Cheek dimples have always been seen as an attractive feature to most – others might even think they make an individual appear more charming. Also known as fovea buccalis, these dimples are typically caused by the irregular growth of a particular facial muscle.
Cheek dimples are capable of making an individual appear more societally appealing, approachable, and youthful. But while it can be common to see people with cheek dimples, not everyone in the world has them. In fact, only 20 to 30 percent of the world’s population have dimples. For those without cheek dimples – how are they formed, and is there any way to create them?
In this article, we guide you through the formation of cheek dimples and how you can get them through a dimple creation surgery – dimpleplasty.
What are cheek dimples, and how are they formed?
A cheek dimple is an indentation in the skin developed by the buccinator muscle. While they are regarded as an attractive feature, they are simply facial defects.
In certain situations, dimples are created by a shift in the zygomaticus major, a facial muscle that is frequently linked to facial expressions. When you smile, for instance, it helps to elevate the corners of your mouth. For those born with no dimples, the muscle typically starts at the zygomatic bone in their cheek. It goes downwards, connecting to the corner of their mouth.
People with dimples, on the other hand, may have the muscle divided into two different bundles of muscles on their path to the mouth. One bundle links at the mouth’s corner, while the other connects underneath the mouth’s corner. This muscle division is known as a double major muscle. When you smile, the dimple is formed by the movement of the skin across this major muscle.
Do cheek dimples go away?
Dimples may emerge in the early years of life for certain individuals and go away as they grow older. Moreover, cheek dimples may become less prominent when a person ages and loses skin elasticity or severely loses weight. However, this genetically inherited feature does not entirely disappear in most situations. Weight increase, on the contrary, can make cheek dimples look more noticeable due to extra fat in the cheeks and face.
Is there a way to get cheek dimples permanently?
Like cheek dimples, droopy eyelids are a facial deformity as well. Those with droopy eyelids in Singapore might want to get it fixed, while some might undergo a surgery to create cheek dimples instead. Although face exercises might temporarily cause indents in the cheeks, it is, unfortunately, not possible to achieve permanent dimples with just that method.
- Dimpleplasty
For all of us who did not manage to inherit the trait, it is possible to have them surgically created – through a dimple creation surgery, also known as dimpleplasty. This is also an option for individuals who would like their one-sided dimple to be symmetrical. Though prior to moving forward with the surgery, it would be best to learn all the things you need to know before you make the first step with visiting a trusted plastic surgeon.
What is dimpleplasty and its process?
Dimpleplasty is a plastic surgery used to develop dimples on a person’s cheeks.
The location where the dimple will be formed is first identified so that the patient is completely aware of where the dimple will be created. Then, injections are used to deliver local anesthesia, which takes approximately five minutes to fully take effect. An incision is then made on the interior of the mouth. After that, the doctor will work on the buccinator muscle to form a dimple. During this process, a tiny amount of fat and muscle may be removed. Then, a stitch is placed in the deep layer of skin at the desired area of the new dimple and linked to the underlying buccinator muscle. The affected region would be around two to three millimeters long.
This procedure takes about 30 minutes for each dimple. After the procedure, the wound will be stitched up using dissolvable sutures. You should not feel any discomfort during this surgery as it is performed under a local anesthetic.
Is there anything to take note of regarding the surgery?
Since there is little downtime due to the surgery being minimally-invasive, you can resume activities swiftly after some rest. In addition, no visible external scarring can be seen as the surgery is performed from the inside of the mouth.
As with any surgery such as ptosis repair in Singapore, complications may arise, though uncommon. Among the probable complications are:
- Chance of infection
- Scarring
- Swelling and redness
- Nerve damage in the face
- Bleeding
Thus, it is imperative that you seek a trusted and professional aesthetic clinic to perform dimpleplasty. At The Clifford Surgery Clinic, our plastic surgeons come equipped with over 40 combined years of experience – have peace of mind as we work to ensure that you are safe and in good hands.
Say hello to cheek dimples @ The Clifford Surgery Clinic!
There are several ways to achieve dimpled cheeks, such as implementing facial exercises or sinking your fingers into your cheeks for approximately 30 seconds. However, these methods will only cause a temporary effect at best. Hence, the only way to get cheek dimples permanently is to either have them naturally or go the surgery route – with the aid of a professional plastic surgeon, of course.
Our highly-experienced and meticulous plastic surgeon at The Clifford Surgery Clinic specializes in a number of reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Coupled with the completion of advanced training in reconstructive, aesthetic, and plastic surgery, rest assured that you are able to get the results you desire. Do not hesitate to visit us for a consultation today.