Dimples are small natural indentations that appear on the cheeks when a person smiles. While some people are born with them, others may want to create a similar feature through cosmetic surgery. Dimple Creation Surgery is a relatively minor facial procedure designed to create a natural looking indentation on the cheek that becomes more noticeable when smiling.
Unlike many cosmetic procedures that focus on reducing signs of aging or changing facial proportions, dimple surgery is usually performed for a subtle aesthetic change. The procedure is generally completed through a small incision inside the mouth, meaning there is typically no visible external scar. Although the surgery is relatively straightforward, achieving a natural looking result requires careful placement and an understanding of the patient’s facial anatomy.
What Is Dimple Creation Surgery?
Dimple Creation Surgery, also known as dimpleplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that creates an artificial cheek dimple. Natural dimples are associated with variations in the anatomy of the cheek muscles and surrounding tissues. During dimple creation surgery, the surgeon creates a controlled connection between the skin and deeper cheek tissues so that an indentation develops when the facial muscles move during smiling.

The exact technique can vary between surgeons, but the objective is generally to create a small, controlled depression in a position that complements the patient’s facial features. Because the procedure is performed from inside the mouth, the external skin does not usually require a visible incision.
Why Do People Choose Dimple Creation Surgery?
People choose cheek dimple surgery for different aesthetic reasons. Some may naturally have a very subtle dimple and want it to be more noticeable, while others may want to create dimples where none previously existed. Dimples can also create a particular facial expression when smiling and may be considered an attractive or distinctive facial feature.
The procedure can generally be customized according to the desired position and appearance. Some patients may want a dimple on one cheek, while others prefer dimples on both sides. The goal should be to create a feature that complements the individual’s natural facial structure rather than producing an overly deep or artificial looking indentation.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate For Dimple Creation Surgery?
Dimple Creation Surgery may be considered by adults who are generally healthy and want to create a permanent or long lasting cheek dimple. A suitable candidate should have realistic expectations and understand that facial anatomy can influence the final appearance. Before surgery, the surgeon may assess:
• Facial structure and cheek anatomy
• Desired dimple location
• Skin and soft tissue characteristics
• General oral and overall health
• Existing facial asymmetry
• Desired depth and appearance
Good communication during consultation is important because a dimple that looks attractive on one person’s face may not produce the same aesthetic effect on another. Patients should also understand that the appearance immediately after surgery can be very different from the eventual result.
How Is Dimple Creation Surgery Performed?
Dimple creation surgery is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. The surgeon first identifies the desired location of the dimple on the cheek. This position is usually planned while considering the patient’s natural smile and facial proportions.
A small incision is then made inside the mouth. Through this internal approach, the surgeon creates a controlled attachment between the inner cheek tissues and the skin. The purpose of this connection is to create an indentation in the cheek. When the facial muscles move during smiling, the skin is pulled inward at the treatment site, producing the appearance of a dimple.
The procedure generally does not require a large external incision. Because techniques vary, patients should ask their surgeon how the dimple will be created, how its position will be determined and what type of result can realistically be expected.
Does Dimple Creation Surgery Leave a Scar?
One of the commonly discussed advantages of dimple creation surgery is that the incision is made inside the mouth. This means that there is generally no visible scar on the outside of the cheek. The internal incision heals within the mouth, although the healing process can vary between individuals.
Patients should still follow their surgeon’s instructions regarding oral hygiene, food choices and care of the surgical site during recovery. Although there may be no obvious external scar, this does not mean the procedure has no healing period. The tissues inside the cheek still need time to recover.
What Is Recovery Like After Dimple Surgery?
Recovery from Dimple Creation Surgery is generally shorter than recovery from many larger facial procedures. Some swelling, tenderness and bruising may occur after surgery. Because the procedure involves the inside of the cheek, patients may also notice temporary discomfort when eating or moving the mouth.
Your surgeon may provide specific instructions regarding oral hygiene and eating during the initial healing period. Keeping the mouth clean is particularly important because the surgical site is inside the oral cavity. The initial appearance of the dimple can also be misleading. The indentation may appear deeper or remain visible even when the face is relaxed during the early healing period. As swelling decreases and the tissues heal, the appearance generally becomes softer and more natural.
When Will the Final Result Appear?
Dimple surgery does not necessarily produce its final appearance immediately. During the early stages of healing, the dimple may look deeper than expected or may be visible even when you are not smiling. This can happen because the tissues are healing and the internal connection created during surgery is still settling.
As the tissues mature, the appearance usually changes. The final result can depend on factors such as the surgical technique, location of the dimple, facial anatomy and individual healing response. Your surgeon can provide a more specific timeline based on the technique used and your individual circumstances.
Are Dimple Creation Surgery Results Permanent?
