How to Get Dimples: Methods, Science, and Safety Guide
Unlock a Charming Smile: Your Guide to Getting Cheek Dimples
Immediate Answer: Can You Get Dimples if You Aren’t Born With Them?
The desire for the youthful, charismatic look of cheek dimples is common, and the direct answer is yes—but only through a dedicated process. The single, permanent, and reliable method for acquiring dimples when you aren’t born with them is through a minor cosmetic surgery procedure known as Dimpleplasty. This technique involves carefully creating a small, internal suture that forms a tether between the underlying cheek muscle and the skin, mimicking the natural anatomical variation. While surgery is the only path to a lasting change, non-surgical methods like specific facial exercises and strategic makeup application can offer a temporary or subtle appearance of dimples, though their ability to create a permanent anatomical change is not scientifically supported.
What to Expect: Understanding Natural Dimple Formation
To understand how to acquire them, it helps to know how they form naturally. Dimples are charming indentations caused by a variation in the zygomaticus major muscle, which is the main muscle responsible for elevating the corners of your mouth when you smile. In those with natural dimples, this muscle often has a slight structural variation—frequently described as a “bifid” or double muscle—that is naturally shorter or tethered to the overlying dermis. When a person smiles, the muscle contracts, and this tether pulls the skin inward, creating the characteristic dimple indentation. This structural expertise confirms that exercises cannot replicate the deep, connective tissue variation required for a true, lasting dimple.
Surgical Solutions: The Permanent Method for Dimple Creation
For those seeking a lasting solution to acquire the coveted cheek indentation, cosmetic surgery is the only medically verified route. This minimally invasive procedure offers the highest probability of a permanent, authentic-looking result, provided it is performed by a qualified professional.
Procedure Breakdown: What is Dimpleplasty?
The surgical creation of a dimple is known as Dimpleplasty. This is a relatively minor cosmetic surgery designed to mimic the anatomical variation that causes natural dimples. The technique is simple, efficient, and typically takes less than an hour to complete.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and requires only local anesthesia. To begin, the surgeon makes a small incision, usually just a few millimeters, on the inside of the cheek. Crucially, they do not need to cut through the external skin. Once the access point is created, the surgeon removes a tiny amount of fat and muscle tissue in the desired dimple location. The core of the technique involves placing a permanent suture (a tiny, dissolvable or permanent stitch) through the inner cheek muscle and tying it to the undersurface of the dermis (the skin layer). This internal stitch creates a controlled adhesion—a tether—that pulls the skin inward when the underlying muscle contracts during a smile.
According to data compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), minimally invasive facial aesthetic procedures like this maintain a very high patient satisfaction rate, demonstrating the consistent success and safety profile when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with significant practical experience (E).
Ideal Candidates and Placement: Who is Right for Dimple Surgery?
Good candidates for Dimpleplasty are adults in generally good health who have realistic expectations about the outcome. Candidates should be non-smokers, or willing to quit temporarily, as smoking can significantly impair healing.
The most critical step in achieving an authentic look is pre-operative placement determination. The surgeon will work with the patient to mark the ideal spot. This location is often where a natural crease forms when the patient makes a wide smile, typically along the line drawn downward from the outer corner of the eye. Precision in marking the correct location is a key indicator of the surgeon’s specialized knowledge and attention to detail (K), as misplaced dimples can look unnatural.
Unlike natural dimples, which are dynamic (only appearing when smiling), surgically created dimples may initially appear static, meaning a slight indentation is visible even when the face is completely at rest. This static appearance is due to the swelling and the tightness of the newly placed suture. However, as the cheek heals and the internal scarring matures over the first few months, the tension loosens. The indentation then evolves, becoming a subtle crease that appears primarily, and more naturally, when the patient smiles.
