A natural cheek dimple can give the face a lively, distinctive expression. For patients who have always wanted that feature, dimpleplasty is a focused surgical procedure designed to create a small indentation in the cheek that appears most noticeably when smiling. Although the procedure is relatively brief, achieving a believable, balanced result depends on facial anatomy, precise placement, and an honest discussion of how the dimples may evolve during healing.

What Is Dimpleplasty?

Dimpleplasty, also called cheek dimple surgery, creates an intentional connection between the skin of the cheek and the underlying cheek muscle. In people born with dimples, a similar anatomic relationship causes the skin to pull inward during certain facial expressions. Surgery recreates that effect using a small internal incision and a carefully placed suture.

The procedure is generally performed from inside the mouth, so it does not typically leave a visible skin incision or external scar. A small amount of tissue is adjusted beneath the selected dimple location, and the suture is used to form the desired indentation. The approach allows the surgeon to create one dimple or a symmetrical pair, depending on the patient’s goals and facial proportions.

A key point for patients to understand is that a new dimple often looks different during the early healing period than it will months later. Initially, it may be visible even when the face is at rest. As the tissue settles and the internal attachment matures, many dimples become more expression-dependent and natural-looking.

The Best Dimple Location Is Personal

A dimple that looks attractive on one person may not be the right choice for another. Cheek width, smile pattern, facial asymmetry, muscle movement, and the relationship of the cheeks to the lips all influence placement. The goal is not simply to put an indentation in a common location. It is to place it where it complements the patient’s own smile.

During consultation, patients should be prepared to discuss whether they want a subtle dimple that appears mainly with a broad smile or a more defined feature. Some patients bring photographs or use temporary markings to communicate their preference. These references can be useful, but they cannot replace a surgeon’s assessment of facial movement and anatomy.

Perfect symmetry is not always realistic or even desirable. Natural faces have small differences from side to side, and a surgeon should explain what degree of symmetry can reasonably be expected. A thoughtful treatment plan recognizes those differences rather than promising a result that human anatomy may not support.

Who May Be a Candidate for Dimpleplasty?

Healthy adults with realistic expectations may be candidates for dimpleplasty. Candidates should understand that this is a permanent surgical change, even though the appearance of the dimples can soften over time. The procedure is best suited to patients who want a specific facial feature for themselves, not those who feel pressured by a trend, social media image, or another person’s preference.

A surgeon will review medical history, medications, allergies, prior facial procedures, smoking or nicotine use, and any history of poor wound healing. Active oral infections, uncontrolled medical conditions, or significant dental concerns may need to be addressed before elective cheek dimple surgery. Patients who use nicotine should be especially candid, because nicotine can affect healing and raise surgical risk.

Age alone does not determine candidacy. What matters more is overall health, tissue quality, facial anatomy, and a clear understanding of the procedure’s limitations. Patients considering dimpleplasty alongside other facial treatments may also benefit from discussing timing. Injectable treatments, fat transfer, facial rejuvenation surgery, or dental work can affect swelling, facial volume, or scheduling decisions.

What Happens During Cheek Dimple Surgery?

Dimpleplasty is often performed with local anesthesia, sometimes with additional oral or IV sedation depending on the patient, surgical setting, and treatment plan. After the cheeks are marked while the patient is awake and able to smile naturally, the surgeon makes a small incision inside the mouth.

Through that incision, a controlled amount of tissue is released or removed to create the foundation for the dimple. A suture is then placed between the inner cheek tissue and the underside of the skin. When the suture is secured, it creates the inward pull that becomes visible on the surface of the cheek.

The procedure itself may take less than an hour, particularly when performed as a standalone treatment. However, patients should not mistake a shorter procedure for a casual decision. The cheek contains important muscles, nerves, and salivary structures, and a surgeon’s technical experience matters in minimizing unnecessary tissue trauma while planning for an aesthetically appropriate result.

Dimpleplasty Recovery: What to Expect

Most patients return home the same day. Early swelling, tenderness, and a feeling of tightness in the cheeks are common. Because the incision is inside the mouth, oral hygiene is an important part of recovery. Your surgeon may recommend a gentle mouth rinse, careful brushing, and temporary modifications to your diet while the incision heals.

For the first several days, softer foods may be more comfortable. Spicy, very hot, sharp, or highly acidic foods can irritate the inside of the mouth and may be best avoided until healing is further along. Patients should also follow all instructions about activity, medications, and follow-up appointments.

The initial dimple appearance can be more pronounced than expected. This is normal for many patients. In the first weeks, dimples may show at rest and look deeper with certain expressions. Over the following weeks to months, swelling resolves and the tissues relax. The final appearance is gradual, not immediate.

Many patients can resume light daily activities quickly, but timing varies. A patient with a public-facing job, an upcoming event, or a long-distance trip should plan conservatively and discuss their schedule during consultation. A surgeon who knows your goals can help you decide whether the timing is appropriate.

Risks and Trade-Offs to Consider

Every surgical procedure has risks. With dimpleplasty, possible concerns include infection, bleeding, prolonged swelling, discomfort, asymmetry, an overly deep or persistent resting dimple, dissatisfaction with placement, and the need for revision. Internal sutures can also loosen or fail to produce the intended level of indentation, which may result in a less visible dimple than desired.

There is also a practical trade-off between definition and subtlety. A very deep dimple may be visible sooner but can look more noticeable at rest during early healing. A softer, more natural-looking result may require patience as the tissue settles. The right plan depends on the patient’s features and preferences, not a one-size-fits-all standard.

Patients should be cautious of anyone who describes cheek dimple surgery as risk-free or guarantees identical dimples on both sides. A qualified surgeon should discuss complications directly, explain how they are managed, and make sure the patient has enough information to make a confident decision.

Questions to Ask at Your Consultation

A consultation should feel specific to your face, medical history, and aesthetic priorities. Ask how the surgeon selects dimple placement, whether they recommend one dimple or two, and what the early healing appearance is likely to be. It is also reasonable to ask about anesthesia, recovery restrictions, infection prevention, follow-up care, and what happens if the result heals unevenly.

Patients should also ask to see examples of results from comparable cases when available. Before-and-after photographs can help show a surgeon’s aesthetic judgment, but they should be viewed as illustrations rather than guarantees. Your anatomy, smile dynamics, healing response, and tissue characteristics are unique.

At JMAesthetic Surgeries, treatment planning begins with the understanding that even a small facial procedure deserves the same careful assessment as more extensive aesthetic or reconstructive surgery. The most satisfying result is one that looks like it belongs to your face, not one that calls attention to the procedure itself.

If cheek dimples have been a long-standing aesthetic goal, a personal consultation is the right place to determine whether dimpleplasty fits your anatomy and expectations. A clear plan, experienced surgical judgment, and patience through healing can make all the difference in choosing a result you will feel comfortable smiling with for years to come.