Will Dimple Creation Surgery Look Natural When Your Face Is At Rest?
Introduction
Natural cheek dimples usually become visible when a person smiles and soften or disappear when the facial muscles relax. This movement is one of the qualities that makes a dimple look believable rather than surgically fixed.
Dimple creation surgery, also called dimpleplasty, is designed to reproduce this small indentation by creating a controlled connection between the inner cheek tissue and the skin.
The direct answer is that a surgically created dimple can look natural when its location, depth, shape and attachment are planned according to the patient’s smile and facial proportions. However, the dimple may initially remain visible even when the face is at rest. It usually softens as swelling settles and the internal attachment matures.
Naturalness depends on more than making a depression in the cheek. Planning must consider:
The patient’s smile pattern
Cheek fullness
Facial shape
Distance from the mouth
Existing asymmetry
Skin thickness
The desired dimple size
Whether one or both cheeks will be treated
How the dimple should look at rest
How strongly it should appear during smiling
An excessively deep, low, wide or continuously visible indentation can look artificial. The objective should be a subtle feature that moves with the face rather than a sharply fixed hole in the cheek.
What Is Dimple Creation Surgery?
Dimple creation surgery is a small facial procedure intended to create an indentation in the cheek that becomes more visible during smiling.
The procedure is usually performed from inside the mouth. This avoids placing a conventional external incision across the visible cheek skin.
A planned internal attachment is created between the cheek skin and deeper tissue. When the patient smiles and the cheek moves, this connection pulls the skin inward and forms the dimple.
Depending on the technique, treatment may involve:
A small internal cheek incision
Limited adjustment of soft tissue
Controlled attachment between the dermis and cheek muscle
Internal sutures
Careful preservation of surrounding structures
The procedure does not add an implant to the cheek. It also does not reproduce the exact anatomy of every naturally occurring dimple.
The aim is to imitate the visual movement of a natural dimple while maintaining normal facial expression, mouth movement and cheek contour.
How Do Natural Cheek Dimples Form?
Natural dimples are related to variations in the structure and movement of the cheek muscles and surrounding soft tissue.
During smiling, the muscles that raise the corners of the mouth pull on the overlying cheek. In some people, the anatomical relationship between the muscle, connective tissue and skin creates a localised inward pull.
A natural dimple may be:
Round
Oval
Short and linear
Deep
Shallow
Visible only during a broad smile
Present during mild expression
More noticeable on one side
Positioned at different heights on each cheek
Not every natural dimple is perfectly centred or symmetrical.
Some people have one prominent dimple and only a faint crease on the other side. Others have dimples that appear differently according to the intensity of the smile.
Surgical planning should respect this natural variation. Creating two perfectly identical, deeply carved circles may produce a less believable result than accepting small differences between the sides.
Can A Surgically Created Dimple Look Natural?
Yes, but a natural result depends heavily on design and restraint.
A believable dimple usually has:
A position that complements the smile
A size appropriate for the cheek
Gradual inward movement
Soft edges
A depth that does not dominate the face
A natural relationship with the mouth corner
Slightly different movement at different smile intensities
The dimple should not resemble:
A fixed puncture mark
A deep circular hole
A scar attached too tightly to the skin
A sharply stamped indentation
An unnatural crease extending across the cheek
A depression positioned far away from facial movement
The result also changes during healing. Immediately after surgery, the attachment is often tight, and swelling can make the dimple appear deeper than planned. As the tissues settle, the indentation commonly softens and becomes more dynamic. Published clinical observations describe gradual maturation over several months rather than an instantly final result. (PubMed Central (PMC))
Will The Dimple Be Visible When You Are Not Smiling?
It may be visible at rest during the early recovery period.
Immediately after surgery, the dimple can appear:
Deep
Tight
Fixed
Slightly puckered
More obvious than expected
Unequal between the two cheeks
This early appearance does not necessarily represent the final result.
The internal suture and fresh tissue attachment initially pull the skin inward even when the cheek is relaxed. As swelling decreases and the attachment softens, the resting indentation may become less noticeable.
The intended long-term result is usually a dimple that:
Appears more strongly during smiling
Becomes shallower with mild expression
Softens substantially when the face is relaxed
Moves naturally with the surrounding cheek
Some patients may retain a faint resting indentation. The likelihood depends on the technique, depth of attachment, cheek anatomy and individual healing response.
A patient who wants a continuously deep resting dimple should understand that this can appear less natural and may create a visible depression in ordinary conversation, photographs or neutral expressions.
