What is Dimple Creation?
Dimple creation, technically known as dimpleplasty, is a refined surgical procedure designed to create the appearance of natural dimples on the cheeks. Dimples are actually small deformities caused by shortened facial muscles that create a depression in the skin when smiling. This elective procedure reproduces this charming facial feature by creating a connection between the skin and the underlying muscle, resulting in a dimple that appears primarily when smiling or making facial expressions.
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Watch Dr. Shikha talk about specific details, recovery information, and patient experiences through these informative videos
The Dimple Creation Procedure
Dimple creation is typically performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon begins by identifying the ideal placement for the dimples based on your facial structure and aesthetic goals. Small incisions are made inside the mouth (intraoral approach), eliminating any visible external scarring. The surgeon then creates a connection between the inner cheek tissue and the overlying skin using absorbable sutures. This technique creates a natural depression that appears most prominently when smiling. The procedure generally takes 30-45 minutes to complete, depending on whether one or both cheeks are being treated.
Recovery and Results
Following dimple creation, you may experience mild swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort in the treated areas. These symptoms typically subside within a few days to a week. Initially, the dimples will appear even when not smiling, but as healing progresses over 1-2 months, they become more natural, appearing primarily during facial expressions. A soft diet is recommended for the first few days, along with specialized oral rinses to maintain cleanliness. Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately one week. Final results develop as the tissues heal and the dimples settle into their permanent position.
Ideal Placement and Customization
Dimple placement is highly customizable and carefully planned to complement your unique facial features. The most common location is at the intersection of an imaginary line from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe and another from the corner of the eye to the jawline. However, the precise placement can be adjusted based on your preferences and facial structure. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss options for dimple depth, position, and whether to create single or bilateral dimples to achieve a look that enhances your natural facial harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dimple creation results are generally long-lasting to permanent. Initially, the dimples will appear continuously, even when not smiling. As healing progresses over 1-2 months, they typically become more natural, appearing primarily when you smile or make certain facial expressions. The permanence can vary slightly between individuals based on factors such as tissue healing characteristics and facial muscle activity patterns.
Dimple creation surgery is performed through small incisions inside the mouth, resulting in no visible external scarring. This intraoral approach ensures that the aesthetic enhancement is achieved without compromising your skin’s appearance. The internal sutures used are typically absorbable and will dissolve naturally as healing progresses.
Dimple creation is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring comfort during the procedure. Post-operatively, patients typically experience mild discomfort rather than significant pain, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients describe the sensation as a feeling of tightness or mild soreness that resolves within a few days.
Yes, the placement of dimples can be customized to suit your preferences and facial structure. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss optimal positions that will appear most natural with your unique facial anatomy. You can bring reference photos to help communicate your aesthetic goals, though it’s important to have realistic expectations about how dimples will interact with your specific facial features.
As with any surgical procedure, dimple creation carries some risks, though they are generally minimal. Potential complications include infection, asymmetry, temporary or permanent changes in sensation, dissatisfaction with dimple placement or appearance, and in rare cases, excessive scarring internally. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in facial procedures significantly reduces these risks. A thorough consultation will include a complete discussion of potential risks tailored to your specific case.