Face Cosmetic Surgery
Dimple Creation Surgery (Dimpleplasty): A Simple Step with Big Impact
Dimples are admired as a distinctive feature in many cultures. Dimpleplasty is a quick, minor surgical procedure that creates natural-looking cheek dimples with permanent results and minimal downtime.
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What is Dimpleplasty?
Dimpleplasty is a minor outpatient procedure that creates a small, natural-looking indentation (dimple) on one or both cheeks, or on the chin. Naturally occurring dimples arise when a small fibrous band connects the undersurface of the skin to the underlying cheek muscle (zygomaticus major) — when you smile, the muscle contracts and the band creates the characteristic indent. The surgical procedure recreates this anatomical connection artificially, producing a dimple that appears naturally when you smile and becomes subtler at rest over time.
The Procedure Explained
Dimpleplasty is performed under local anaesthesia in a clinical setting — no hospital admission or general anaesthesia is required. The entire procedure takes approximately 20–30 minutes per side. A very small incision is made on the inner surface of the cheek (inside the mouth), so there are no external cuts, no visible marks, and no sutures on the outside of the face. A tiny amount of cheek tissue is carefully removed to create the fibrous connection between the dermis and the cheek muscle. The opening is closed with a dissolvable suture, which resorbs naturally over 2–3 weeks.
Is it Permanent?
In the initial weeks after surgery, the dimple is visible both when smiling and at rest — which is more pronounced than a natural dimple. As internal healing progresses over 4–8 weeks, the fibrous band softens and the dimple gradually becomes visible only on smiling, which is exactly how natural dimples appear. Long-term permanence depends on the individual healing response; in the majority of patients, the result is lasting. The procedure can technically be reversed, though this is rarely requested. Dr. Anshalika takes time at consultation to set clear, honest expectations so every patient understands the progressive nature of the result.
Recovery and Care
Recovery is quick and straightforward. You can return to work and most daily activities the following day. Mild swelling and subtle bruising around the cheek area for 2–5 days is normal and easily concealed with makeup after 48 hours. Rinsing the mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash after meals is recommended for the first 2 weeks to keep the incision site clean. Soft foods for the first few days help keep the area undisturbed. Talking, smiling, and normal facial expressions can be resumed immediately — the dimple itself is visible from day one. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quick, painless, and low-disruption the experience is.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Dimpleplasty is suitable for most adults in good general health who desire cheek dimples. There is no body type or facial shape that precludes the procedure. The best candidates have realistic expectations — understanding that the dimple will initially appear more prominent at rest and naturally settles into a smile-only dimple as healing progresses. The procedure works on any skin tone and facial type. At your consultation, Dr. Anshalika will mark the proposed dimple location on your face while you are smiling, giving you a visual preview of the expected outcome and allowing adjustments to position and size before any commitment is made.
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