Why Does Dimple Position Matter?
A small difference in placement can significantly change how the dimple looks.
A dimple positioned too close to the mouth may appear like an extended smile line. One placed too far laterally may not move naturally with the smile. A low dimple can make the lower cheek appear pulled or uneven.
Position is influenced by:
Width of the mouth
Location of the smile crease
Cheekbone prominence
Cheek-fat distribution
Facial length
Facial width
The movement of each mouth corner
Existing folds or shadows
The patient’s preferred appearance
Traditional surface landmarks can help begin the planning process, but they should not replace observation of the patient’s actual facial movement.
The proposed site should be evaluated while the patient:
Keeps the face relaxed
Smiles gently
Smiles broadly
Speaks
Views the face from different angles
Research examining natural dimples has shown that their position and appearance vary with facial form, supporting an individualised design rather than one standard point for everyone.
Should Both Dimples Be Positioned At Exactly The Same Point?
Not necessarily.
Most faces contain natural differences between the two sides. One cheek may be fuller, one mouth corner may rise higher, or one side of the smile may move more strongly.
Placing dimples at mathematically identical coordinates can sometimes make them look visually unequal when the patient smiles.
Planning may need to account for differences in:
Cheek volume
Muscle movement
Mouth-corner height
Facial width
Existing folds
Skin thickness
Bone projection
Smile intensity
The objective is visual balance rather than perfect numerical symmetry.
Even after careful planning, the dimples may heal differently. One side may initially appear deeper, remain swollen longer or soften more quickly.
Small asymmetry can look natural. A major difference in position, depth or movement may require reassessment after healing is complete.
Can You Create Only One Cheek Dimple?
Yes. A single dimple may be created when the patient prefers a naturally asymmetric appearance or already has a dimple on the opposite cheek.
One-sided treatment may be considered when:
One natural dimple is already present
The patient wants to improve balance
A previous injury has altered one cheek
The patient prefers a distinctive single dimple
One side has more suitable anatomy
Bilateral treatment would not complement the smile
Matching a surgically created dimple to an existing natural dimple can be challenging.
The natural side should be observed carefully for:
Exact position
Depth
Shape
Smile-related movement
Visibility at rest
Change during speech
Behaviour during a broad smile
The recreated side may become similar, but it cannot be guaranteed to behave identically because the underlying anatomy and healing process are different.
Does Facial Shape Affect Dimple Design?
Yes. The same dimple does not suit every face.
A broad face with full cheeks may support a different dimple position and depth from a narrow face with limited cheek volume.
Round Or Full Cheeks
A slightly more defined dimple may be required to remain visible during smiling. However, excessive depth can create a fixed depression in soft cheek tissue.
Narrow Or Lean Faces
A small, shallow dimple may be more suitable. A deep attachment can exaggerate facial hollowness.
Long Faces
The vertical position should be considered carefully so the dimple does not visually lengthen the lower face or sit too low.
Asymmetric Faces
The two sides may require slightly different placement or tension to create visual balance.
The dimple should be planned as part of the complete face rather than viewed as an isolated mark on the cheek.
Does Cheek Fullness Affect The Final Result?
Cheek thickness and fat distribution influence how strongly the skin can be pulled inward.
In a fuller cheek, the dimple may need enough internal attachment to remain visible during smiling. However, creating excessive tension can produce an unnaturally deep resting depression.
In a very lean cheek, even a conservative attachment may appear prominent because there is less soft tissue between the skin and deeper structures.
Changes in body weight can also alter the appearance later.
Significant weight loss may:
Make the dimple appear deeper
Increase surrounding hollowing
Change cheek shadows
Reveal natural facial asymmetry
Significant weight gain may:
Soften the dimple
Make it less visible
Change its relationship with the mouth
Create greater fullness around the indentation
Dimpleplasty creates an attachment within living, changing facial tissue. It cannot prevent future changes associated with ageing, weight fluctuation or facial-volume loss.
Who May Consider Dimple Creation Surgery?
Dimple creation may be considered by a healthy adult who:
Does not naturally have cheek dimples
Has one natural dimple and wants better balance
Understands that the early dimple may look deep
Accepts the possibility of asymmetry
Wants a subtle rather than exaggerated result
Has realistic expectations about permanence
Can maintain appropriate oral hygiene
Can follow dietary and activity precautions during healing
Understands that revision may sometimes be necessary
The decision should be based on a stable personal preference rather than pressure from trends, filters or another person.
