Dimple Creation Surgery explained as a cosmetic procedure that creates natural looking dimples to enhance facial expression

Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

The Concept of Facial Adhesion

Dimple creation surgery, or dimpleplasty, is a simple cosmetic procedure that makes dimples on the cheeks or chin. The main idea is to create a small connection between the skin and the muscle underneath. Natural dimples happen when there is a split in the zygomaticus major muscle, which attaches the skin to the tissue below. When you smile, this muscle pulls the skin in, forming a dimple.

Surgeons copy this natural feature by making a small connection between the cheek skin and the muscle underneath. They do this by removing a little tissue from inside the mouth and tying the skin and muscle together with a stitch. As the area heals, scar tissue forms and holds the skin in place, creating the dimple.

  • Creation of a permanent bond between skin and muscle
  • Replication of natural muscular defects
  • Utilization of controlled scar tissue formation
  • Strategic tethering of the dermis to the underlying fascia
  • Formation of a dynamic depression upon muscle contraction
Icon LIV Hospital

Anatomical Mimicry of the Zygomaticus

PLASTIC SURGERY

The zygomaticus major muscle lifts the lip and pulls the corner of the mouth up and out when you smile. People with natural dimples often have this muscle split into two parts. One part attaches to the corner of the mouth, and the other connects to the skin of the cheek.

Dimpleplasty tries to copy this split muscle by making a small gap in the muscle or attaching the skin to it. This causes the skin to dip in when you move your face. Surgeons must know the facial anatomy well to avoid harming nerves or the parotid duct.

  • Understanding the bifid structure of the zygomaticus major
  • Surgical replication of muscle insertion points
  • Creation of a functional tethering mechanism
  • Preservation of the surrounding facial nerves and ducts
  • Manipulation of the superficial musculoskeletal system
Icon 1 LIV Hospital

The Aesthetic Philosophy of Dimples

shutterstock 2438647769 LIV Hospital

Many cultures see dimples as a sign of beauty, youth, and friendliness. Dimples add interest and character to the face by breaking up the flatness of the cheeks. They can also make the face look slimmer and highlight the smile.

The idea behind dimple creation is to make the face more attractive by adding a feature linked to happiness and charm. The aim is for the dimple to look natural and fit the person’s face, not appear artificial. Careful placement helps the dimple move naturally with the smile.

  • Enhancement of facial character and charm
  • Visual slimming of the midface region
  • Association with youthfulness and approachability
  • Strategic disruption of the cheek plane
  • Harmonization with the natural smile arc

Static versus Dynamic Features

One important point in dimpleplasty is the difference between static and dynamic dimples. Natural dimples usually show up only when you smile and disappear when your face is relaxed. Right after surgery, the new dimple is often always visible, even when you are not smiling.

Over time, as the suture absorbs and the scar tissue matures, the dimple should ideally become dynamic. The skin should flatten out when the muscle is relaxed, but pull inward when the muscle contracts. Achieving a truly dynamic dimple is the technical pinnacle of this procedure, although some degree of static depression may persist depending on the technique and individual healing.

  • Differentiation between resting and active states
  • Progression from static surgical results to dynamic naturalism
  • Role of suture absorption in dynamic transition
  • Maturation of the internal scar adhesion
  • Acceptance of potential long-term shallow static depressions

Cheek Dimples versus Chin Clefts

In the context of plastic surgery, “symptoms” refer to physical traits, whether acquired, congenital, or developmental, that a patient wishes to correct. These can range from functional impairments, like blocked breathing, to aesthetic concerns, like premature aging. Understanding the underlying causes helps the surgeon choose the correct technique.

Candidates and Conditions for Surgery

Patients typically seek plastic surgery for specific visible conditions or functional issues.

  • Signs of Facial Aging:
    • Ptosis (Drooping)
    • Volume Loss
    • Rhytids (Wrinkles)
    • Jowling
  • Breast and Body Concerns:
    • Macromastia (Overly Large Breasts)
    • Micromastia (Small Breasts)
    • Ptosis (Sagging)
    • Diastasis Recti
    • Lipodystrophy
  • Nasal Concerns:
    • Dorsal Hump
    • Deviated Septum
    • Bulbous Tip
  • Congenital and Developmental Anomalies:
    • Cleft Lip and Palate
    • Gynecomastia
    • Prominent Ears (Otoplasty)

Patient Demographics and Suitability

Dimpleplasty is a procedure for both men and women. People may want dimples for different reasons women often want a cute or charming look, while men may want a dimple to add definition to their smile. It is suitable for adults of any age who have realistic expectations.

Whether someone is a good candidate also depends on their skin and cheek shape. People with very thick cheeks or loose skin may not get the best results, as the dimple might not show well or could get lost in the folds. Those with thin faces need extra care to avoid an unnatural look.

    • Universal appeal across gender spectrums
    • Influence of cheek adipose tissue volume on outcomes
    • Assessment of skin elasticity and tonicity
    • Impact of facial aging on candidate suitability
    • Evaluation of aesthetic goals relative to facial structure

The Psychological Impact

The presence of dimples can significantly impact how a person is perceived and how they perceive themselves. Studies in facial psychology suggest that dimples soften facial expressions and can make an individual appear more trustworthy and childlike in a positive manner (neoteny).

For people who have always wanted dimples, this surgery can greatly boost self-confidence and comfort in social situations. It helps them smile more easily and feel more attractive. This positive feeling is an important part of a good result from cosmetic surgery.

