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Dimpleplasty: Creating the Perfect Smile Indent


Dimpleplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to create cheek dimples in people who do not naturally have them or want to enhance them. Although dimples may seem like a small feature, many see them as a youthful and attractive addition to a smile. This procedure has grown in popularity in recent years and is usually done as an outpatient treatment, meaning patients can go home the same day.


The first step in dimpleplasty is a consultation between the surgeon and the patient. They decide on the best location, depth, and size for the dimples. On the day of surgery, local anesthesia is applied to numb the cheek area. Then, the surgeon makes a small incision inside the mouth or cheek lining to avoid visible external scars. A small amount of muscle or fat is removed or repositioned, and a special absorbable suture is placed to anchor the skin to the underlying muscle. This connection causes the dimple to appear when the person smiles. Once the sutures are in place, the incision is closed, and the patient can usually leave shortly after. Because dimpleplasty is minimally invasive, recovery time is often short.


After the procedure, patients may experience mild swelling, redness, or soreness around the cheeks. Ice packs can help reduce swelling, and over-the-counter pain medicine usually works for any discomfort. Most people return to normal activities within a few days, but it is best to avoid excessive facial movement, heavy chewing, or touching the cheeks for about one to two weeks. The new dimples may look deep or unnatural at first, but over two to three months they begin to look more natural as the tissue heals.


One of the biggest advantages of dimpleplasty is that it leaves no visible external scars and has minimal downtime. The results are typically permanent, although they can vary depending on the patient’s anatomy and the surgeon’s technique. Like any surgery, dimpleplasty carries some risks, including infection, asymmetry, bleeding, nerve injury, or changes in how the dimples look over time. Choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon is important for achieving safe, balanced results.


Dimpleplasty offers a quick and effective way for people to add dimples to their smile and boost their confidence. While the procedure is small, it can make a big difference in appearance and self-esteem. Still, it’s important to research, consult a qualified surgeon, and have realistic expectations before undergoing any cosmetic surgery.


by Ariela Okanta at Incisionary


APA References


Dimpleplasty - Dimple Procedure - Dr. James Pearson Facial Plastic Surgery. (2023). Pearsonmd.com. https://pearsonmd.com/dimple-procedure.htm


Farnsworth, C. (2023, April 18). What to know about dimple plastic surgery.




Kinonen, S. (2017, July 5). Dimpleplasty Is the New Plastic Surgery Trend Among Millennials. Allure. https://www.allure.com/story/dimpleplasty-plastic-surgery-trend


Lari, A., & Panse, N. (2012). Anatomical basis of dimple creation - A new technique: Our experience of 100 cases. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery, 45(1), 89. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-0358.96593


Markmann, D. D. (2024, October 24). Dimpleplasty. Markmann, Daniel (Discoverthebeauty.com). https://www.discoverthebeauty.com/plastic-surgery-maryland/face/dimpleplasty/


Pelletier, S. (2023, September 8). What is Dimpleplasty and How Much Does It Cost? Mia Aesthetics. https://miaaesthetics.com/what-is-dimpleplasty-how-much-does-it-cost/


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