Because dimples influence facial identity during smiling, patients should consider how they may look:
During a gentle smile
During a broad smile
In profile
While speaking
When the face is relaxed
As facial volume changes with age
A temporary digital simulation may help discuss placement, but it cannot predict the exact biological result.
When Might Dimple Creation Need To Be Postponed?
The procedure may need to be delayed when there is:
An active mouth ulcer
Dental infection
Gum infection
Significant cheek acne or skin infection
Recent facial surgery
Uncontrolled medical illness
Poorly controlled diabetes
A bleeding concern
Active smoking or nicotine use
Inability to maintain oral hygiene
Unrealistic expectations
A strong tendency toward problematic scarring requiring further assessment
Previous cheek fillers, threads, facial trauma or surgery should also be disclosed because they may have altered the tissue planes.
An active infection near the planned area can increase healing complications. Proceeding only after the mouth, teeth, gums and cheek skin are healthy provides a safer foundation for treatment.
The procedure should also be reconsidered when the patient wants an extremely deep, perfectly circular or continuously visible dimple that may not move naturally with the face.
How Is Dimple Creation Surgery Performed?
Dimple creation is usually performed through the inside of the cheek so that no conventional incision is placed on the visible facial skin.
Before the procedure, the proposed position is assessed while the patient:
Keeps the face relaxed
Smiles gently
Smiles broadly
Speaks naturally
Views the design from the front and side
The internal lining of the cheek is then prepared, and local anaesthesia is used to numb the planned area.
Depending on the technique, the procedure may involve:
A small opening inside the mouth
Limited adjustment of tissue beneath the skin
Creation of a controlled internal attachment
Placement of a suture between deeper cheek tissue and the underside of the skin
Closure or natural healing of the small internal opening
The surface of the cheek is generally not cut open. However, the procedure still creates internal healing and scar tissue, which eventually helps maintain the indentation.
The strength and position of the attachment influence whether the dimple appears shallow, deep, dynamic or continuously visible.
Dimpleplasty techniques vary, but their shared principle is the creation of controlled tethering between the cheek skin and deeper tissue. (PubMed Central (PMC))
Is Dimple Creation Performed Under Local Anaesthesia?
Dimple creation is commonly performed under local anaesthesia.
The patient remains awake while the cheek area is numbed. The anaesthetic injection may cause brief stinging or pressure before the area becomes insensitive.
During the procedure, the patient may notice:
Pressure
Gentle pulling
Movement inside the cheek
Awareness of the cheek being handled
A feeling of tightness when the internal suture is secured
Significant sharp pain should not be expected once adequate anaesthesia has taken effect.
A different anaesthetic plan may occasionally be considered when dimple creation is combined with another facial procedure or when there are specific medical or anxiety-related concerns.
The choice should reflect the procedure, patient health and treatment setting rather than assuming every patient requires sedation or general anaesthesia.
How Long Does Dimple Creation Surgery Take?
Dimple creation is usually a relatively short procedure, particularly when only one cheek is treated.
The total appointment may still include time for:
Facial assessment
Final marking
Photography
Local anaesthesia
Sterile preparation
The procedure itself
Brief observation
Review of aftercare instructions
Bilateral dimple creation generally takes longer than creating one dimple.
Procedure speed should not be treated as the main measure of quality. Accurate placement, controlled tension, protection of nearby structures and assessment of the smile are more important than completing the surgery as quickly as possible.
What Does The Dimple Look Like Immediately After Surgery?
The early dimple commonly appears much deeper and more fixed than the intended final result.
Immediately after treatment, patients may notice:
A sharply visible indentation
Puckering of the cheek
Swelling around the site
Unequal depth between the two sides
A slight pulling sensation
Visibility even when the face is relaxed
Greater prominence during speaking or smiling
The cheek may appear tighter because the internal suture is fresh and swelling surrounds the attachment.
This early appearance should not be judged as the final result.
As the tissues heal, the initial tightness usually reduces. The dimple may gradually become softer, shallower at rest and more noticeable during smiling.
In a large retrospective clinical series, postoperative swelling resolved during the early recovery period, while the dimples continued maturing over several months. (PubMed Central (PMC))
How Long Does Swelling Last After Dimple Creation?
Swelling commonly develops during the first few days and then decreases gradually.
The amount may differ according to:
One-sided or bilateral treatment
Extent of internal tissue adjustment
Individual healing response
Cheek thickness
Bruising tendency
Food consistency
Oral hygiene
Physical activity
Nicotine use
One cheek may remain more swollen than the other even when the same technique was used.
