a fully trained plastic surgeon and a member of ISAPS or a national society?
- How many BBL and hip dip procedures do they perform each year?
- Do they inject fat only under the skin, and do they use ultrasound to check?
- Is the hospital accredited, with an intensive care unit on site?
- Who will do the surgery from start to finish?
- What aftercare do you get once you are home?
- Can you see before and after photos of patients with a body like yours?
Our guide on how to choose a BBL surgeon in Turkey covers each point in more depth.
Our surgeons
Your operation is planned and performed by one of the specialist plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons on our surgical team in Istanbul. You can read each surgeon's training and qualifications on their profile, and you meet your surgeon on a video call before you book and in person before surgery. You can read all their profiles on our surgeons page.
Hip dips Turkey: why do patients travel to Istanbul?
Patients choose to treat hip dips in Turkey for three main reasons: lower prices, experienced surgeons and complete packages. Istanbul is also a short flight from most of Europe.
Why BBL Turkey
We have helped more than 4,500 patients from 65+ countries over 15+ years. Our patients rate us 4.9 out of 5 from more than 1,200 reviews. We focus on BBL and body contouring, so our team does these operations every week.
- ISAPS-member surgeons who follow safe fat transfer guidance
- JCI-accredited hospitals with consultant anaesthetists and intensive care
- Fixed, all-inclusive prices with no hidden extras
- 5-star hotel and VIP transfers, so you do not need to plan a thing
- 24/7 English-speaking coordinator from your first message to your flight home
- 12 months of remote aftercare by video once you are back home
What are the alternatives to BBL for hip dips?
The main alternatives to BBL for hip dips are hip implants, injectable fillers and targeted exercise. Each has pros and cons. For most people with enough spare fat, a fat transfer gives the most natural result.
Hip implants
Hip implants are solid silicone shapes placed through a cut on the side of the hip. They can fill a dip in people with very little fat. They also give a fixed, predictable volume. The downsides are real. Implants can move, feel firm or show an edge. The risk of infection and of fluid pockets is higher than with fat. If something goes wrong, they may need to be removed. They also do not slim the waist.
Injectable fillers
Some clinics use fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, to fill hip dips without surgery. There is no general anaesthetic and little downtime. However, large areas need a lot of product, so the cost adds up. Most fillers fade within months to a couple of years, so you would need repeat sessions. Lumps, infection and filler moving are possible. Some permanent fillers have caused serious problems and are best avoided.
Exercise
Training the side hip and glute muscles is healthy and free. It can soften a mild dip a little. It cannot change bone shape, so it rarely removes a clear dip.
Hip dip fat transfer vs implants vs fillers
| Option | How it works | How long it lasts | Main pros | Main cons |
| Hip dip fat transfer with BBL | Your own fat, moved by liposuction | Long-lasting once settled | Natural feel; slims the waist; shapes the buttocks too | Needs spare fat; some fat is lost; general anaesthetic |
| Hip implants | Silicone shape placed under the tissue | Long-term, may need removal | Fixed volume; works with little fat | Can move or show edges; higher infection risk; feels firmer |
| Fillers | Injected gel | Usually months to a couple of years | No surgery; quick | Repeat costs; lumps; product can move |
| Exercise | Builds side hip muscles | As long as you keep training | Free and healthy | Cannot change bone; small effect |
BBL hip dips vs other body contouring options
BBL hip dips is one of several body contouring plans we offer. The right one depends on your fat, your shape and your goals.
| Procedure | Best for | Treats hip dips? |
| BBL for hip dips | Clear hip dips plus a wish for more shape at the back | Yes, as a main goal |
| BBL with Lipo 360 | Fuller bottom and slimmer waist, happy hips | Only if planned in |
| Skinny BBL | Slim patients with little spare fat | Modest filling only |
| 360 liposuction | Slimming the waist and back without fat transfer | No |
| Mommy makeover | Tummy, breast and body changes after pregnancy | Can be added |
| BBL revision | Fixing an earlier BBL, including untreated dips | Yes, if needed |
If you had a BBL elsewhere and your hip dips were not treated, a revision can often add fat to the hips. Send us your photos and your original surgery notes for a plan.
