What are Dimples?
Dimples are visible indentations of the skin, caused by underlying flesh, that form on some people’s cheeks, especially when they smile. They are usually found on both cheeks. Dimples may appear and disappear over an extended period.A natural dimple is usually formed when there is a small defect in the cheek musculature (most often the buccinator muscle). The skin overlying this small defect is stuck down to the underlying connective tissue and creates a dimple in the skin with facial animation (smiling).
Is it Possible to create Dimples?
It is possible to surgically create dimples, and the surgical procedure to create dimples is very simple and straightforward when done properly. Dimple creation surgery can be done on any type or size cheek. You can decide where the dimples will be, or you can have Dr. Tavoussi decide with you where the most optimal place for the dimples should be on your face. Natural dimple is present when the skin of the cheek is pulled down to the underlying tissues,very much like the button on your mattress. This could be a circular or a vertical dimple. Dimples are usually one sided but there are bilateral dimples as well. Dimples are usually present with facial movement such as smiling.
Dimple Formation Surgery
Dr. Tavoussi is one of the first surgeons to perform dimple formation surgery in Southern California and has had patients coming from different parts of the world to have this procedure done. Dimple surgery is relatively simple procedure to perform but experience is of utmost importance since adequate anatomic knowledge of facial musculature and most importantly facial nerve as well as an artistic prowess in placement of dimples, is what makes a dimple an unnatural-looking defect vs a naturally occurring facial feature.
Dimple creation is a personal choice and in some cultures it thought to bring good luck. Others seek this surgery to enhance their facial features or reduce the roundness of the face. Vertical dimples can give a an elongated look to a round face. Dimples can also enhance the triangular shape of the lower face and jaws. Placement of dimple must follow certain rules to look natural and follow natural facial contour. Patient education is therefore very important so that appropriat poistion is chosen. Generally, dimples naturally occurs lateral to corner of the mouth and slightly above and usually are vertically directed that is, more like a line than a circle.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia which is made more comfortable by adjusting the pH of the solution to neutral, to reduce the burning sensation. An incision is made inside the cheek to the overlying skin but not through the skin, and by suturing the skin is brought inward to form a dimple. This dimple is present for several weeks and eventually appears only when patient smiles or has facial movement just as a natural dimple does. Chin cleft or dimple is formed in a similar manner however, the suturing is done to the periostium which is a thin and firm layer over the chin bone.Eventually, the skin will attach to this layer and a permenant cleft or chin dimple will form.
