Dimpleplasty
What is Dimpleplasty?
Dimpleplasty is a minimally invasive in-office surgical procedure that creates natural-looking dimples in the cheeks or chin. Dimples are a naturally occurring facial feature caused by a variation in the zygomaticus major muscle — a small fibrous band connects the skin to the underlying muscle, creating an indentation when the face moves. Dimpleplasty surgically recreates this anatomy in patients who desire them.
The procedure is performed entirely through the inside of the mouth, leaving no external incisions or visible scars. It takes approximately 20–30 minutes per side, requires only local anesthesia, and has minimal downtime — making it one of the most straightforward aesthetic procedures available for the face.
What It Can Create
- Cheek dimples — the most commonly requested, appearing when smiling
- Chin dimples (cleft chin) — a central indentation in the chin for a more sculpted lower face
- Symmetrical dimples in patients who have one naturally occurring and desire a matching one
- A more expressive, animated quality to the smile
- A youthful facial feature that complements other contouring procedures
The Procedure
Dimpleplasty is performed in-office under local anesthesia only — no sedation or general anesthesia is required. The entire appointment typically takes 30–45 minutes.
Dr. Kieu begins by carefully marking the planned dimple location on the outside of the cheek, taking into account the patient's facial anatomy, muscle movement, and symmetry. The ideal dimple position is individual — it depends on the shape of the face, the position of the smile, and the patient's own preferences.
A small absorbable suture is passed through the inside of the cheek and looped around the inner surface of the skin at the marked location, creating a controlled adhesion between the dermis and the underlying muscle. This replicates the fibrous band responsible for natural dimple formation.
No external incisions are made. The suture dissolves over time, but the adhesion it creates — and the resulting dimple — becomes permanent as the tissue heals.
What to Expect: Appearance Over Time
Immediately after the procedure, the dimple will be visible at rest as well as when smiling. This is temporary. As swelling resolves over the first 2–4 weeks, the resting indentation gradually softens and the dimple transitions to appearing only with movement and expression — exactly as natural dimples behave. Final results settle fully over 4–8 weeks.
Recovery
Recovery from dimpleplasty is minimal. Most patients return to work and normal activities within 2–3 days. Mild swelling and tenderness at the treated site are expected for the first week. A soft diet is recommended for the first few days while intraoral healing takes place. Patients are advised to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash after meals during the early healing period.
Strenuous exercise and activities that significantly increase facial tension or blood pressure should be avoided for one week.
Ideal Candidates
- Patients who desire cheek or chin dimples and have realistic expectations
- Those who want a subtle, expressive facial feature without surgery or significant downtime
- Patients in good general health without active oral infections or dental issues
- Non-smokers, or those willing to stop smoking before and after the procedure
- Adults of any age with stable facial anatomy
Often Combined With
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dimpleplasty results permanent?
Yes. Once the tissue heals and the adhesion forms between the skin and underlying muscle, the dimple is permanent. The absorbable suture dissolves, but the resulting dimple remains. Results are considered long-lasting in the vast majority of patients.
Will the dimple show when I'm not smiling?
In the early weeks after the procedure, the dimple may be visible at rest as part of the healing process. This is temporary. As swelling resolves, the dimple transitions to appearing only with movement and expression — just as natural dimples do. Final behavior is typically visible by 6–8 weeks post-procedure.
Where exactly is the dimple placed?
Dr. Kieu marks and discusses the exact placement with each patient before the procedure begins. The ideal location depends on your facial anatomy, the natural movement of your smile, and your personal preference. For cheek dimples, placement typically aligns with the outer corner of the mouth on a line between the corner of the mouth and the tragus of the ear. Dr. Kieu will show you the proposed location and confirm you are satisfied before proceeding.
Is the procedure painful?
Local anesthesia is administered inside the cheek before the procedure begins, making it essentially painless during the treatment. Mild soreness and tenderness are expected in the first 2–3 days afterward, typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Can dimpleplasty be reversed?
Dimpleplasty is considered a permanent procedure. While some patients experience a partial softening of the dimple over time, the result is not reliably reversible. Dr. Kieu discusses this with all patients during consultation to ensure they are certain about their decision before proceeding.
Can I get one dimple to match a natural one I already have?
Yes — this is a common request. Dr. Kieu can create a single dimple on the opposite side to create symmetry with a naturally occurring one, carefully matching the depth and position to the existing dimple.
Dr. Kieu's Approach
Dimple placement is deceptively detail-dependent. The location, depth, and size of a dimple must align with the patient's individual facial structure and smile mechanics — a dimple that sits in the wrong position, or is created too deeply, will not look natural. Dr. Kieu approaches each dimpleplasty with the same anatomical precision she applies to every facial procedure: mapping the individual facial fat compartments, muscle movement, and skin thickness before marking a single point.
Her philosophy is consistent across every procedure she performs: the goal is a result that looks like it has always been there. For dimpleplasty, that means a dimple that appears with expression, sits in harmony with the face, and enhances — rather than draws attention to — the smile.
Interested in dimpleplasty? Schedule a consultation to discuss placement, candidacy, and what to expect from your results.
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