Dimple surgery is generally intended to create a long lasting facial feature. However, the final result cannot be guaranteed to remain exactly the same throughout life. During healing, the appearance of the dimple can change. In some patients, the indentation may become less pronounced than it appeared immediately after surgery.
There is also variation in how strongly the dimple appears when the face is relaxed versus when smiling. Patients should therefore understand that dimple surgery is designed to create a lasting change, but the exact appearance depends on individual healing and tissue characteristics.
Can the Dimple Look Natural?
Natural appearance is one of the most important considerations when undergoing dimple surgery. The location, depth and shape of the dimple should complement the rest of the face. A dimple that is positioned too high, too low or too deep may appear less natural. The surgeon must also consider how the cheek moves during smiling.
The objective is usually not to create a deep indentation that is visible at all times. Instead, many patients prefer a subtle dimple that becomes more noticeable during smiling. Discussing your preferred appearance during consultation can help your surgeon understand whether you want a very subtle feature or a more pronounced dimple.
Can You Choose the Location of the Dimple?
The desired location can generally be discussed before surgery, but the exact position should be determined according to facial anatomy. Patients sometimes bring photographs showing the type of dimple they prefer. These can be useful for communicating aesthetic preferences, but another person’s dimple cannot necessarily be reproduced exactly.
The surgeon will assess your cheek structure and smile before determining the most suitable location. This is particularly important because facial symmetry and muscle movement vary considerably between individuals.
Are There Any Risks?
Although Dimple Creation Surgery is generally less extensive than many cosmetic procedures, it is still surgery and carries potential risks. Possible complications may include infection, bleeding, swelling, pain, changes in sensation, asymmetry, scarring inside the mouth and an unsatisfactory aesthetic result.
There is also a possibility that the dimple may become too subtle, too deep or positioned differently from what the patient expected. Because the procedure involves the cheek and facial tissues, patients should discuss the technique and potential complications carefully with a qualified surgeon before proceeding. Following postoperative instructions can also help support proper healing.
What Happens If You Do Not Like the Result?
One important consideration before surgery is that changing an artificially created dimple may be more complicated than creating one. The appearance can change naturally during healing, so patients are generally advised to allow adequate time for the tissues to settle before judging the final outcome.
If the result remains unsatisfactory after healing, additional treatment may sometimes be considered. However, revision procedures have their own limitations and risks. This is why careful planning before the initial procedure is important.
Is Dimple Creation Surgery Painful?
The procedure itself is generally performed using local anesthesia, which numbs the treatment area. After the anesthesia wears off, some tenderness or discomfort may occur. The degree of discomfort varies from person to person and usually improves as healing progresses.
Because the incision is inside the cheek, activities such as chewing or moving the mouth may feel uncomfortable during the initial recovery period. Your surgeon can provide appropriate postoperative instructions and explain how to manage discomfort during healing.
Dimple Creation Surgery and Facial Aesthetics
A small facial feature can have a noticeable effect on the way a person perceives their smile. However, the most successful cosmetic changes are usually those that work with existing facial anatomy rather than attempting to create an unrelated feature.
Dimple surgery should therefore be approached as a subtle facial enhancement. During consultation, your surgeon can assess your smile, facial proportions and cheek anatomy to determine whether the procedure is suitable and what type of dimple may complement your appearance.
How Should You Prepare for Dimple Surgery?
Preparation begins with a detailed consultation. Tell your surgeon about any medical conditions, medications, allergies, previous facial procedures and oral health concerns. Your surgeon may also provide instructions regarding eating, drinking and oral hygiene before the procedure.
It is useful to discuss your desired dimple location and whether you want one or two dimples. You should also ask about the expected recovery period, possible complications and what the dimple may look like during the early healing stages. Having realistic expectations is an important part of preparing for any cosmetic procedure.
Is Dimple Creation Surgery Right for You?
Dimple Creation Surgery can provide a subtle change to the appearance of the cheeks and smile without requiring a large external incision. However, the procedure is not suitable for everyone, and the result depends heavily on individual facial anatomy and healing.
A consultation with a qualified and experienced surgeon allows you to discuss your goals, understand the technique being recommended and determine whether the expected result is appropriate for your face. The aim should be a natural looking feature that complements your existing smile rather than simply creating the deepest possible indentation.
Take the Next Step with an Expert Consultation
If you are considering Dimple Creation Surgery, an individual consultation is the best way to understand how the procedure could complement your facial features. Your surgeon can assess your cheek anatomy, discuss the preferred location and appearance of the dimple, explain the surgical technique and outline the expected recovery process.
A carefully planned procedure can create a subtle facial feature while preserving the natural appearance of your smile. Understanding the benefits, limitations and potential risks before treatment can help you approach the decision with realistic expectations.

