Hip Dip Fat Transfer in St. Louis, Missouri | Natural Hip Contouring by Dr. Samer Cabbabe

Smooth, Sculpted Curves With Hip Dip Fat Transfer

Hip dip fat transfer—also known as hip dip correction, hip dip surgery, or fat grafting to the hips—is a targeted body-contouring procedure that fills the natural indentation along the side of the hips to create a smoother, more feminine silhouette.

Unlike a full Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), which generally refers to a procedure incorporating 360 liposuction and comprehensive sculpting of the waist, hips, thighs and buttocks, a hip dip transfer focuses specifically on restoring volume where it is needed most.  Most of these hip dip procedures are not done with 360 liposuction, but rather with tummy tuck surgery.

Dr. Samer Cabbabe, a nationally recognized expert in advanced body contouring, performs hip dip enhancement for patients who want a rounder shape without dramatically enlarging or reshaping the entire buttock.

What Is Hip Dip Fat Transfer?

Hip dip fat transfer uses your own purified fat—harvested through liposuction—to fill the “violin hips” or indentation between the hip bone and the upper thigh. This area can be genetic and is often resistant to diet, exercise, or weight changes.

This highly specialized procedure is ideal for women who want:

• A smoother hourglass shape
• More feminine hip curves
• Correction of hip asymmetry
• A natural alternative to synthetic hip fillers
• Subtle improvement without a full BBL

Since your own fat is used, results are natural and long-lasting.

Hip Dip Fat Transfer vs. Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

While both procedures involve fat grafting, they differ in scope and goals:

Hip Dip Fat Transfer

• Focuses on filling the lateral hip indentation
• Does not reshape the upper or lower buttocks unless combined with 360° liposuction
• Ideal for patients wanting subtle, localized enhancement
• Commonly added during a standard tummy tuck when 360° liposuction is not planned

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

• Includes comprehensive buttock, waist, hip and thigh reshaping
• Enhances hip dips, lower buttocks, upper buttocks, and waist
• Provides the most dramatic hourglass transformation
• Usually performed with 360° liposuction

Patients who want contour improvement without a full BBL or 360 liposuction, often choose hip dip fat transfer as a more conservative, natural-looking option.

Why Dr. Cabbabe for Hip Dip Contouring in St. Louis?

Dr. Cabbabe is internationally recognized for his high-volume body contouring practice, advanced fat-grafting techniques, and focus on safety. He routinely combines procedures such as:

• Tummy tuck with hip dip fat transfer
• 360° liposuction with hip and buttock shaping
• Hip dip correction after weight loss

His approach prioritizes proportion, natural shape, and long-term results.

Many bariatric and general surgeons refer their patients to Dr. Cabbabe due to his expertise in complex and revision body contouring.

Is Hip Dip Fat Transfer Safe?

Yes—hip dip fat transfer is very safe when performed by an experienced, high-volume surgeon who follows modern safety standards. Unfortunately, many patients are told the procedure is “not safe” by surgeons who lack experience, confidence, or the technical skill to perform fat grafting correctly. This often reflects the surgeon’s limitations—not the procedure itself.

Early generations of gluteal fat grafting involved placing fat into the gluteal muscle, which increased the risk of fat embolism. Once this risk was fully understood, the international plastic surgery community established strict safety guidelines recommending that fat only be injected into the subcutaneous layer above the muscle, where it is safe.

Dr. Samer Cabbabe has been performing fat transfer procedures daily for years, and he adheres strictly to these modern safety principles. He:

• Injects all fat into the safe subcutaneous plane
• Uses precise cannula positioning
• Maintains low-pressure, controlled fat injection
• Ensures continuous visualization of the cannula tip
• Utilizes advanced, lymphatic-sparing technique

This combination of experience, high volume, and modern technique makes the procedure exceptionally safe in the right hands.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Cabbabe will:

• Evaluate your hip and buttock anatomy
• Assess available fat for transfer
• Determine whether a standalone hip dip fat transfer or combined procedure (ex: tummy tuck, 360° liposuction) is best
• Review realistic expectations and results
• Customize a surgical plan that fits your goals and body type

Your plan is individualized based on volume needed, desired shape, and your natural proportions.

Recovery After Hip Dip Fat Transfer

Most patients experience:

• Mild swelling
• Temporary soreness in both donor and injection areas
• A short period of activity modification to protect the transferred fat

Because hip dip fat transfer uses smaller volumes than a full BBL, recovery is generally easier.

Specific pressure off-loading is recommended with pillows for up to 6 weeks for maximal results.

Return to exercise is possible within about 3 weeks

Am I a Good Candidate for Hip Dip Fat Transfer?

Ideal candidates include:

• Women with visible hip dips or “violin hips”
• Patients undergoing a tummy tuck who want added contouring
• Individuals with excess fat available for harvesting
• Those seeking a natural, long-lasting solution (unlike temporary fillers)

Patients desiring dramatic waist-to-hip reshaping may be better suited for a combined 360° liposuction + BBL approach.

Schedule Your Hip Dip Fat Transfer Consultation in St. Louis

If you want smoother curves, better hip contours, or subtle enhancement without a full Brazilian Butt Lift, hip dip fat transfer may be the perfect option.

Dr. Samer Cabbabe is one of the most experienced body-contouring surgeons in the region and offers fully customized surgical plans.

Contact our St. Louis office today to schedule your consultation.