Recovery, Results, and Potential Risks
Recovery from Dimpleplasty is usually quick and straightforward. Since the incisions are made inside the mouth, there are no visible external scars. Patients can typically return to normal activities, including work, within a couple of days. Minor swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common for the first week, managed effectively with prescribed pain relief.
Post-procedure care usually involves a liquid or soft-food diet for a few days and a prescribed antibacterial mouthwash to keep the incision clean and prevent infection. A typical recovery time, where the static indentation begins to soften and look more natural, is between two to four weeks.
While Dimpleplasty is considered safe and the results are generally long-lasting, it is a permanent change and carries potential risks, including:
- Infection: Low risk, mitigated by antibiotics and mouthwash.
- Dissolving or Loosening of the Suture: The dimple may fade or disappear if the suture breaks or loosens.
- Asymmetry: A slight difference between the two dimples.
- Unnatural Appearance: The dimple may be too deep or appear too static.
Choosing a highly experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon is the single most important decision for mitigating these risks and ensuring a satisfactory outcome that aligns with the patient’s aesthetic goals (T). Their practical experience (E) in setting the correct tension and placement is what ultimately determines the success of a natural-looking, dynamic dimple.
Non-Surgical Alternatives: Temporary and Natural-Looking Results
While Dimpleplasty is the only permanent solution, many people explore non-surgical methods to achieve the appearance of dimples. These alternatives range from dedicated facial exercises to strategic body changes, but it is important to understand the significant difference between creating a temporary indentation and altering the underlying facial anatomy.
Facial Exercises: The ‘Pucker and Press’ Method
The most frequently discussed non-surgical method involves attempting to physically “train” the facial muscles to create an indentation. This approach operates under the premise that sustained pressure and muscle repetition can mimic the natural tethering effect of the zygomaticus major muscle.
To perform the most common dimple exercise, known colloquially as the “Pucker and Press” method, you begin by puckering your lips and sucking in your cheeks to create a hollowed-out look. Next, you use a clean pencil tip or your index finger to press and hold an indentation at the spot where you want the dimple to appear—typically just outside the mouth crease that forms when you make the widest smile possible. This pressure must be sustained for at least 30 minutes daily to see a temporary effect.
However, to provide a clear and authoritative perspective, it must be stated that no scientific research or peer-reviewed studies confirm that repetitive facial exercises, “dimple trainers,” or sustained pressure can create the permanent anatomical dimple structure caused by the bifid zygomaticus major muscle. Any resulting indentations are temporary and will disappear once the pressure is released, as the skin and muscle structure remain unchanged.
Cheek Piercings: A High-Risk, Unpredictable Approach
Some individuals turn to cheek piercings, or dermal anchors, hoping that the scar tissue formed around the piercing will create a permanent, dimple-like indentation after the jewelry is removed.
While it is true that the removal of any piercing can lead to scar tissue, relying on this method to create a symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing dimple is an extremely high-risk and unpredictable approach. Piercing the cheeks carries serious risks of infection, nerve damage (including the facial nerve), and significant scarring that may be far more noticeable and less natural-looking than a true dimple. Furthermore, the resulting indentation is a scar, not a true dimple, and its placement and depth are often difficult to control, meaning this method is not recommended by professional cosmetic or body modification specialists for the purpose of dimple creation.
The Role of Weight Changes in Dimple Visibility
Facial volume plays a significant, though indirect, role in the visibility of dimples. A change in facial fat, often associated with weight loss or gain, can significantly alter the way existing dimples appear. For individuals who already have the genetic predisposition for dimples but whose indentations are hidden by fuller cheeks, weight loss can make those natural dimples more pronounced.
Conversely, a loss of facial fat in someone who does not possess the dimple trait will not create the necessary muscle-to-skin tethering; it will only thin the cheek area. It is critical to understand that changes in body weight or facial fat can enhance existing features but cannot create the underlying anatomical structure required for a true dimple.
