Dimple Creation Surgery: Complete Guide to Permanent Cheek Dimples

A smile can change the entire look of your face. For some people, cheek dimples are the little detail that makes a smile look more expressive, youthful, or distinctive. But what if you were not naturally born with dimples?

That is where Dimple Creation comes in.

Also known as dimple creation surgery or dimpleplasty, this is a cosmetic procedure designed to create a natural-looking indentation in the cheek. Unlike makeup or temporary techniques, surgical cheek dimple creation is intended to produce a lasting dimple.

But there is more to the procedure than simply making a small mark on the cheek. The position, depth, symmetry, facial anatomy, healing process, and expectations all matter when creating a natural-looking result.

If you are considering cheek dimple creation, this guide will walk you through what the procedure involves, who may be suitable, how it is performed, recovery, possible risks, and what you should discuss with your surgeon before making a decision.

What Is Dimple Creation Surgery?

Dimple creation surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure used to create artificial dimples on the cheeks.

Natural dimples are generally related to the way certain facial tissues and muscles attach beneath the skin. During surgical dimple creation, a surgeon creates a controlled connection between the skin and underlying cheek tissues so that an indentation becomes visible, particularly when you smile.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, dimpleplasty is a procedure that can create dimples in people who were not naturally born with them, and the results are generally considered permanent.

The goal is not simply to create a deep hole in the cheek. Instead, the surgeon aims to position and shape the dimple so that it complements your facial proportions and appears as naturally as possible.

Why Do People Choose Cheek Dimple Creation?

The reasons are usually quite personal.

Some people have always liked the appearance of dimples and want to add them to their smile. Others may have noticed dimples on friends, family members, or celebrities and feel that they would suit their own facial features.

Common reasons people consider cheek dimple creation include:

Wanting dimples while smiling
Adding definition to the cheeks
Creating a distinctive facial feature
Enhancing the appearance of a smile
Achieving a specific aesthetic preference
Creating dimples that are not naturally present

It is important to remember that dimple surgery is an elective cosmetic procedure. The decision should be based on your own expectations rather than pressure from someone else.

How Does Dimple Creation Surgery Work?

The exact surgical technique can vary depending on the surgeon, your facial anatomy, and the desired appearance.

In a commonly described technique, the procedure is performed from inside the cheek. A small amount of tissue may be addressed and the deeper cheek tissue is connected to the overlying skin using sutures. This creates the indentation that becomes visible on the cheek.

One advantage of working from inside the cheek is that there is generally no obvious external facial scar.

However, creating a natural-looking dimple requires careful planning. The surgeon needs to consider where the dimple should sit, how deep it should appear, and how it should interact with your smile.

A dimple that is placed too high, too low, too deep, or too close to the mouth may look less natural.

Where Are Dimples Usually Created?

Most people requesting Dimple Creation want dimples on the central or upper cheek area that become visible when smiling.

However, everyone's face is different. The ideal position is not necessarily identical from one person to another.

During consultation, your surgeon may assess:

Facial proportions
Cheek structure
Smile pattern
Existing asymmetry
Skin and soft-tissue characteristics
Desired dimple position
Whether you want one or two dimples

This planning stage is important because the final appearance depends not only on the surgical technique but also on where the dimple is created.

Can You Choose the Shape and Position of Your Dimples?

To a certain extent, yes.

One of the most important parts of cheek dimple creation is deciding the location and appearance before surgery.

You can discuss whether you prefer:

One dimple or two
Subtle or more noticeable dimples
Higher or lower placement
A rounder or more elongated appearance

However, the surgeon may recommend adjustments based on your anatomy.

It is worth remembering that a reference photograph can help communicate your preference, but your face will not necessarily produce exactly the same result as someone else's. Facial anatomy differs from person to person.

Is Dimple Creation Surgery Permanent?

This is one of the most common questions people ask.

Dimple creation surgery is generally intended to produce a permanent result. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes dimpleplasty results as permanent and emphasizes that patients should be confident about their decision because the procedure is not considered easily reversible.

However, "permanent" does not mean that the appearance can never change.

Healing can affect the final appearance, and dimples may become less prominent or, in some cases, disappear. Published clinical research has reported both disappearance and undercorrection as reasons some patients required further surgery.