Most visible swelling improves during early recovery, but subtle firmness or tightness can persist longer as the internal scar matures.
Patients should seek assessment when swelling:
Becomes progressively larger
Appears suddenly after initially improving
Is accompanied by increasing pain
Feels hot or tense
Causes difficulty opening the mouth
Is associated with fever or discharge
Increasing swelling should not automatically be dismissed as normal healing because infection or a collection beneath the skin may require treatment.
What Can You Eat After Dimple Creation Surgery?
Because the procedure is performed from inside the mouth, food choices should reduce irritation and contamination during early healing.
Patients may initially be advised to choose soft, comfortable foods such as:
Soft rice preparations
Khichdi
Curd or yoghurt when appropriate
Soft cooked vegetables
Soups that are not excessively hot
Smooth protein-rich foods
Soft fruits
Foods that require limited chewing
Foods that may irritate the internal wound include:
Very spicy food
Extremely hot food or drinks
Hard or sharp snacks
Foods that require forceful chewing
Sticky foods that remain near the incision
Alcohol during early healing
The exact restrictions depend on the surgical technique and individual recovery.
Nutrition should remain adequate. Patients should not rely only on sugary drinks or skip meals because the cheek feels uncomfortable.
Why Is Oral Hygiene Important After Dimpleplasty?
The internal incision is exposed to the normal bacteria present within the mouth.
Good oral hygiene helps reduce avoidable contamination while the tissue heals.
Aftercare may include:
Gentle toothbrushing
Avoiding direct trauma to the internal wound
Rinsing after meals as directed
Using a prescribed mouth rinse when advised
Keeping food debris away from the treated area
Avoiding tobacco, gutka and other oral irritants
Not touching the internal suture with fingers or tongue
Patients should not repeatedly inspect, pull or press the inner cheek.
Poor oral hygiene, retained food and continued tobacco exposure may increase inflammation and infection risk. Serious cheek infections and abscess formation have been reported after dimple creation, although these complications are uncommon. (PubMed Central (PMC))
When Can You Brush Your Teeth Normally?
Toothbrushing should generally continue, but it may need to be performed more gently during early recovery.
A small-headed, soft toothbrush may make it easier to clean the teeth without striking the healing cheek.
Patients should avoid:
Aggressive brushing near the internal incision
Pulling the cheek outward forcefully
Using sharp dental tools around the wound
Attempting to remove internal sutures
Applying unapproved powders or home remedies
If a suture feels loose or irritating, it should be assessed rather than cut at home.
Normal brushing usually becomes easier as tenderness and swelling settle.
Can You Smile, Laugh Or Speak Normally After Surgery?
Normal facial movement cannot be avoided completely, and patients can generally speak during recovery.
However, broad smiling, prolonged laughing and exaggerated cheek movement may feel tight during the first few days.
The internal attachment is still healing, so patients may be advised to avoid repeatedly stretching the cheek simply to test the dimple.
Early movement may make one side appear deeper or more active than the other. This can occur because:
Swelling differs between the sides.
One smile muscle is naturally stronger.
One cheek is fuller.
The suture tension is temporarily unequal.
The patient protects one side because of tenderness.
Facial movement generally becomes more comfortable as recovery progresses.
When Can You Return To Work Or Social Activities?
Many patients can return to light desk-based activities relatively soon, but visible swelling and a fixed resting indentation may make the procedure noticeable.
The return to work depends on:
Degree of swelling
One or two dimples being created
Amount of speaking required
Comfort while eating
Public-facing responsibilities
Personal comfort with the early appearance
Presence of bruising or tenderness
A person who works remotely may return earlier than someone whose role involves presentations, prolonged speaking, professional photography or frequent social interaction.
Important events should not be scheduled immediately after surgery. The dimple may initially look deeper and less natural than expected, even when healing is progressing normally.
When Can Exercise Be Resumed?
Light walking may be possible relatively early, but strenuous exercise should be resumed gradually.
Heavy activity can increase:
Blood pressure
Facial throbbing
Swelling
Bruising
Bleeding risk
Discomfort around the internal attachment
Activities that involve forceful facial movement, contact or pressure against the cheek may require additional caution.
Patients should also avoid swimming until the internal wound has healed adequately because pool water may irritate or contaminate the area.
The return to training should follow the actual recovery rather than a fixed social-media timeline.
Can You Sleep On The Treated Cheek?
Direct pressure against the treated cheek may increase tenderness and temporarily exaggerate swelling.