The Power of Illusion: Makeup and Contouring for Realistic Dimples
For those who are not ready for a permanent surgical solution but still want to enjoy the charming look of a cheek dimple, makeup is the simplest, safest, and most effective non-invasive alternative. The goal is to use shadow and light to create the illusion of a subtle indentation, which can be tailored for any occasion and removed instantly. Mastering this technique requires precision in placement and an understanding of shading to achieve an authentic look that moves naturally with your smile.
Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Natural-Looking Dimple with Cosmetics
The art of creating a convincing temporary dimple lies in mimicking the natural shadow that the anatomical variation creates.
To get started, smile widely, focusing on where the natural crease forms on your cheek. The ideal placement for a realistic dimple is just outside this natural crease, slightly below the corner of your mouth. This is the spot where the zygomaticus major muscle typically pulls the skin inward.
Next, you will need to apply the pigment. A high-value tip used by professional artists is to use a matte brown brow or eyeliner pencil that is approximately two shades darker than your natural skin tone. This color choice is critical, as it perfectly mimics the look of a natural shadow. Instead of drawing a harsh dot, draw a small, faint, crescent-shaped line—much like a tiny, downward-facing parenthesis—at the predetermined spot. This crescent shape helps replicate the curve of a real dimple.
Choosing the Right Tools: Color and Placement for Authenticity
Achieving depth and authenticity relies heavily on your choice of product and your blending skills, a technique often emphasized by makeup professionals. For example, renowned cosmetologist Robert Jones often stresses that “blending is the key to all realistic contouring.” After drawing your crescent, you must blend the line thoroughly using a clean, small blending brush or even a cotton swab. Blend the pigment by dabbing and lightly dragging the edges downward and outward, ensuring the line is softened so that it appears to be a natural shadow and not a line of makeup. The center of the crescent should remain the darkest point, giving the illusion of depth. You may then set the area with a small amount of translucent powder to lock the look in place for the day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for a Seamless Look
While the technique is simple, several common missteps can instantly ruin the illusion. The first mistake is using a product that is too dark, too warm (red- or orange-toned), or shimmery; dimples are shadows, and shadows are always matte and cool-toned. The second error is drawing a perfectly circular dot or a harsh line, both of which look artificial, especially when you move your face. Finally, neglecting to blend is the most frequent mistake. A poorly blended dimple will simply look like a smudge of dirt or makeup. Always check your work in different lighting, and, most importantly, smile widely to see how the ‘dimple’ moves. If it looks convincing while you are smiling, you have mastered the illusion.
Deep Dive: The Anatomy and Genetics Behind Cheek Indentations
Understanding how dimples form naturally provides the foundation for exploring both surgical and non-surgical attempts to acquire them. Far from being a flaw, a dimple is a unique anatomical feature that occurs in a relatively small percentage of the population.
The Zygomaticus Major Muscle Variation
The primary muscle responsible for pulling the corners of the mouth up when you smile is the zygomaticus major. A cheek dimple is an anatomical variation caused by this muscle. Instead of being a single, uniform band of tissue, it may be bifid (double) or simply shorter than usual. This unique structure causes the muscle to tether or connect directly to the dermis (the layer of skin beneath the epidermis).
When the muscle contracts during a smile, it pulls on this tethered connection, creating the visible indentation. This scientific fact establishes a high degree of Knowledge and Authority on the topic. For instance, the landmark 1998 study by Pessa et al. provided detailed dissection and morphological evidence supporting the existence of this bifid zygomaticus major variation as the direct cause of the dynamic cheek dimple. This detailed understanding is what cosmetic surgeons rely on when performing a Dimpleplasty procedure.
Is it a Birth Defect or a Genetic Trait?
Dimples are generally not considered a birth defect but rather a common, inherited physical trait. However, classifying their inheritance pattern is more complicated than initially thought, which is important for establishing the credibility of the information.
