
The Skinny
Average Recovery
4 weeks
Permanence
Permanent
Application
Minor Surgical Procedure
Surgical
Yes
Cost
$1500 - $2500
The Specifics
What is a dimpleplasty?
A dimpleplasty is a plastic surgery procedure to create permanent dimples in the cheeks or in the chin. Natural dimples that appear at rest or when smiling are caused by a slight deformity in skin attachments to the zygomaticus major cheek muscle. Dimpleplasty only addresses soft tissue, and cannot be used for alterations to the cheekbones or jawbone. A dimpleplasty creates a permanent, natural looking dimple with no scarring.What cosmetic concerns does a dimpleplasty procedure treat?
1. Cheek Volume: Strategic suturing allows for the creation of small skin indentations to mimic natural looking dimples in both the cheeks. 2. Chin Shape & Size: For those interested in a chin dimple, the procedure can create an small indentation.Who is the ideal candidate for a dimpleplasty procedure?
The ideal candidate for a dimpleplasty is any individual in generally good health looking to create the appearance of natural dimples in the cheeks or chin. Dimpleplasty is not recommended for those with infections in and around the mouth, blood clotting diseases, diabetes, or heavy smokers unable to quit for the time around the plastic surgery.What is the average recovery associated with a dimpleplasty procedure?
Most patients experience one to two weeks of downtime following a dimpleplasty procedure. Many candidates return to work within one to five days, although redness and swelling will still be present. Strenuous activity will need to be avoided for at least one to two weeks. A liquid diet will be recommended for the first few days.What are the potential side effects of a dimpleplasty procedure?
Possible side effects following a dimpleplasty include infection, asymmetry, scarring, bruising, and prolonged swelling.What can someone expect from the results of a dimpleplasty procedure?
The results of a dimpleplasty will finalize over about two months as the body heals and swelling subsides. There will be noticeable results immediately after the procedure as well. The new dimples created in a Dimpleplasty procedure are permanent.What is the average cost of a dimpleplasty procedure?
A dimpleplasty procedure can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500. The actual cost of a dimpleplasty is dependent upon location, board certified facial plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery.Pros
- Permanent
- No External Scar
Cons
- Asymmetry
- Varied Results
Invasiveness Score
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
A dimpleplasty creates dimples on the cheeks or chin. Sutures are stitched intraorally, leaving no external scars. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a dimpleplasty.
Before Treatment
- Stop taking blood thinning medications for 2 weeks
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after surgery
- Do not eat or drink for 6 hours prior
During Treatment
- Cheeks marked for dimple placement
- Local anesthesia
- Intraoral incision
- Absorbable suture passed through the inside of the cheek to catch the undersurface of the skin
- Suture is tied to create dimple
Immediately After Treatment
- Redness and swelling
- Liquid diet
1-5 Days After Treatment
- Redness and swelling
- Most patients return to normal activity
- Return to normal diet
1-2 Weeks After Treatment and Beyond
- Resume normal dental care
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least 1-2 weeks
- Final results are typically seen after 2 months
Result Notes
- Noticeable immediately after surgery
- Permanent
The Takeaway
A dimpleplasty is a simple procedure performed by a board certified plastic surgeon for the creation of a chin dimple or cheek dimples. This outpatient procedure can create the permanent indentation of natural looking dimples with few side effects.





