Dimples are a facial feature that many find attractive. They form when there is a natural dimple or cleft in the zygomaticus major muscle on the cheeks. This causes a dent or crease on the cheeks when smiling. Some people are born with prominent dimples, while others may have very faint ones. Those wishing they had more defined dimples often wonder if it is possible to train the face to develop them. There are a few methods people try, but overall the results tend to be minimal.
What Causes Dimples?
Dimples occur due to a shortening in the zygomaticus major muscle in the cheeks. This muscle pulls the corner of the mouth up and outward when smiling. When there is a natural cleft or split in the muscle, it causes the skin to dent inward as the muscle contracts. The severity and appearance of dimples depend on the depth of the cleft.
Some key points about what causes dimples:
- They are caused by a natural cleft or split in the zygomaticus major muscle
- The depth of the cleft determines the appearance of the dimples
- Deeper clefts lead to more pronounced dimples
- Shallow clefts result in fainter dimples
- The location of the cleft impacts where dimples appear
Genetics play a big role in dimple formation. Dimples are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. This means only one parent needs to pass on the genetic variant for a child to inherit dimples. Even family members without dimples can still carry this dominant trait and pass it along.
Can You Create Dimples by Smiling?
Some people believe smiling frequently or forcefully can train the facial muscles to eventually form dimples. The logic is that repeatedly contracting the zygomaticus major muscles may cause micro tears that scar and form clefts when healing. However, there is no scientific evidence that supports this claim.
The facial muscles, like other muscles in the body, may undergo some adaptations to frequent contraction. But simply smiling or squinting the cheeks repeatedly will likely not cause substantial enough changes to create dimples where none existed. Any minor indentations that appear with sustained smiling are unlikely to be permanent or look like genuine dimples.
Without a pre-existing cleft in the facial muscle, it is not possible to create dimples simply through sustained facial contractions. So unfortunately, you cannot train your face to develop dimples solely by smiling or making facial expressions.
Can Massage Create Dimples?
Some claim that regularly massaging the cheeks may break down facial muscle fibers and tissues enough to form dimples. The proposed logic is that applying pressure and manipulating the facial muscles manually over time can wear down the tissues, forming clefts similar to dimples.
However, there is no medical evidence showing massage can alter the facial anatomy enough to create natural-looking dimples. Massage may temporarily cause blood flow and fluid shifts that allow indented areas to appear. But these would not be permanent changes. Any indentations from massage are likely superficial and would disappear shortly afterward.
While facial massage has many proven benefits for skin and circulation, it will not change the underlying facial muscle structure enough to develop permanent dimples in adulthood. Any massage-related dimples are likely an optical illusion that does not reflect true clefts in the muscles.
Can Injectable Fillers Add Dimples?
Injectable dermal fillers are the most effective nonsurgical method for potentially adding dimples. With precise injection, fillers like hyaluronic acid can create discreet indentations that resemble dimples. The filler creates a space occupying lesion under the skin that causes an indentation. Over time, the filler is absorbed and dimple effects dissipate.
Here are some considerations with using injectable fillers to add dimples:
Results are temporary
Fillers for dimples may last 6-12 months before the material fully dissolves and the dimples disappear. To maintain the effect, repeat injections every 6-12 months are required. This adds up in cost over time.
Risk of unevenness
Precise placement and product selection are essential for natural, symmetrical results. In unskilled hands, there is a risk of uneven or unsightly dimples.
Potential side effects
Though rare with experienced injectors, fillers come with risks like infection, blistering, and tissue death if improperly placed.
Cost
Dimple creation requires many small and meticulously placed injections. This could cost anywhere from $500-1200 per treatment.
Can Dimple Surgery Create Permanent Dimples?