How should you prepare for BBL hip dips surgery?
Good preparation makes surgery safer and helps the fat survive. Start four to six weeks before your trip.
- Stop all nicotine, including vapes and patches, at least four weeks before surgery.
- Keep your weight stable. Do not crash diet.
- Tell us about all medicines and supplements. Some, like aspirin and fish oil, can raise bleeding risk.
- Stop the contraceptive pill or HRT only if your doctor advises it, as these can raise clot risk.
- Plan for help at home for the first week after you return.
- Buy loose clothes and a BBL pillow if your package does not include one.
You can find answers to more general questions on our FAQ page.
Hip dips Turkey: common myths and the facts
There is a lot of mixed advice online about hip dips. Here are the myths we hear most, with the facts.
Myth: hip dips mean you are overweight or unfit
Fact: hip dips are about bone shape. Very fit, slim athletes often have them. Weight and fitness change how they look, but they do not cause them.
Myth: the right workout will remove them
Fact: building the side hip muscles can soften a mild dip. No workout can change the shape of your pelvis or thigh bone. If a plan promises to erase hip dips in weeks, be wary.
Myth: a BBL always fixes hip dips
Fact: a BBL that only fills the buttocks may leave the dip in place. The hollow needs its own plan, with release of the tight bands and careful grafting. Ask any surgeon how they will treat the hips, not just the bottom.
Myth: cheaper surgery abroad is always less safe
Fact: safety depends on the surgeon, the hospital and the method, not the country. Many patients who look into hip dips Turkey options find ISAPS-member surgeons and JCI-accredited hospitals at a lower price. The key is to check credentials, ask about fat placement and avoid any clinic that will not answer clearly.
What happens at your free BBL hip dips consultation?
Your consultation is free, online and has no obligation. It is the first step to see if BBL hip dips surgery is right for you.
What we ask you to send
- Photos of your body from the front, back and both sides, standing straight
- A photo of each side with your hands on your head, so the hips are clear
- Your height, weight and age
- Any medical conditions, past surgery and the medicines you take
- What you want to change most: the hips, the bottom, the waist or all three
What you get back
A surgeon looks at the depth of your hip dips and where you carry spare fat. Within 24 hours you get a personal plan. It shows which areas would be treated, a rough split of fat between the hips and buttocks, the package that suits you and a fixed price. If we think fat transfer will not give you the result you want, we will say so. We may suggest another option, or waiting until your weight is stable.
Questions you can ask us
Ask anything. Common questions are how deep your dips are, how much fat you have, whether you may need a top-up and which surgeon will treat you. You can also ask to see results from patients with a similar body shape.
How do you look after your result long term?
The fat that settles in your hips is yours for good, so caring for it means caring for your body as a whole.
- Keep your weight steady. Big swings change the size of the grafted fat, just like fat elsewhere.
- Stay active. Regular exercise keeps your shape firm once your surgeon clears you.
- Avoid smoking. It harms healing and skin quality for years, not just weeks.
- Protect your scars. Use sun cream on the small scars for the first year so they fade well.
- Keep in touch. Send progress photos at one, three and six months during your 12 months of remote aftercare.
If you plan a pregnancy in the future, it is wise to wait at least a year after surgery. Pregnancy can change the hips, waist and buttocks. Your result may still look good afterwards, but some people choose a small touch-up later.
Key takeaways
- Hip dips come from the shape of your pelvis and thigh bone and the way your body stores fat. They are normal, not a defect.
- BBL hip dips surgery uses your own fat to fill the hollows and shape the buttocks in one 4–6 hour operation.
- Most hip dips need about 100–300cc of fat per side, on top of the fat used for the buttocks.
- Results take 3–6 months to settle. Bone shape and fat survival set the limits, and a top-up is sometimes needed.
- Our surgeons inject fat only under the skin, guided by ultrasound, to reduce the risk of fat embolism.
- BBL hip dips cost in Turkey starts from $5,290 all-inclusive, compared with £14,000–£18,000 in the UK.
Ready to find out what BBL for hip dips could do for you? Send us your photos for a free online consultation. A surgeon will review them and you will get a personal plan and a fixed quote within 24 hours.