Dimple Creation Surgery

What are dimples?

Dimples are small indentations that may appear on the cheeks, often visible when a person smiles. They occur naturally in some individuals due to variations in the structure of the cheek muscles, such as the buccinator muscle.

For people who do not have natural dimples, a surgical procedure called dimple creation surgery or dimpleplasty can be performed to create a similar appearance. This is considered a cosmetic procedure, and it is important to understand that results can vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.

Preoperative consultation

Before proceeding with the surgery, you will have a consultation with a qualified health practitioner. During this consultation:

Your medical history, including any existing conditions, medications, and allergies, will be reviewed.
The inside and outside of your cheeks will be examined to determine the most appropriate location for the dimples.
The potential size, depth, and placement of the dimples will be discussed.
You may be asked to stop certain medications before the procedure, depending on your health needs.
You will have the opportunity to discuss the procedure, potential risks, recovery, and expected outcomes.

The final decision about whether this surgery is appropriate for you will be made in consultation with your practitioner.

How is the procedure performed?

The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area while you remain awake.
A small incision is made on the inside of the cheek, leaving the outer cheek skin intact.
A small amount of cheek tissue, such as muscle and fat, may be removed.
A dissolvable suture is placed to create a slight inward pull, forming the appearance of a dimple.
The sutures dissolve naturally over time, and there are no external cuts or scars.

The procedure typically takes 20–30 minutes and is performed as day surgery.

Recovery and aftercare

Most people can return home shortly after the procedure.
Some mild swelling and discomfort are common for the first few days.
Antibiotics, pain relief, and antiseptic mouth rinses are usually prescribed to support healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Soft foods are recommended for the first few days, avoiding hard or spicy foods until the area has healed.
Normal daily activities can often be resumed the following day, but your practitioner will provide specific instructions.
Full healing of the surgical site usually occurs in 1–2 weeks, with the appearance of the dimples continuing to evolve over 2–3 months.

Your recovery timeline will depend on factors such as age, general health, and adherence to aftercare instructions.

Possible risks and complications

Although dimple creation is generally considered a less complex procedure, all surgeries carry risks. Potential complications may include:

Bleeding: The risk may be higher for people taking certain medications, such as blood thinners.
Infection: This risk can be reduced with proper care and prescribed antibiotics.
Nerve injury: Rarely, nerves in the cheek may be affected, leading to temporary or permanent changes in sensation or movement.
Asymmetry: The dimples may not appear identical on both sides, and in some cases, additional procedures may be required to adjust the outcome.

Your practitioner will explain these risks in detail during your consultation.

Important considerations

Results will vary between individuals depending on factors such as healing, facial structure, and overall health.
This procedure cannot guarantee a specific cosmetic outcome or permanent results.
A full consultation with a registered health practitioner is essential before making a decision about surgery.