Pelvic Widening

Body proportion shapes how you move through the world. For those seeking a more feminine silhouette, pelvic widening offers a precise, surgical approach to creating the curves that feel most like you.

Feminine Proportion, Designed at SOMA

At The Standard of Modern Aesthetics (SOMA), gender-affirming body surgery is approached with the same precision and individualized planning that defines every procedure at the practice. Leif Rogers, MD, FACS, is an Ivy League-trained, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the founder of SOMA. Walter Joseph, MD, is an aesthetic fellowship-trained, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon known for meticulous technique and a highly personalized approach to care. Schedule your consultation with SOMA to begin a plan built around your goals.

What Is Pelvic Widening?

Pelvic widening is a surgical procedure that creates a broader, more feminine hip-to-waist ratio by adding soft-tissue volume to the outer hip region. It works through implants, fat transfer, or a combination of both, and does not alter bone structure.

For transgender women and non-binary patients, the hips are often a primary concern when building a more feminine body contour. The natural skeletal structure tends to be narrower than in cisgender women, and hormone therapy alone rarely produces the hip width many patients want. Pelvic widening addresses this by adding volume to the outer hip, creating a softer, more curved silhouette from the waist through the upper thigh.

Benefits of Pelvic Widening

A more feminine hip-to-waist ratio without altering the underlying bone structure
Customizable approach using implants, fat grafting, or a combination of both
Long-lasting results with silicone implants; natural-feeling outcomes with fat transfer
Minimal visible scarring, with incisions placed within natural skin folds
Can be combined with other feminizing procedures for a more cohesive result
Tailored to each patient's anatomy, goals, and available donor tissue

Am I a Good Candidate for Pelvic Widening?

Candidates for pelvic widening are typically individuals in good overall health who want to create a more feminine hip silhouette and have not achieved their desired proportions through hormone therapy alone. Implant-based widening does not require a specific body composition, while fat transfer candidates need adequate donor tissue in areas such as the abdomen or thighs. The SOMA surgical team evaluates each patient individually to determine which approach best supports their anatomy and goals.

Why Choose SOMA for Pelvic Widening?

The surgical team at SOMA combines specialized experience in gender-affirming body contouring with a treatment philosophy built on precise, individualized outcomes. Both Dr. Rogers and Dr. Joseph bring careful attention to proportion and symmetry to every procedure, with a focus on results that hold up over time. Care at SOMA extends through every stage, from consultation and surgical planning through full recovery.

Your Consultation

During your consultation at SOMA, the surgical team will review your goals, your health history, and the anatomy of your hip region. If fat transfer is part of the plan, donor site availability will also be assessed. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your options and a treatment plan tailored to your proportions and goals.

How Much Does Pelvic Widening Cost?

Pricing varies based on the technique used and whether additional procedures are included. A transparent cost estimate is provided during your consultation, and financing options are available to help make treatment more accessible.

What to Expect During Pelvic Widening

Anesthesia and Preparation

Pelvic widening is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Before the procedure begins, the surgical team marks the treatment areas to guide placement and ensure symmetry. Pre-operative instructions will cover activity restrictions, medication adjustments, and fasting requirements.

The Procedure

For implant-based cases, small incisions are made in discreet locations, typically within natural skin folds near the hip. Solid silicone implants are positioned at the outer hip to add outward width. For fat transfer cases, fat is harvested from donor areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs using liposuction, then purified and injected into the outer hip. When a combined approach is used, both steps are completed in the same session.

Closing and Initial Recovery

Once the desired contour has been achieved, incisions are closed and dressings applied. Patients are monitored in recovery before being released with detailed post-operative care instructions. Compression garments are typically worn for several weeks to support healing and maintain the new contour.

Pelvic Widening Recovery

Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days. Activity restrictions are in place to protect the treated areas, and strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sustained pressure on the sides may be limited for several weeks.

Light daily activities are typically manageable within one to two weeks. As swelling subsides, the final contour comes into view, with full results generally visible over the following months. The SOMA team provides recovery guidance throughout and remains available for any questions.

Pelvic Widening Results

Once fully healed, pelvic widening can meaningfully improve the feminine proportions of the body, creating a broader hip contour that feels balanced within the overall figure. Implant results are stable and long-lasting, while fat transfer outcomes depend in part on how the body retains transferred tissue. For most patients, the result supports a stronger sense of alignment between their appearance and identity. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the outcome over time.

