Hip dips — the subtle inward curves just below the hip bone — are one of the more frustrating aesthetic concerns precisely because no amount of diet or exercise will fully eliminate them. They're structural. But non-surgical filler injections, primarily Sculptra, can significantly reduce their appearance and create a smoother, more rounded hip contour — without surgery or fat grafting.
A hip dip (also called a trochanteric depression or violin hips) is the indentation that appears between the iliac crest — the upper ridge of your hip bone — and the greater trochanter, the bony protrusion at the top of the femur. In most people, this area has relatively thin soft tissue coverage: less fat, less muscle, and a natural anatomical concavity.
Because the depression is determined largely by bone structure — specifically the angle of your femur and the width of your iliac crest — it's present across all body types and fitness levels. Exercises like squats, lunges, and side leg raises can build the gluteus medius muscle beneath the depression, which minimizes its appearance, but they cannot eliminate the structural indentation. For that, adding volume directly to the area is the most effective approach.
Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid, or PLLA) is the most widely used injectable for hip augmentation because of how it works: rather than simply filling the space with a gel, it stimulates your body to produce its own collagen in the treated area. Over 2–3 months, the collagen builds gradually, filling the trochanteric depression with natural tissue. Learn more about how Sculptra works in our full Sculptra guide.
For hip dips, the benefits of Sculptra's mechanism are meaningful:
For patients who want to see immediate improvement while Sculptra builds over time, some injectors recommend combining Sculptra with a small amount of a volumizing HA filler — such as Juvederm Voluma or Radiesse — placed in the same session.
The HA filler or Radiesse provides immediate visible correction, while Sculptra lays the foundation for longer-term collagen growth. This combination approach is particularly useful for patients with more significant hip dip depth, or those who want to see results right away rather than waiting the 8–12 weeks for full Sculptra effects.
Not every patient needs the combination approach — your provider will assess the depth of the depression and your goals during consultation and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
The number of Sculptra vials and sessions required depends on the depth of the hip dip and your body composition. A general framework:
Sculptra is always discussed and planned at your initial consultation. Your provider will assess your hip contour, estimate the volume needed, and map out a session schedule before any treatment begins.
Injectable hip augmentation works best for patients who:
For patients whose primary goal is more dramatic butt and hip enhancement, we also offer the non-surgical Sculptra BBL — a more comprehensive approach to gluteal and hip contouring.
Each session follows a consistent process:
The appointment itself typically takes 45–60 minutes. Some swelling and mild tenderness in the treatment area is normal for 24–48 hours. The injected solution partially absorbs in the first few weeks, which can make it appear that very little happened initially — the visible results emerge as collagen builds, typically becoming noticeable at 6–8 weeks and continuing to improve through month 3–4.
Initial improvements become visible around 6–8 weeks as collagen begins to build. Full results develop over 3–4 months as collagen production reaches its peak. The gradual timeline is part of what makes results look natural — there's no sudden change.
Sculptra results for hip dips typically last 2–3 years. Because Sculptra stimulates your own collagen rather than depositing a temporary gel, the results are more durable than HA filler alone. Many patients schedule a maintenance session after 2 years to sustain the improvement.
Most patients require 2–3 sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart. The exact number depends on the depth of your hip dip and how you respond to treatment. Your provider will give you a specific estimate at consultation based on your anatomy.
Targeted exercises — squats, lunges, side-lying leg raises, clamshells — build the gluteus medius muscle beneath the trochanteric depression, which can reduce its visibility. However, because the depression is partially determined by bone structure and soft tissue thickness, exercise alone cannot eliminate it. For patients who want to combine training with treatment, exercise and Sculptra complement each other well.
Yes. Sculptra pairs well with skin tightening treatments and works alongside other body contouring procedures. If you're considering broader hip or glute enhancement, the Sculptra BBL addresses the full gluteal and lateral hip region rather than just the trochanteric depression specifically. Your provider will recommend the approach that matches your goals.
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Hip dips are structural — and for most people, that means they're not going away on their own. Sculptra filler injections offer a safe, low-downtime path to a smoother hip contour without surgery. Book your hip dip consultation at Evolve Med Spa and we'll build a treatment plan around your anatomy and goals.et their desired result through non surgical buttock augmentation. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