    • Enhancement of perceived trustworthiness and warmth
    • Positive correlation with neotenous facial features
    • Boost in social confidence and self-esteem.
    • Alleviation of insecurity regarding facial flatness
    • Empowerment through aesthetic self-modification

Minimally Invasive Characteristics

Dimple creation is a simple surgery that does not require large cuts. It is usually done in a clinic with local anesthesia, so you stay awake and avoid the risks of being put to sleep. The whole process often takes less than an hour.

All cuts are made inside the mouth, so there are no scars on the face. This makes the surgery popular with people who want no visible signs of having work done. Recovery is usually quick, and most people can get back to their normal routine soon.

  • Office-based procedure under local anesthesia
  • Absence of external cutaneous scarring
  • Short operative duration, typically under one hour
  • Rapid return to social and professional activities
  • Lower risk profile compared to invasive facial surgery.

Positioning and Symmetry

Choosing the best spot for a dimple is a team effort between the surgeon and the patient. The usual place is where a line from the corner of the mouth meets a line down from the outer corner of the eye.

However, facial anatomy is rarely perfectly symmetrical. The surgeon must account for natural asymmetries in the patient’s smile and facial structure. The goal is visual balance rather than mathematical perfection. Patients often mark their desired location in front of a mirror to ensure the placement aligns with their personal aesthetic preference.

  • Intersection of the lateral canthus and the oral commissure lines
  • Adjustments for natural facial asymmetry
  • Patient involvement in preoperative marking
  • Visual balancing of the midface region
  • Consideration of smile dynamics during marking

The Role of Scar Tissue

Scar tissue is often viewed negatively in surgery, but in dimpleplasty, it is the functional mechanism of success. The procedure intentionally creates a controlled scar between the dermis and the muscle. This internal scar acts as the anchor that pulls the skin inward.

The maturation of this scar tissue dictates the final appearance of the dimple. If the scar is too weak, the dimple may fade or disappear. If the scar is too aggressive, the dimple may remain permanently deep and static. Surgeons manipulate tissue to optimize the formation of this crucial fibrous connection.

  • Functional reliance on controlled fibrosis
  • Internal anchoring mechanism via scarring
  • Influence of scar maturation on dynamic movement
  • Risks of inadequate or excessive scar formation
  • Biological tethering of tissue layers

Reversibility and Permanence

While dimpleplasty is intended to be a permanent modification, questions regarding reversibility are common. Technically, the procedure can be reversed by releasing the internal scar tissue and separating the skin from the muscle. However, this secondary surgery is more complex than the initial creation.

Reversal does not guarantee a return to the exact preoperative appearance. There may be residual scar tissue or slight irregularities in the cheek. Therefore, patients are counseled to view the procedure as permanent and to consider their decision carefully before proceeding.

  • Intention of lifelong permanency
  • Technical possibility of surgical reversal
  • Complexity of scar release procedures
  • Potential for residual tissue changes
  • Importance of a decisive preoperative mindset

Comparison with Piercings

Some individuals attempt to create dimples using cheek piercings. These piercings scar the tissue to create a depression. While this can mimic a dimple, it carries significant risks, including damage to the parotid duct, nerve injury, and damage to teeth and gums from the jewelry.

Surgical dimple creation is a sterile, controlled medical procedure that avoids the chronic trauma of a foreign body. It creates a more natural-looking indentation without the metallic artifact or the long-term risks associated with oral piercings.

  • Distinction from traumatic piercing methods
  • Avoidance of dental and gingival damage
  • Sterile medical environment versus piercing studio
  • Creation of natural contours without jewelry
  • Reduction of chronic infection risks

30 Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical

Book a Free Certified Online
Doctor Consultation

Clinics/branches
Op. MD. Cansu Ekinci Aslanoğlu Op. MD. Cansu Ekinci Aslanoğlu Plastic Surgery
Group 346 LIV Hospital

Reviews from 9,651

4,9

Was this article helpful?

Was this article helpful?

Trusted Worldwide

30
Years of
Experience

30 Years Badge

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical

Get a Free Quote

Response within 2 hours during business hours

Clinics/branches

By clicking "Send Request", you agree to our terms and to share your contact info with the clinic.

Was this article
helpful?

How helpful was it?

helpful
helpful
helpful

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What exactly is a dimpleplasty?

Dimpleplasty is a minor surgical procedure performed to create permanent dimples on the cheeks or chin. It involves creating a connection between the skin and the cheek muscle, which pulls the skin inward to form a dimple when the muscle moves.

Yes, the procedure is designed to be permanent. The internal scar tissue that forms creates a lasting tether. However, in some cases, the dimple may fade over time and require a touch-up, or it may remain visible only when smiling.

No, general anesthesia is rarely used. The procedure is almost always performed under local anesthesia, similar to a dental procedure. You will be awake, but the cheek area will be completely numb.

Yes, you can choose the location. The surgeon will suggest the most natural anatomical placement, usually where the corner of the eye intersects with the line of the mouth. Still, the final decision is based on your preference.

o, there are no scars on the outside of the face. All incisions are made inside the mouth. The only visible change is the dimple itself.

Spine Hospital of Louisiana

Let's Talk About Your Health

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.

Let's Talk About Your Health

How helpful was it?

helpful
helpful
helpful
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)