During early recovery, patients may be more comfortable:
Sleeping on the back
Keeping the head slightly elevated
Using clean pillowcases
Avoiding forceful pressure on one cheek
Preventing accidental rubbing during sleep
Sleeping on one side once does not automatically destroy the result. However, repeated strong pressure during early healing may increase discomfort and asymmetrical swelling.
The duration of positioning precautions depends on the technique and individual response.
Is A Surgically Created Dimple Permanent?
Dimple creation is intended to produce a lasting internal attachment, but complete permanence cannot be guaranteed.
Possible long-term outcomes include:
A stable dynamic dimple
A faint dimple visible only during a broad smile
A persistent shallow indentation at rest
Gradual weakening of the dimple
Partial disappearance
Complete loss of the indentation
Excessive depth that remains noticeable
The result depends on:
Surgical technique
Suture material
Amount of scar formation
Cheek thickness
Attachment strength
Tissue healing
Changes in body weight
Facial ageing
Individual movement patterns
In one large clinical series, undercorrection and disappearance were among the main reasons patients underwent another procedure. This supports discussing recurrence or weakening before surgery rather than promising a permanently identical dimple. (PubMed Central (PMC))
Why Can A Created Dimple Disappear?
The dimple may weaken when the internal attachment loosens or does not develop enough stable scar tissue.
Possible contributors include:
Early suture loosening
Breakage or absorption of the internal suture
Limited scar formation
Thick cheek tissue
Infection
Repeated manipulation
Individual healing variation
Significant weight gain
A deliberately conservative initial attachment
A fading dimple does not always require correction.
Some patients prefer the softer result because it appears only during a broad smile. Others may feel that the dimple has become too subtle.
Revision should generally be considered only after sufficient healing confirms that the result is unlikely to change further.
Can The Dimple Become Too Deep Or Remain Fixed?
Yes. Overcorrection can create an indentation that remains obvious even when the face is relaxed.
A fixed dimple may look:
Sharply tethered
Puckered
Scar-like
Too circular
Disproportionately deep
Unnatural during speech
Unequal to the opposite side
Early tightness should not immediately be labelled overcorrection because the dimple commonly softens as swelling settles.
Persistent excessive depth may relate to:
Strong suture tension
Excessive tissue removal
A tight dermal attachment
Thick internal scarring
An unsuitable position
Very thin cheek tissue
Correction can be more complex once mature scar tissue has formed. This is why conservative initial creation is often preferable to an aggressively deep result.
Can A Dimple Be Removed If You Change Your Mind?
An early dimple may sometimes be released by removing or loosening the internal suture before a mature attachment develops.
Later reversal is less predictable because scar tissue may continue tethering the cheek even after the original suture is removed.
Possible corrective approaches depend on the timing and may include:
Early suture removal
Release of the internal attachment
Scar-tissue adjustment
Fat or soft-tissue correction in selected cases
Staged revision
Observation when spontaneous softening remains possible
Complete restoration of the exact preoperative cheek cannot be guaranteed.
Patients should therefore treat dimple creation as a potentially lasting change to facial identity rather than a temporary beauty experiment.
Can Uneven Dimples Be Corrected?
Some early asymmetry may improve naturally as swelling and tissue tightness settle.
Correction should not be rushed while:
One cheek remains more swollen.
The sutures are still tight.
The smile is limited by tenderness.
Internal scar tissue is still maturing.
The dimples continue becoming softer.
Persistent differences may involve:
Unequal position
Different depth
One dimple disappearing
One dimple remaining visible at rest
Different shapes
Unequal movement while smiling
Revision may involve strengthening a weak side, releasing a deep side or recreating one dimple in a more suitable position.
Perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed because the underlying cheek muscles and facial movements are naturally different.
Will There Be A Visible Scar On The Cheek?
Most dimple-creation techniques use an intraoral approach, so there is usually no conventional external incision scar.
However, the procedure intentionally creates internal scar tissue to maintain the dimple.
There may initially be:
A tiny external puncture mark in selected techniques
Temporary surface redness
A small area of pigmentation
Puckering
Firmness beneath the skin
When an external puncture is used, its visibility usually reduces as healing progresses, although no skin mark can be promised to become completely invisible.
A dimple itself can also resemble a scar if it remains sharply fixed or is positioned unnaturally.
What Are The Possible Risks Of Dimple Creation Surgery?
