Dimples are often thought to be an attractive feature that makes someone appear sweet. In some cultures, dimples are considered to be as a symbol of good fortune and allure.
Not everybody has dimples. Some people are willing to experiment with different methods, such as applying garlic to their cheeks or getting dimple-creating implants. Find out how dimples are actually formed.
How are dimples formed?
Dimples are commonly thought of as a genetic trait that can be inherited within families. They occur due to a variation in the structure of facial muscles, resulting in an indentation in the cheeks when a person smiles or talks.
Dimples tend to be inherited as a dominant trait. This means that a single copy of the gene responsible for forming dimples can result in this attractive phenomenon.
Although dimples are frequently inherited, their appearance and presence can vary between family members. Some families have multiple members with similar dimples, but they may only appear in one or two generations.
Aside from genetics, environmental factors can influence how dimples form over time. Dimples in babies and young children, for example, are frequently visible due to the presence of baby fat in their cheeks. However, as they age and lose cheek fat, dimples may become less noticeable.
Can you get dimples through surgery?
If no one in your family has dimples, you can still get them with cosmetic surgery. Dimpleplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can help you achieve your dream of having dimples.
The surgeon creates a small incision inside the cheek at the desired location, and then inserts an absorbable suture (which the body can absorb) to attach the cheek muscle to the skin above it. When the suture heals, the cheek muscle leaves a small scar that reveals the dimple. This process takes several weeks before the scar fully forms.
Dimpleplasty is generally considered a quick and relatively safe procedure. It is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes. The risk of side effects is low, but it is still important to consult with an experienced doctor.
The cost of this procedure varies depending on location, the surgeon's expertise, and the complexity of the procedure. It is recommended that you conduct thorough research to find the best clinic that can fulfill your desire for dimples.
Do you have other questions about dimples? You can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Nadia Opmalina
Pallavi Suyog Uttekar, MD. What Are Dimples Caused By?. Available from: https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_dimples_caused_by/article.htm
Jill Seladi Schulman, PhD (2019). Why Do Some People Have Cheek Dimples?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/cheek-dimples
PharmEasy (2024). What Causes Dimples: Exploring the Science Behind This Cute Trait. Available from: https://pharmeasy.in/blog/what-causes-dimples-exploring-the-science-behind-this-cute-trait/
Medline Plus (2022). Are facial dimples determined by genetics?. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/dimples/
Carolyn Farnsworth (2023). What to know about dimple plastic surgery. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dimple-plastic-surgery