Average Hip Circumference: Is Yours Really Small?

What is the average hip circumference?

Hip circumference for women differs with age and body type. Korean anthropometric data give an average hip circumference of about 91.6 cm for women in their twenties, which converts to about 36.1 inches. This is the average for one age group, however, not a standard that applies to every woman or a definition of an ideal hip size.

A circumference below average does not mean buttock augmentation is required. Waist circumference, pelvic width, the line where the thigh meets the buttock, and the distribution of gluteal muscle and fat all change how the same measurement looks. It is better to review the volume seen from the front and side, and the balance of the whole figure, alongside the number.

In a study analysing the waist-to-hip ratio of Korean women, Miss Korea winners were close to a ratio of 0.7 — the relationship to the waist shapes the impression of the figure more than the circumference itself.^[1]

How should hip circumference be measured?

Measure with the tape horizontal around the most prominent part of the buttocks. If the tape tilts up or down, or presses into the skin, the reading can come out smaller or larger than it is. Stand comfortably with the feet together, and repeat the measurement under the same conditions so that changes can be compared.

To convert centimetres to inches, use 1 inch = 2.54 cm. A hip circumference of 90 cm is about 35.4 inches, and 95 cm is about 37.4 inches. Even with the same reading, how much the buttocks stand out differs with pelvic shape and the curve from waist to hip.

Read alsoHow to measure the hips is covered in “Where and how to measure hip circumference” (Korean).

Why do some buttocks look small?

The size and shape of the buttocks are not decided by fat volume alone. Pelvic width and shape, development of the gluteus maximus, subcutaneous fat distribution and skin elasticity all contribute. A narrow pelvis, or little muscle and fat volume in the buttocks, can give a flat impression overall.

When the upper buttock is hollow, volume looks lacking from behind; when a hip dip at the side of the pelvis is prominent, the buttocks look narrow. If tissue has sagged downwards, the hip line sits low regardless of the measured circumference. Buttock augmentation is therefore not simply surgery to add circumference: it is a process of deciding where to add volume and which curve to create.

Does a small circumference mean surgery is needed?

A small circumference alone does not make surgery necessary. Training the gluteus maximus can improve the shape and tone of the buttocks. Surgery may be considered, however, when pelvic structure or fat distribution makes the volume and projection you want difficult to achieve, or when your body type gains weight in the abdomen and thighs before the buttocks.

Buttock augmentation aims not only to increase central volume but to improve the height of the upper buttock, the hollow at the side line and the curve from waist to hip together. The suitable method differs depending on whether the change you want is more circumference, more upper volume, or correction of the side line.

How does implant buttock augmentation work?

Implant buttock augmentation inserts a silicone implant into the buttock to create central volume and projection. It can be considered in a thin body where fat is difficult to harvest, or when a relatively clear increase in overall buttock volume is wanted. The size, shape and placement of the implant are planned to adjust the height and curve of the buttocks.

The method can create volume that fat grafting alone finds hard to achieve. It does carry surgical risks, including infection around the implant, change of position and wound healing problems, and it is important to plan a shape that suits pelvic width and tissue thickness rather than choosing the largest implant.

How does fat-graft buttock augmentation work?

Fat grafting harvests fat from the abdomen, thighs or flanks, purifies it and injects it into the buttocks. Its main purpose is to use your own fat to fill areas that lack volume and refine the buttock contour. Distributing fat into the upper or side hollows as well as the centre can soften the overall curve.

A further advantage is that the donor areas can be contoured at the same time. Some of the grafted fat is absorbed, however, so the volume right after surgery differs from the volume after recovery. In buttock fat grafting in particular, the key safety principle is to inject into the subcutaneous layer rather than into muscle.

How does hybrid buttock augmentation work?

Hybrid buttock augmentation uses an implant and fat grafting together. The implant creates the basic central volume, and fat grafting fills around the implant or the hollow at the side of the pelvis. Contours that are difficult to fine-tune with an implant alone are refined with fat, so the curve from waist to buttock to thigh can be considered as a whole.

It may be reviewed especially when the buttocks lack volume but a hip dip or side hollow should be improved at the same time. The key point is that the implant provides volume while fat grafting handles fine contouring. Before surgery the implant size and position, the amount of fat available and the thickness of skin and subcutaneous fat are assessed together.

How does BiVOL buttock augmentation work?

BiVOL is presented as a technique using biological materials, proposing an approach based on tissue-derived materials such as acellular dermal matrix (ADM). The name BiVOL does not, however, mean the same material and method at every clinic, so when it is applied to buttock augmentation the actual materials used and the treatment range should be confirmed in detail.

If you are considering a BiVOL consultation, it is worth confirming which part of the buttock the volume is meant to replace, how it differs from implants or fat grafting, and what the purpose and evidence are for using that material in the buttock area.

In a systematic review of 44 buttock augmentation studies, overall complication rates were 21.6% for implants and 9.9% for fat grafting.^[2]

How do you choose the right method?

When deciding on a method, start with the current shape of the buttocks and the change you need rather than a target number of inches.

If you want clearly more central volume: implant insertion can be considered.

If you want natural contouring and improved volume: fat grafting can be reviewed.

If you want central volume and the side hollow improved together: hybrid buttock augmentation can be considered.

If you are looking into biological materials such as BiVOL: confirm the materials actually used in the buttock area, the method and the safety data.

At consultation the assessment covers pelvic width, the degree of projection, hip dips, skin elasticity and fat distribution as well as circumference. Incision sites, recovery and complication risk differ by method, and these should be reviewed as part of the surgical plan.

Hip circumference: common myths and facts