Possible complications include:
Bleeding
Bruising
Swelling
Pain
Infection
Cheek abscess
Haematoma
Internal suture irritation
Foreign-body reaction
Visible or internal scarring
Temporary numbness
Asymmetry
Under-correction
Overcorrection
Disappearance of the dimple
An unnatural position or shape
Difficulty opening the mouth because of swelling or infection
Need for revision
Rare but anatomically important risks may involve injury to:
A branch of the facial nerve
The parotid salivary duct
Nearby blood vessels
Other cheek structures
These structures are one reason dimple creation should not be treated as a casual piercing or non-medical salon procedure. Published surgical literature recognises infection, bleeding, asymmetry, recurrence and uncommon nerve or salivary-duct injury among the potential complications. (PubMed Central (PMC))
Which Symptoms Require Prompt Assessment After Surgery?
Patients should seek assessment when they develop:
Increasing pain rather than gradual improvement
Rapidly increasing swelling
One cheek becoming tense or very hard
Fever
Pus or unpleasant discharge
A foul taste that persists
Increasing redness or warmth
Difficulty opening the mouth
Difficulty swallowing
Facial weakness
Significant bleeding
New swelling that appears after initial improvement
A painful lump inside or outside the cheek
These symptoms may indicate infection, a collection of blood or fluid, suture reaction or injury to a nearby structure.
Home squeezing, repeated massage or self-removal of sutures can worsen the problem.
Common Myths About Dimple Creation Surgery
“The Dimple Looks Natural Immediately”
The early indentation is commonly deeper, tighter and more visible at rest than the final result.
“There Is No Recovery Because The Procedure Is Small”
Swelling, tenderness, dietary changes and oral-wound care are still required.
“Dimpleplasty Is Completely Scarless”
The procedure creates an intentional internal scar, and some techniques may leave a temporary external puncture mark.
“Both Dimples Must Be Placed At Exactly The Same Coordinates”
Visual balance depends on the movement and shape of each cheek, not only numerical symmetry.
“A Deeper Dimple Always Looks Better”
Excessive depth may create a fixed, artificial-looking depression.
“The Result Can Be Easily Reversed At Any Time”
Early release may be possible, but mature scar attachment can make complete reversal less predictable.
“Once Created, A Dimple Can Never Fade”
The attachment can weaken, and the dimple may become shallow or disappear.
“Weight Changes Will Not Affect The Result”
Changes in cheek volume can alter the dimple’s depth and visibility.
Why Personalised Dimple-Creation Planning Matters
A natural dimple must work with the movement of the complete face.
Personalised planning considers:
Facial width and length
Cheek fullness
Smile direction
Mouth-corner movement
Existing asymmetry
Skin thickness
One-sided or bilateral preference
Desired depth
Visibility at rest
Previous fillers, threads or facial surgery
Long-term grooming and photographic preferences
The correct design is not necessarily the deepest or most symmetrical design.
The aim is to create a subtle indentation that complements the smile while avoiding a fixed depression that dominates the relaxed face.
Why Choose Hair & Shape For Dimple-Creation Planning In Mumbai?
At Hair & Shape Clinic, dimple-creation planning begins with assessment of facial movement rather than applying one standard surface landmark to every patient.
The evaluation may include:
Smile pattern
Cheek thickness
Facial proportions
Mouth-corner position
Natural asymmetry
Preferred dimple size and shape
One-sided or bilateral treatment
Visibility desired at rest
Previous facial procedures
Oral and dental health
Realistic expectations about permanence and revision
Patients receive guidance about early fixed appearance, swelling, oral hygiene, dietary precautions, asymmetry and the possibility that the dimple may soften or weaken over time.
The objective is a restrained result that becomes part of the natural smile rather than appearing like a sharply created mark.
Final Thoughts
Dimple creation surgery can produce a natural-looking indentation when the design is matched to the patient’s facial proportions, cheek thickness and individual smile movement.
The dimple commonly looks deep and fixed immediately after surgery. As swelling settles and the internal attachment matures, it may become softer at rest and more visible during smiling.
Natural dimples are not perfectly round, identical or symmetrical. A surgically created dimple should therefore not be planned as a rigid geometric mark.
The procedure is relatively small, but it still creates an internal wound and scar attachment. Infection, asymmetry, excessive depth, disappearance and revision are possible.
A dimple may persist long term, gradually weaken or remain slightly visible when the face is relaxed. Complete permanence and complete reversibility cannot be guaranteed.
The most believable result should move with the cheek, remain proportionate to the face and enhance the smile without changing the patient’s recognisable expression.
