Dimples are often associated with youth, attractiveness, and a pleasant smile. While some individuals are naturally blessed with dimples, others seek cosmetic solutions to achieve this facial feature. Over the years, dimple creation surgery, also known as dimpleplasty, has emerged as a safe and effective treatment modality for achieving permanent, natural-looking dimples. Thanks to advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques, the procedure is now quick, precise, and associated with minimal downtime.
This blog explores the surgical techniques used for dimple creation, their safety profile, benefits, and what patients can expect before and after the procedure
Understanding Dimple Creation Surgery
Dimples occur naturally due to a variation in facial muscle anatomy, particularly the zygomaticus major muscle, which pulls the cheeks inward when smiling. Surgical dimple creation replicates this natural anatomy by creating a controlled adhesion between the skin and underlying muscle.Dimpleplasty is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure performed under local anesthesia, usually as a day-care treatment.
Common Surgical Techniques for Dimple Creation
1. Intraoral (Inside-the-Mouth) Technique
The intraoral technique is the most commonly used and preferred method for dimple creation.
Procedure Overview:
- The surgeon marks the ideal dimple location while the patient smiles
- A small incision is made inside the cheek, leaving no external scars.
- A tiny amount of muscle and fatty tissue is removed.
- A dissolvable suture is placed to tether the skin to the muscle
This creates a natural indentation that becomes visible when smiling and may appear at rest initially.
Advantages:
- No visible scars
- Minimal bleeding
- Quick procedure (15–30 minutes)
- Natural-looking results
2. Suture-Based Dimple Creation Technique
This technique involves creating a dimple using only sutures, without removing tissue.
Procedure Overview:
- A needle is passed from inside the mouth to the cheek
- A permanent or semi-absorbable suture is placed
- The suture creates a controlled indentation
Advantages:
- Less tissue trauma
- Short recovery time
- Reversible in early stages
Limitations:
- Slightly less permanent than tissue-removal techniques
- May loosen over time in some cases
3. Combined Technique (Tissue Removal + Suturing)
For patients desiring well-defined and long-lasting dimples, surgeons may use a combination of tissue removal and suturing.
Procedure Overview:
- Small tissue excision ensures permanence
- Sutures secure the dimple depth and position
This technique offers the highest predictability and durability of results.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from dimpleplasty is quick and convenient.
Post-Procedure Care Includes:
- Maintaining oral hygiene
- Using prescribed mouth rinses
- Avoiding spicy or hard foods for a few days
- Managing swelling with cold compresses
Most patients resume normal activities within 24–48 hours.
Results: What to Expect
- Dimples may be visible even at rest initially
- Over time, they become more natural and dynamic
- Final results settle in 3–4 weeks
- Dimples appear most prominently when smiling
The results are typically permanent, especially with combined surgical techniques.
These usually resolve within 1–2 weeks.
Benefits of Surgical Dimple Creation
- Permanent and predictable results
- Natural appearance
- No visible scars
- Short procedure time
- High patient satisfaction
Conclusion
Surgical techniques for dimple creation offer a safe and effective treatment modality for individuals seeking a permanent enhancement to their smile. With modern minimally invasive methods, dimpleplasty delivers natural-looking results with minimal risk and downtime. Choosing an experienced surgeon and understanding the procedure are key to achieving the desired outcome.
If you’re considering dimple creation surgery, a personalized consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon can help determine the most suitable technique for your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.