For permanent dimple creation, surgery is required. There are two main surgical techniques:
Suturing/Stitching Dimples
This involves suturing the inside of the cheeks to create dimple-like indents. The sutures draw the skin inward to mimic natural clefts. The results last long-term, but risks include:
- Visible scarring inside the mouth
- Damage to salivary glands
- Asymmetry
- Nerve damage
Creating Clefts in Facial Muscles
Surgeons can carefully sever the zygomaticus major muscle using scalpels or lasers. This creates a cleft that causes a natural dimpling effect. This technique avoids visible scarring but has these potential risks:
- Nerve damage
- Weakening of facial muscles
- Asymmetry if clefts are uneven
- Poor cosmetic outcome
Overall, surgical dimple creation has the highest risks and costs. It may produce permanent dimples, but many plastic surgeons advise against it due to the potential for complications.
Natural-Looking Dimple Creams
Some creams on the market claim they can create natural dimples with regular use. The proposed mechanism is that ingredients like peptides and vitamins alter facial muscle shape over time. However, there is no evidence showing topical creams can permanently change muscle structure or create clefts similar to real dimples. Any creases from the products would be superficial and temporary indentations of the skin only.
Conclusion
Dimples are challenging to recreate without inheriting the genetic trait that causes natural clefts in the facial muscles. While methods like smiling, massage, fillers, and surgery may produce some indentation in the cheeks, the results are generally faint and temporary. Risks are also higher with invasive options like surgery. The safest approach is to use nonsurgical methods sparingly for very subtle effects. But overall, it is difficult if not impossible to train your face to have defined, natural-looking dimples without the right genetic factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make your dimples bigger?
For people born with dimples, injectable fillers like hyaluronic acid can potentially enhance their depth and appearance. Small amounts of strategically placed filler in the cheek muscles can exaggerate existing dimple clefts. Results last 6-12 months.
Do dimple surgeries leave scars?
The technique of suturing the inside of the cheeks leaves visible scarring internally on the oral mucosa. However, methods that sever facial muscles externally using scalpels or lasers do not result in visible external scarring.
What is the success rate of surgical dimple creation?
Success rates depend heavily on the skill and experience of the surgeon. Published data on satisfaction rates for dimple surgery are limited. But conservative estimates range from 70-85% satisfaction when performed by very experienced surgeons. Many plastic surgeons still advise against dimple surgery due to high risks relative to rewards.
Can you get just one dimple?
Yes, it is possible. Both injectable fillers and surgical options can be used to create a single dimple on just one side. However, getting a single symmetrical dimple on one side is trickier and has a higher chance of an uneven result compared to two matching dimples.
Can Botox create dimples?
No, Botox alone cannot create natural dimples. Botox paralyzes muscles, which smooths wrinkles but does not create clefts or indents. Professionals may use Botox with fillers to enhance dimple effects, but Botox itself does not add volume like fillers do.
Can men get dimple creations?
Yes, the above procedures can be performed on men seeking dimple creation. However, results may look more natural on women than men given societal gender norms and expectations. As always, options should be carefully weighed against personal goals and realistic expectations.
At what age can you get dimple creation?
Non-surgical options are only recommended for those over 18 years old. Surgical dimple creation is only performed on adults over 21 in most cases. Creating dimples at a very young age carries health risks and there are ethical concerns. The minimum ages help ensure maturity to make an informed decision.
Do dimple creations look fake?
It depends. Surgical techniques tend to produce the most natural looking, symmetrical results in skilled hands. But risks are higher. Injectable fillers can appear fake if placed unevenly or too superficially. Non-surgical methods also fade over time. Scarring with suturing techniques can also look obvious. Overall, nothing replicates natural dimples 100%.
Do dimple creations damage face muscles?
Invasive surgical techniques do carry a risk of damaging facial nerves or weakening muscles. Though uncommon, this side effect is permanent if it occurs. Non-surgical options like fillers do not damage muscles when used properly but are not as long lasting.
Summary
– Dimples occur due to clefts in the zygomaticus major facial muscles
– It is extremely difficult to recreate genuine dimples without this anatomical trait
– Smiling or massage alone will not change facial muscle structure enough to create dimples
– Fillers may produce temporary indents, but frequent touch-ups are needed
– Surgical options like suturing or severing facial muscles are higher risk but longer lasting
– No methods can perfectly replicate natural dimples
– Nonsurgical options have lower risk but limited results compared to invasive surgical techniques