What are Hip Dips?
Hip dips, also called violin hips, are slight indentations that sometimes occur on the outer hips, just below the hip bone. The term “hip dip” is, of course, not a medical one but one that has developed in popular culture. The medical term for a hip dip is “trochanteric depression.” Hip dips are a natural anatomical feature and not a cause for concern. Although society has pumped women full of the idea that they should have an hourglass shape, hip dips are perfectly normal and nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed by.
The Science of Hip Dips: The Pelvis, Muscles, and Fat
The anatomy of hip dips involves the structure and relationship between bones, muscles, and fat. The pelvis is comprised of several bones, including the ilium, ischium, and pubis. Together these bones form the hips. Those with a wider pelvis are more prone to hip dips due to the greater distance between the hip bones and the thigh bone (femur).
Muscle structure also plays a role because of something called the greater trochanter. The greater trochanter is essentially a bump of bone on the top of the femur that various hip muscles attach to. Its position relative to the pelvis can affect where the muscles attach, ultimately affecting the contour of the hip and thigh area. In some cases, the way the muscles lay over the bone can cause hip dips.
Subcutaneous fat distribution also plays a crucial role in the appearance of hip dips. Fat is unevenly distributed across the body, and areas with less fat can create indentations or depressions. The amount and distribution of fat in the trochanteric region and its surrounding areas can either accentuate or minimize the appearance of hip dips.
Are Hip Dips the Same as Love Handles?
Hip dips and love handles are not the same thing. Hip dips occur just below the hips versus love handles which occur just above them. Love handles are always caused by the presence of fat while hip dips often occur due to a lack of it in the trochanteric area.
Can Men Have Hip Dips?
Men can absolutely have hip dips and many do. Generally, however, men are much less bothered by hip dips than women who feel it detracts from an hourglass shape.
What Causes Hip Dips to Form?
The formation (or lack) of hip dips is purely genetic. It has got do with the way your bones and muscles come together and is not caused by anything that you may have done. Common misconceptions state that hip dips are caused by sleeping on your side, wearing tight underwear, or wearing tight jeans. These myths, though pervasive, are completely untrue. The clothing you wear can either help disguise hip dips or make them appear more pronounced, but it won’t cause them.
Will Hip Dips Go Away Naturally?
Because hip dips are based on your anatomical structure, they aren’t going to go away on their own. You can’t exercise them away either. There are, however, surgical options that you can pursue if your hip dips are a problem for you.