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Enhances facial aesthetics and smile symmetry by creating a focal point of attraction.
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Comprehensive medical and procedure overview.
Dimple creation, medically referred to as dimpleplasty, is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgical procedure designed to manufacture natural-looking indentations on the cheeks or chin. From an anatomical perspective, natural dimples are actually a result of a variation in the zygomaticus major muscle, a facial muscle responsible for facial expression. In individuals with natural dimples, a split or defect in this muscle causes the overlying skin to be pulled inward when the muscle contracts during smiling, creating a visible depression.
Dimpleplasty seeks to replicate this anatomical defect artificially. By manipulating the buccinator muscle (in the cheek) or the mentalis muscle (in the chin) and creating a scar tissue bond between the skin and the deeper muscle layers, surgeons can produce a permanent indentation that mimics a congenital dimple. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and is considered one of the quickest facial cosmetic surgeries available, often taking less than an hour to complete. While the surgery is generally straightforward, it requires a high degree of precision to ensure symmetry and a natural aesthetic result that does not appear "punched" or artificial.
Identifying the ideal candidate for dimpleplasty involves a combination of physical anatomical assessment and psychological readiness. The best candidates are individuals in good overall health who do not have active infections or chronic conditions that impair healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders.
Dimpleplasty is an outpatient procedure usually performed in a surgeon's office or an ambulatory surgical center. The technique used depends on the desired location (cheek vs. chin) and the surgeon's preference, but the "Punch Biopsy Method" is the gold standard for cheek dimples.
Prior to the injection of anesthesia, the surgeon marks the precise location of the proposed dimples. This is a critical step. The markings are made while the patient is smiling to ensure the dimple appears in the correct dynamic position. The surgeon also marks the spot while the patient is at rest to ensure the location is aesthetically pleasing in both states. Once the location is confirmed, local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
This is the most common technique for creating cheek dimples. The surgeon uses a specialized instrument called a biopsy punch, which is a small, circular blade ranging from 2mm to 5mm in diameter. The punch is inserted through the inside of the cheek (the mucosal lining) to remove a small core of tissue, including the mucosa, submucosal fat, and a portion of the buccinator muscle.
Once the core is removed, the surgeon uses absorbable sutures to stitch the inside of the cheek wound closed. However, the key to creating the dimple lies in the next step: the surgeon places a deeper stitch through the dermis (the inner layer of skin) on the outside of the cheek and catches the underlying muscle. By tying this suture tightly, a permanent adhesion (scar tissue) is created between the skin and the muscle. This traction pulls the skin inward, forming the dimple.
In some cases, particularly for patients desiring very subtle dimples or those with thinner skin, a surgeon may opt not to remove the muscle core. Instead, they pass a suture through the buccinator muscle and tie it to the dermis to create an indentation. This method results in less swelling and a faster recovery but carries a higher risk of the dimple disappearing over time as the suture dissolves or stretches.
The recovery from dimpleplasty is relatively short compared to more invasive facial surgeries, but it is distinct in that the aesthetic result changes significantly over the first few months.
While dimpleplasty is considered safe, as with any surgical procedure, it carries inherent risks. Choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon mitigates but does not eliminate these risks.
The cost of dimpleplasty varies widely based on geographic location, the surgeon's expertise, and the complexity of the procedure. In the United States, the average cost typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 per cheek. This fee generally includes the surgeon's fee, the facility fee, and the anesthesia.
It is important to note that dimpleplasty is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. Therefore, it is almost never covered by medical insurance. Patients should also budget for potential additional costs, including prescription medications, post-operative garments (rarely needed for this surgery), and potential revision surgeries if the initial results do not meet expectations. During the consultation, patients should request a total quote that breaks down all costs to avoid hidden fees. Financing plans are often available through the surgeon's office to manage the out-of-pocket expense.