So, it is better to think of dimple surgery as a long-lasting surgical alteration, rather than something that can be switched on and off like makeup.

What Happens During a Dimple Creation Procedure?

The exact process depends on your surgeon and the technique being used, but the experience generally involves several stages.

1. Consultation

Your surgeon first discusses why you want dimples and what type of appearance you are hoping to achieve.

Your face and smile are examined, and the desired location of the dimple is discussed.

This is also the time to ask questions about the technique, recovery, possible complications, and whether your expectations are realistic.

2. Marking the Dimple Location

The desired dimple position is carefully identified before the procedure.

This is an important step because even a small difference in position can influence how the final dimple looks.

3. Creating the Dimple

The procedure is generally performed through the inside of the cheek. The surgeon creates the necessary tissue connection and uses sutures to establish the indentation.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes dimpleplasty as involving a small incision inside the cheek and suturing tissues together to create the dimple effect.

4. Healing

Immediately after surgery, the dimple may look more prominent than expected. This does not necessarily represent the final appearance.

As swelling decreases and the tissues heal, the dimple can change in depth and visibility.

Is Dimple Creation Surgery Painful?

Some discomfort, tenderness, swelling, or soreness can occur after any surgical procedure.

Because dimple creation surgery is performed inside the cheek, you may notice discomfort when moving your mouth, smiling, or eating during the initial healing period.

Your surgeon will provide specific postoperative instructions based on the technique used.

Pain levels vary from person to person, so it is better to discuss your expected recovery with your surgeon rather than assuming that everyone will have the same experience.

What Is Recovery Like After Cheek Dimple Creation?

Recovery is generally relatively short compared with many larger facial surgeries, but healing still takes time.

During the early period, you may experience:

Swelling
Mild bruising
Tenderness
Tightness inside the cheek
Temporary changes in how the dimple looks
Discomfort while eating or moving the mouth

The initial appearance may also be stronger than the final result.

As healing progresses, the dimple may soften and settle into a more natural appearance.

Your surgeon may provide specific instructions about oral hygiene, eating, medications, activity, and follow-up appointments. Following those instructions carefully is an important part of recovery.

When Will You See the Final Dimple?

This is where patience becomes important.

It can be tempting to look in the mirror immediately after surgery and judge the result. However, early swelling and tissue healing can make the dimple appear deeper, tighter, or more noticeable than it will eventually become.

The final appearance develops as the tissues heal.

Your surgeon can give you a more personalized idea of when your result should stabilize because healing varies between individuals.

Are There Risks With Dimple Creation Surgery?

Yes. Even though dimpleplasty is a relatively small cosmetic procedure, it is still surgery and is not completely risk-free.

Potential complications can include:

Infection
Bleeding
Swelling
Asymmetry
Overcorrection
Undercorrection
Dimple fading or disappearance
Changes in sensation
An appearance that does not match expectations

A clinical study involving 2,048 patients reported that some patients required reoperation because of undercorrection, disappearance of the dimple, or overcorrection.

Another published study reported fading or complete disappearance of some created dimples and infections among the complications observed.

This is why choosing an appropriately qualified and experienced surgeon and discussing realistic expectations before surgery are important.

Can Dimple Surgery Be Reversed?

This is an important question to ask before undergoing the procedure.

Because the goal of surgery is to create a lasting tissue connection, dimpleplasty should not be approached as something that can easily be reversed.

Some patients may require additional surgery if the dimple is too deep, too shallow, asymmetric, or disappears. Research has documented reoperations for undercorrection, disappearance, and overcorrection.

That is why you should be comfortable with the idea of having a permanent facial change before proceeding.

Who May Be a Candidate for Dimple Creation?

There is no single checklist that determines whether someone is suitable.

Generally, an appropriate candidate is someone who:

Wants dimples for their own cosmetic reasons
Has realistic expectations
Understands that the result is intended to be long-lasting
Is willing to follow postoperative instructions
Understands the possible risks and limitations
Has discussed their medical history with the surgeon

Your surgeon will determine whether the procedure is appropriate after evaluating your individual circumstances.

