Dimple Creation Surgery: Procedure & Recovery

Dimples have long been considered a charming facial feature that adds warmth and character to a person's smile. While some people are naturally blessed with dimples, others may desire this attractive trait but were not born with it. Dimple creation surgery, also known as dimpleplasty, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that can create beautiful, natural-looking dimples on the cheeks. Dr. Manoj K Johar at his practice specializes in this delicate procedure, helping patients achieve the dimpled smile they have always wanted. Whether you are interested in dimple creation or other facial enhancement procedures, Dr. Johar provides expert guidance and exceptional results.

What Is Dimple Creation Surgery?

Dimple creation surgery is a cosmetic procedure that artificially creates dimples on the cheeks by attaching the underlying cheek muscle (buccinator muscle) to the inner surface of the skin. Natural dimples form when the zygomaticus major muscle is attached to the dermis of the skin, creating a small depression when the muscle contracts during smiling. Dimple creation surgery replicates this natural mechanism by creating a small connection between the muscle and the skin at the desired location.

The result is a dimple that appears naturally when you smile and may also be visible at rest, depending on the technique used. The procedure has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its simplicity, minimal downtime, and the ability to achieve subtle, natural-looking results that enhance facial aesthetics without appearing artificial.

How Is Dimple Creation Surgery Performed?

The procedure is straightforward and is typically completed within thirty to sixty minutes. It is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can return home immediately after the surgery. Here is a step-by-step overview of the technique:

Marking the Dimple Location

Before the procedure begins, Dr. Johar carefully marks the exact location where the dimple will be created. This is a critical step, as the position of the dimple significantly affects the final aesthetic outcome. The ideal location is typically determined by the patient's facial structure, cheekbone prominence, and smile dynamics. Dr. Johar works closely with each patient to ensure the dimple placement complements their unique facial features.

Local Anesthesia

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the inside of the cheek where the incision will be made. The patient remains awake and comfortable throughout the procedure. A small amount of anesthetic is injected into the inner cheek, ensuring there is no pain during the手术. The use of local anesthesia means there are no risks associated with general anesthesia, and patients can drive themselves home after the procedure.

Creating the Internal Suture

Through a small incision on the inside of the cheek, Dr. Johar carefully dissects down to the buccinator muscle. A small bite of the muscle is captured with a absorbable suture, and this suture is then passed through to the underside of the skin at the marked dimple location. When the suture is tied, it creates a small tether between the muscle and the skin. This tether mimics the natural mechanism that creates dimples, causing the skin to indent when the muscle contracts during smiling.

Closing the Incision

The small incision inside the mouth is closed with a single absorbable suture, which dissolves on its own within one to two weeks. No external incisions are made, so there are no visible scars. A small external bolster or tape may be placed over the dimple site for a few days to maintain pressure and support the healing process.

Recovery Timeline

One of the most appealing aspects of dimple creation surgery is the minimal recovery time. Here is what patients can typically expect:

Days 1-3: Initial Healing

Mild swelling and tenderness at the dimple site are common during the first few days. The dimple will initially appear quite prominent and may be visible even when you are not smiling. This is normal, as the internal swelling contributes to the depth of the dimple. Patients can resume light activities immediately and should follow a soft diet to avoid placing pressure on the incision site inside the mouth.

Days 4-7: Early Recovery

Swelling continues to decrease, and the dimple begins to look more natural. The internal suture starts to heal, and the connection between the muscle and skin becomes more stable. Patients can gradually return to a normal diet and resume most daily activities. Some patients may notice that the dimple is more pronounced when smiling and less visible at rest, which is the desired outcome.

Weeks 2-4: Settling In

By the second to fourth week, most swelling has resolved, and the dimple has settled into its natural position. The dimple will appear when you smile and may also be subtly visible at rest, creating a natural, charming effect. Patients can resume all normal activities, including exercise and social engagements.

Months 1-3: Final Results

The final results of dimple creation surgery are typically visible within one to three months. During this time, the internal healing is complete, and the dimple appears consistently natural. The dimple will be most noticeable when smiling and may be less prominent when the face is at rest, closely mimicking the appearance of natural dimples.

Natural-Looking Results

The key to successful dimple creation is achieving results that look natural and complement the patient's facial features. Dr. Johar uses a technique that creates dimples that appear organically during smiling, rather than looking artificially placed. The depth and position of the dimple are carefully calibrated to match the patient's facial proportions and smile dynamics.

In the initial weeks after surgery, the dimple may be visible even when the patient is not smiling. This is temporary, and as the healing progresses, the dimple typically becomes visible only during smiling, which closely replicates the behavior of natural dimples. Over time, many patients find that their created dimples become a defining feature of their smile, adding warmth and character to their appearance.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Dimple creation surgery is suitable for a wide range of patients. Ideal candidates include:

• Adults Wanting Dimples: Healthy adults who desire dimples and have realistic expectations about the results.
• Good Skin Quality: Patients with good skin elasticity and thickness tend to achieve the best results.
• Realistic Expectations: Understanding that the procedure creates subtle, natural-looking dimples rather than dramatic changes.
• Non-Smokers: Smoking can impair healing, so non-smokers or those willing to quit temporarily are ideal candidates.
• Overall Good Health: Patients without significant medical conditions that could complicate the procedure or recovery.

Potential Risks and Complications

Dimple creation surgery is considered very safe, but like any procedure, there are potential risks. These include infection at the incision site, asymmetry between the two dimples, over-correction resulting in a dimple that is too deep, and rarely, nerve damage that could affect facial muscle movement. The internal incision may also cause temporary discomfort while eating or speaking. Dr. Johar discusses all potential risks during the consultation and takes every precaution to minimize complications. Patients interested in other minimally invasive options may also explore non-surgical treatments available at the practice.

Cost of Dimple Creation Surgery

The cost of dimple creation surgery is relatively affordable compared to more extensive facial procedures. In India, the procedure typically costs between INR 30,000 and 80,000, depending on whether one or both cheeks are treated and the surgeon's experience. During your consultation, Dr. Johar provides a detailed cost breakdown and discusses payment options to make the procedure accessible.