Cheek Dimples: Are They Genetic and How to Get Them?

Cheek dimples are small indentations that appear on the cheeks when a person smiles. Dimples are considered attractive because they can add charm and uniqueness to a person's smile. Read on to learn about cheek dimples, how they form, if they are genetic and if it's possible to get them.

What are cheek dimples?

Cheek dimples are small, visible dents that appear on the cheeks when you smile or make certain facial expressions. Dimples are typically located near the corners of the mouth. They can vary in size and depth from person to person. You can have a dimple on one side or both sides of your mouth.

People often find dimples beautiful because they lighten up a face.

A 2019 meta-analysis of the bifid zygomaticus major muscle found that one in every five people has dimples.

How do cheek dimples form?

Dimples are caused by a change in a facial muscle known as the zygomaticus major. This muscle is responsible for raising the corners of the mouth when you smile.

In people with dimples, the zygomaticus major muscles divide into two groups of muscles. One group is above the corner of the mouth and the other group is below.

This split is called double or bifid zygomaticus major muscle. When you smile the skin moves over the two muscle groups, causing a dimple to form.

Are dimples genetic?

One of the most common questions about cheek dimples is whether they are genetic. It’s often said that dimples are an inherited dominant trait, but there hasn't been much study done on this. Whether dimples are inherited or not isn't completely clear.

People with cheek dimples are more likely to have children with dimples. This indicates that it is an inherited dominant trait. However, not every dimpled couple has a child with cheek dimples.

A review in 2015 about the anatomy of skin dimples revealed that people with one dimpled parent have about a 25–50% chance of getting dimples. Those with two dimpled parents usually have a 50–100% chance of getting them

There have been cases where dimples disappear. This can happen after a certain number of years and can be due to factors like changes in facial fat distribution or muscle development. A child with dimples may not have them as an adult. Some kids may not have them at birth, but eventually develop dimples later in their childhood.

How to get dimples

If you don't naturally have cheek dimples but want to have them, there are cosmetic procedures available that can create cheek dimples. Two common methods for getting dimples are dimple piercings and dimpleplasty.

Dimple piercing. Is done with a needle instead of a piercing gun. It can be done from outside or inside the mouth. If it’s pierced from the outside, the piercer may put a cork or other barrier into the mouth to protect the gums and tongue. Dimple piercing can be painful, but you can ask the piercer to apply a topical anesthetic. The cream will numb the area of the piercing, which will minimize the pain. There are definitely risks associated with cheek piercing. Make sure you get it done by an expert. This will ensure a safer experience and lower risk of complications.

Dimpleplasty. Is a surgical procedure that creates permanent dimples. During dimpleplasty, a plastic surgeon makes a small incision where the dimple will be. They then remove a small amount of tissue. After that, a small stitch is passed through the skin and muscle on both sides of the spot. This pulls the skin and muscles together to create the dimple. Dimpleplasty also has risks and benefits. If you're considering a dimpleplasty, book an appointment with a plastic surgeon. An expert can explain both risks and benefits of this procedure.

Why are dimples attractive?

When it comes to dimples, you either love them or hate them, and if you love them, there's absolutely no denying that they light up a face.

Here are a few reasons why are dimples are so attractive:

• Youthful appearance. Dimples enhance facial expressions and many people find them attractive. When you smile, they can make you look younger and more cheerful.
  
• Charming. Most people agree that cheek dimples are pretty adorable. They can add a touch of charm and playfulness to your face. When someone smiles with dimples, it's really hard not to smile back.
• Unique. Cheek dimples are rare. Not everyone has them. In some culture, this unique trait is seen as a sign of good luck.

Is it possible to get rid of dimples?

Dimples may be attractive to some people, but to others, they're nothing special. If you’re wondering if it's possible to remove dimples, the answer is yes.

The best way to remove dimples is through dimpleplasty reversal. It's the most effective and minimally invasive way to get rid of dimples. To remove dimples, the surgeon will have to separate the skin from the muscle underneath. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. It's a relatively minor procedure and you can go home the same day. Always talk to a qualified plastic surgeon first before actually getting the procedure. They can provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Cheek dimples are a charming feature that can make anyone's smile more irresistible. While they are often seen as a sign of beauty, they are also simply unique. If you don't have dimples naturally, there are always ways to get them. Before you decide to get dimpleplasty, be sure to do your research and talk to a qualified expert. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure and make sure it's the right choice for you.