Realistic expectations are particularly important in cosmetic surgery. Medical guidance from Cleveland Clinic also emphasizes understanding potential risks, recovery requirements, and achievable outcomes before undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Natural-Looking Dimples vs Very Deep Dimples

When people search for cheek dimple creation, they sometimes focus on getting very prominent dimples.

But deeper does not necessarily mean better.

A natural-looking dimple usually needs to fit the rest of your facial features. A subtle indentation may look very different from a sharply defined depression.

Your surgeon can discuss the level of prominence that may be appropriate for your facial anatomy.

The objective should be to create a feature that works with your smile rather than overpowering it.

Dimple Creation Surgery vs Temporary Alternatives

If you want a permanent result, surgery is different from temporary cosmetic approaches.

Makeup can create the illusion of a dimple, but it disappears when the makeup is removed.

Temporary techniques may also create an indentation for a limited period, but they do not create the same surgical tissue alteration.

Dimpleplasty is specifically designed to create a lasting dimple through surgical modification of the cheek tissues.

Some online "dimple-making" devices have also been promoted, but the ASPS has warned about potential risks associated with prolonged or inappropriate use of such devices, including possible tissue damage.

What Should You Ask Your Surgeon Before Surgery?

Before deciding on Dimple Creation, don't hesitate to ask questions.

You may want to discuss:

Where will my dimples be positioned?
Will they appear only when I smile or also when my face is relaxed?
What technique will you use?
How long should swelling last?
What should I eat during recovery?
What complications should I watch for?
What happens if the dimples become asymmetric?
Can the procedure be revised if the result is not as expected?
When should I expect the final result?

A good consultation should feel like a conversation rather than a sales pitch.

Final Thoughts on Dimple Creation Surgery

Dimples may be small, but they can make a noticeable difference to someone's smile. Dimple creation surgery offers people who were not naturally born with dimples an option to create a lasting cheek indentation.

At the same time, it is important to remember that this is a surgical procedure. The result depends on your facial anatomy, surgical technique, dimple placement, healing, and realistic expectations.

If you are considering cheek dimple creation, take time to understand the procedure and discuss your goals with a qualified surgeon. A detailed consultation can help you understand what is realistically achievable for your face and whether the procedure is appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dimple Creation

1. What is dimple creation surgery?

Dimple creation surgery, also called dimpleplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that creates artificial cheek dimples by surgically connecting tissues beneath the cheek skin.

2. Is dimple creation surgery permanent?

Yes, dimple creation surgery is intended to produce a permanent or long-lasting result, although dimples can change during healing and may sometimes fade or disappear.

3. How is cheek dimple creation performed?

Cheek dimple creation is commonly performed through the inside of the cheek, where the surgeon creates a controlled tissue connection and uses sutures to form the desired indentation.

4. Will dimple creation leave a visible scar?

The commonly used approach is performed from inside the cheek, so there is generally no obvious external facial scar from the incision.

5. Can I choose where my cheek dimples are placed?

The desired dimple location can be discussed during consultation, but the final position should also take your facial anatomy, proportions, and smile into consideration.

6. Does dimple creation surgery hurt?

Some tenderness, swelling, and discomfort can occur after dimple surgery, particularly during early healing, although the experience varies between individuals.

7. Can dimple creation surgery cause complications?

Yes. Possible complications include infection, asymmetry, undercorrection, overcorrection, and fading or disappearance of the created dimple.

8. How long does it take to see the final result?

The appearance can change during healing as swelling decreases and the tissues settle. Your surgeon can provide a more personalized timeline based on your procedure and recovery.

9. Can dimple creation surgery be reversed?

Dimpleplasty is intended to be permanent, so patients should carefully consider the decision beforehand. Additional surgery may sometimes be needed if the result requires correction.

10. Who is suitable for cheek dimple creation?

People who want permanent cheek dimples and have realistic expectations may be considered for the procedure, but suitability should be determined after an individual consultation with a qualified surgeon.

About the Author

Dr. Anurag Bhargava is a qualified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in facial deformity correction, rhinoplasty, jaw surgery, cleft lip and palate repair, and post-traumatic facial reconstruction. Dr. Bhargava is committed to delivering safe, evidence-based, and natural-looking results for patients of all ages.

BDS, MDS (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery), FICOI (USA), Diplomate – WCOI (Japan)