A natural dimple is the result of a small opening in a muscle in the cheek called the buccinator muscle. Although it’s a hereditary trait, it can be created with a minimally invasive surgical procedure(dimpleplasty). Even though the cause of dimple is a defect in the facial muscle, in many cultures it is seen as a highly attractive trait. Dimples are considered a sign of youth and beauty which accentuate the smile of the person possessing them. People born with natural facial dimples can lose them or see a reduction of depth as they get older and the skin, muscle, and physical weight changes.
Dimples are small folds or indentations in the fleshy part of the cheek. They are the result of a minor muscle deformity which causes the skin of the cheek to draw tightly as it moves, creating external divots. This adorable facial feature is usually a genetically-inherited trait. However, people born without natural dimples can successfully mimic their appearance through a variety of methods ranging from the simple (makeup) to the drastic (surgery)
When considering dimpleplasty, you’ll want to find an experienced surgeon. Some dermatologists are trained for this type of surgery, but you may need to see a facial plastic surgeon instead.
Once you’ve found a reputable surgeon, make an initial appointment with them. Here, you can discuss the risks versus benefits of dimple surgery. They can also determine whether you’re a good candidate for plastic surgery. Finally, you’ll figure out where the dimples should be placed.
A dimpleplasty is performed on an outpatient basis. This means you can get the procedure done at your surgeon’s office without having to go to the hospital. You may also not need to be put under general anesthesia.
First, your doctor will apply a topical anesthetic, such as lidocaine, to the area of skin. This helps to ensure you don’t experience any pain or discomfort during the surgery. It takes about 10 minutes for the anesthetic to take effect.
Your doctor then uses a small biopsy instrument to make a hole in your skin to manually create a dimple. A small amount of muscle and fat is removed to aid in this creation. The area is about 2 to 3 millimeters in length.
Once your doctor creates the space for the future dimple, they then position a suture (sling) from one side of the cheek muscle to the other. The sling is then tied to set the dimple permanently in place.
Recovery from dimpleplasty is relatively straightforward. You don’t need to stay in the hospital. In fact, you can usually go home immediately after the surgery. Soon after the procedure, you might experience mild swelling. You can apply cold packs to reduce swelling, but it will usually go away on its own within a few days.
Most people can return to work, school, and other regular activities two days after having a dimpleplasty. Your surgeon will likely want to see you a couple of weeks after the procedure to assess the results.
Dimple creation surgery, although a fairly simple procedure, is not without potential complications. These include:
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