Approaches to Pelvic Widening

Hip Implants

Solid silicone hip implants are placed along the outer hip through small incisions, adding defined outward width. This approach works well for patients with limited body fat and produces a stable, long-lasting result. Implants are available in a range of sizes and profiles, allowing the surgical team to customize the amount of widening to each patient's proportions.

Fat Grafting

Fat is harvested from donor areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs using liposuction, then purified and injected into the outer hip. This technique produces a more natural texture and feel, and the liposuction used to harvest the fat also contours the donor areas in the same session. Some degree of fat resorption is expected, and an additional session may occasionally be recommended to achieve optimal volume.

Combined Approach

For patients seeking both structural definition and a soft, blended contour, combining implants with fat transfer can produce the most complete result. Implants define the outer hip structure while fat transfer softens the transition between the hip, waist, and upper thigh. This approach is particularly suited to patients seeking a full, natural-looking feminine silhouette.

Related Procedures at SOMA

Hip Implants: Solid silicone implants placed laterally to create defined hip projection with stable, permanent results.
Body Contouring: Comprehensive surgical reshaping designed to refine the overall silhouette and achieve a more feminine body proportion.
Brazilian Butt Lift: Fat transfer to the buttocks that enhances the posterior contour, complementing the widened hip profile.
Transgender Breast Augmentation: Breast enhancement surgery designed for transgender and non-binary patients seeking a fuller, more feminine chest.
Facial Feminization Surgery: A suite of surgical procedures that refine facial features to better reflect a feminine appearance.
Clavicle Shoulder Shortening: Shoulder-narrowing surgery that works alongside hip widening to improve the overall feminine waist-to-shoulder ratio.

Pelvic Widening FAQs

How is pelvic widening different from a Brazilian Butt Lift?

The two procedures target different areas and achieve different outcomes. A Brazilian Butt Lift uses fat transfer to add volume to the buttocks, enhancing the posterior. Pelvic widening focuses on the outer hip region, building outward width to create a broader hip-to-waist ratio. They are complementary procedures that can often be performed together for a more comprehensive feminizing result.

How much visible change should I expect in my hip profile?

The degree of change depends on the technique used, the size of implants or the volume of fat transferred, and your starting anatomy. During your consultation, the SOMA surgical team will discuss realistic expectations based on your proportions and help define a treatment goal aligned with your overall figure. The aim is proportional refinement, keeping results in balance with the rest of the body.

What are the risks of pelvic widening surgery?

Pelvic widening surgery carries potential risks that vary by technique. These can include infection, asymmetry, fluid collection, and, for implant-based cases, displacement or malposition. Fat transfer cases carry the additional consideration of partial fat resorption. The SOMA surgical team works to minimize these risks through careful preoperative planning and precise surgical technique.

How long do the results of implant-based pelvic widening last?

Solid silicone hip implants are designed to be long-term. Unlike fluid-filled implant types, they are not subject to rupture and do not carry routine replacement schedules. Results can remain stable for many years. Revision surgery may occasionally be desired if preferences or goals change over time.

What happens to implants if my weight changes significantly?

Hip implants are placed in a fixed anatomical position and are not directly affected by changes in body fat. Significant weight fluctuations can, however, alter the surrounding soft tissue, which may affect how implants appear. For fat transfer cases, substantial weight loss may reduce the volume of transferred fat. Maintaining a stable weight generally supports the best long-term outcome.

Will I need to stay overnight after pelvic widening surgery?

Pelvic widening is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning most patients return home the same day. If pelvic widening is combined with other procedures, an overnight stay may be recommended depending on the total scope of surgery. The SOMA team will discuss your specific situation and post-operative care plan during your consultation.

Is pelvic widening covered by insurance?

Coverage for pelvic widening varies depending on your insurance plan and individual circumstances. Some providers may cover gender-affirming surgical procedures, while others may not. The SOMA team can assist with documentation and provide information to support any coverage inquiry you wish to pursue.

Will continuing hormone therapy affect my pelvic widening results?

Hormone therapy does not typically interfere with surgical outcomes once the initial healing period is complete. Fat transfer results may be influenced by ongoing changes in body composition associated with hormone therapy, which is worth discussing during your consultation. Implant-based results are generally not affected by hormonal changes.

Schedule Your Pelvic Widening Consultation at SOMA

Pelvic widening at SOMA starts with a thorough understanding of each patient's anatomy, goals, and vision for their body. The surgical team builds from there, combining precise technique with the personalized planning SOMA is known for. Schedule your consultation with The Standard of Modern Aesthetics (SOMA) to explore a plan designed around your goals and anatomy.