Hip Contouring in Istanbul

What is Hip Contouring?

Hip dips are natural inward curves below the hip bone, created by how the skin attaches to underlying structures and by the shape of the pelvis and muscles. They are a normal anatomical feature, but some women would like a smoother curve. Hip contouring addresses this through liposculpture: selective liposuction of the flanks, waist and lower back combined with fat grafting to the depressions or outer hips.

Because fat is placed in the hip area rather than the deep buttock region, the procedure differs from a Brazilian butt lift, though the two are sometimes combined. A proportion of transferred fat is always reabsorbed, and survival is variable and cannot be precisely predicted, so a second session is occasionally needed. Where hip dips are largely caused by bone structure, the degree of correction may be limited.

Who may be suitable?

• Women in good general health with a stable weight
• Sufficient donor fat in the abdomen, flanks, back or thighs
• Visible hip dips or an outline that lacks a smooth curve
• Non-smokers, as smoking impairs fat survival and healing
• Realistic expectations about fat survival and possible touch-up procedures
• Willingness to wear compression and follow aftercare instructions

What can this procedure address?

• Hip dips or indentations at the side of the hips
• Excess fat on the flanks and lower back
• A straight or undefined waist-to-hip transition
• Mild asymmetry between the two sides

Consultation & assessment

An online assessment allows you to send photographs from the front, back and side confidentially, along with your medical history. The surgeon can give an initial view of whether fat transfer is likely to help and whether you have enough donor fat.

In Istanbul, an in-person examination is carried out before surgery is confirmed. The surgeon assesses the cause of the hip dips, skin quality, donor areas and overall proportions, and discusses expected fat survival and the possibility of further sessions.

How the procedure is performed

Liposuction is performed through small incisions to remove fat from donor areas such as the flanks, abdomen or lower back, sculpting the waist at the same time. The fat is then processed to separate healthy fat cells from fluid and oil.

The purified fat is injected in small amounts through fine cannulas into the subcutaneous tissue of the hip dips or outer hips, building up the contour gradually to support fat survival. The incisions are closed and compression garments applied.

Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals.

Anaesthesia

Hip contouring is usually performed under general anaesthesia, though smaller procedures may be performed under sedation with local anaesthesia. A qualified anaesthetist manages your care, and measures to reduce clot risk are used.

Recovery timeline

1. Days 1–3

   Swelling, bruising and soreness at donor and treated areas. Gentle walking begins early.

2. Week 1

   Bruising peaks and begins to fade. Avoid pressure on the hips while sleeping where possible.

3. Weeks 2–3

   Most women return to light activity. Compression continues.

4. Week 6

   Strenuous exercise can usually resume with surgeon approval.

5. 3–6 months

   Swelling resolves and surviving fat stabilises, showing the settled contour.

What to expect during the first week

• Wear compression garments as instructed, avoiding excessive pressure on grafted areas
• Sleep on your back or as advised to avoid pressure on the hips
• Walk regularly to reduce the risk of blood clots
• Expect fluid leakage from incisions in the first day or two
• Report fever, severe pain, spreading redness or breathlessness urgently

Scars

Incisions are a few millimetres long and placed discreetly. They usually fade well over several months.

Results

A smoother hip contour and refined waist can be achieved, but the final result depends on how much fat survives. Consented before and after photographs of similar cases are reviewed during consultation. Results vary between individuals.

Results vary between individuals. Consented before-and-after images of similar cases may be reviewed with your specialist during consultation — before & after

How long do results last?

Fat that survives after the first few months behaves like normal fat and can be long-lasting, but it will change with weight gain or loss and natural ageing.

Potential risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and individual risks with you before you decide whether to proceed.

• Variable fat survival, with some or much of the transferred fat being reabsorbed
• Contour irregularities, lumps or asymmetry
• Fat necrosis or oil cysts, which may feel firm
• Infection at donor or grafted sites
• Seroma or haematoma
• Altered or reduced skin sensation
• Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
• Fat embolism, a rare but serious risk of any fat grafting procedure
• Need for a second fat transfer session

Choosing a surgeon

• Choose a plastic surgeon with specialist training, registered with the Turkish Medical Association, and verify membership of relevant plastic surgery societies
• Ask about the surgeon’s experience with liposculpture and fat transfer to the hips specifically
• Review consented before and after photographs of similar cases, remembering that results vary between individuals
• Confirm surgery will be performed in a private hospital where the surgeon holds privileges
• Ensure there is a clear aftercare plan and remote follow-up once you return home

Our specialists

Hip Contouring in Istanbul

Most surgeons recommend staying around 7–10 days after hip contouring, allowing for early review and clearance to fly. If hip contouring is combined with a BBL or other procedures, a longer stay is usually advised.

Women travel to Istanbul for hip contouring because of experienced plastic surgeons and modern private hospitals with coordinated international patient care. Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals.

The cost of hip contouring in Turkey depends on the surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, the number of liposuction areas, combined procedures, hospital stay, compression garments and accommodation. A personalised written quote follows assessment. Choose your surgeon and hospital based on medical quality, not price alone.

Costs depend on your surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity and any combined procedures — see treatment costs in Turkey.

Your hospital

Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals. Your written treatment plan confirms the hospital before you travel. Hospitals & Facilities

Aftercare when you return home

• Continue wearing compression for as long as advised
• Avoid prolonged pressure on the grafted hip areas in the early weeks
• Maintain a stable weight to protect the result
• Resume exercise gradually after clearance
• Contact your coordinator or a local doctor promptly if you notice signs of infection or a clot

Our aftercare pathway