Dimple Creation Procedure
What are dimples? Why would I need them?
Dimples are small depressions on either side of your cheeks that appear when you smile. They appear naturally in some people due to weakness in the cheek muscle, specifically the buccinator muscle. Dimples give your face a natural charm and are considered to be a sign of good luck in many cultures. Dimples can also be created surgically by a process called dimple creation or dimpleplasty.
How am I evaluated for a dimple creation procedure?
During your preoperative consultation, your doctor will obtain your detailed medical history. Your doctor will review any pre-existing medical conditions, medications, and allergies. Once your candidacy has been confirmed, your doctor will then examine your cheek from the inside and outside to determine the location of your new dimples. The location, size, shape, and depth of your dimples can be modified as per your preference. You may be asked to stop some of your medications.
What happens during the procedure?
Your doctor will mark the location of your dimples. You will be given local anaesthesia (you will be awake during the procedure) in the inside of your cheeks in order to numb your cheeks. The entire procedure will be performed in the inside of your cheeks and no external incisions or cuts will be made. Your doctor will make a small incision inside your mouth in the under surface of your cheek and remove a small piece of your cheek muscle and fat tissue. Your cheek skin will be left intact. A dissolvable suture will then be used to pull the bottom surface of your cheek together. The inside of your cheek is then closed using dissolvable sutures which will dissolve in the next few days. This will create a concave look from the outside of your cheek and form your dimples.
How fast will I recover after surgery and what precautions should I take?
Dimple creation is a day case procedure that takes 20 – 30 minutes, and you can go home soon after the procedure. Your recovery will depend on your age, physical condition, and your quality of post-operative care. Some minimal swelling can be experienced following the procedure, however, this will subside in a next few days. You will be prescribed pain and antibiotic medications, and antiseptic mouth rinses to help you cope with your pain and prevent infections.
You may start eating soft foods a few hours after your procedure once the effect of your local anaesthesia has worn off. It is better to avoid hard and spicy food. You can begin all your normal activities the next morning following the procedure. Your surgical wounds will heal in one to two weeks, and you will notice a more naturally appearing dimple. Your dimples may appear at its best in the next 2 to 3 months.
Are there any risks associated with the procedure?
Dimple creation is a relatively minorsurgical procedure and complications are rare. As with any surgical procedure complications can occur and some of the potential complications include the following:
- Bleeding: This can be prevented by avoiding medications such as anticoagulants before your surgery.
- Infection: You will be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections after your procedure.
- Intraoperative Injury: Injury may occur to your nerves in the process of cutting and may require additional surgical repair.
- Dimple Asymmetry: Any change in dimple position may necessitate repeat surgery.