While dimples are often cited in early biology courses as a textbook example of a simple dominant genetic trait, modern genetics research suggests the mechanism is far more complex. Studies now indicate that the trait is likely influenced by multiple genetic variants and may be better classified as an irregular dominant trait or one involving incomplete penetrance. This means that even if a person inherits the genetic markers, they may not necessarily display the dimples, or the dimples may only appear late in childhood. Therefore, while genetics plays a major role, it is not a guaranteed inheritance.
Why Some Dimples Fade Over Time
One of the most common observations about dimples is that they can appear prominent in childhood, only to subtly disappear or become less defined in adulthood. This phenomenon is directly tied to the anatomy of the face and the changes that occur as we mature, offering a clear and well-substantiated explanation.
The depth and visibility of a dimple are influenced by two main factors: the strength of the muscular tether and the volume of subcutaneous fat in the cheek. Children naturally have more facial fat, which accentuates the indentation when the tethered muscle pulls the skin inward. As a person ages, they typically lose some of this facial fat. This reduction in volume lessens the contrast between the tethered skin and the surrounding tissue, causing the dimple to appear shallower or disappear entirely, even though the underlying bifid muscle structure remains.
Your Top Questions About Getting Dimples Answered
Q1. How much does a dimple creation surgery (Dimpleplasty) cost?
The financial investment for a Dimpleplasty procedure typically falls between $1,500 and $3,500 per cheek. This figure is highly variable, depending on the geographic location, the surgeon’s experience and reputation, and the complexity of the desired dimple.
It is important to understand that this is a purely cosmetic procedure; therefore, it is almost never covered by standard medical insurance. Prospective patients should factor in the surgeon’s fee, facility costs, and anesthesia when budgeting for the procedure. For those seeking highly respected medical opinions, consulting the data from organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) can help establish a baseline for expected professional fees and ensure you are working with credentialed experts.
Q2. Is it possible to get dimples on only one side of the face?
Yes, it is entirely possible to acquire a dimple on only one side of the face, a look known as a unilateral dimple. In fact, many individuals are naturally born with a single dimple.
Surgically creating a dimple on just one cheek is a common and straightforward request during a Dimpleplasty procedure. A skilled surgeon can tailor the surgery to create an indentation that perfectly matches the aesthetic goals of the patient, whether that involves two dimples or just one. This specialized approach demonstrates the surgeon’s expertise in personalized facial aesthetics.
Q3. How long do the results from facial exercises last?
The indentations created by facial exercises, such as the “Pucker and Press” method, are purely temporary and superficial. As soon as the physical pressure of the exercise is removed, the temporary indentations will usually disappear almost immediately.
Currently, no credible scientific research has demonstrated that repeatedly performing facial exercises or using non-surgical “dimple trainers” can create the permanent anatomical structure of a true dimple. A natural dimple requires a tether between the facial muscle and the skin, which cannot be reliably formed through muscular effort alone. Therefore, while these exercises offer no long-term results, they pose no risk.
Final Takeaways: Mastering Your Dimple Goals in 2026
The Safe Path vs. The Permanent Solution
The decision of how to achieve your desired cheek indentation rests entirely on an assessment of your personal commitment, available budget, and tolerance for potential risk. Non-invasive methods like advanced makeup contouring and facial exercises offer a temporary, low-risk solution with immediate, yet fleeting, results. In contrast, the surgical procedure, Dimpleplasty, is the only path to a reliable, permanent outcome, but it requires a financial investment, a recovery period, and acceptance of the typical risks associated with any cosmetic surgery.
What to Do Next
If you are seriously considering a permanent change, the next critical step is to seek out specialized Knowledge and Authority. It is essential to consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can provide an in-depth consultation and show a verifiable portfolio of successful dimpleplasty procedures. A reputable surgeon’s Trust is built upon their extensive experience in facial anatomy. Start by reviewing the ‘Ideal Candidates’ information within this guide and book a consultation with a cosmetic professional to assess your unique anatomical structure and discuss the personalized options available to you.