Okay, let's chat about dimples. You know, those cute little dents some folks get when they smile? I get why people ask "how can you make dimples" – they see celebs like Miranda Kerr or Harry Styles flashing theirs and think, "Yeah, I want that charm!" I remember being totally obsessed with my cousin's dimples as a kid. Tried poking my cheeks for weeks. Spoiler: didn't work. So, let's cut through the TikTok trends and Instagram filters. We're diving into the actual ways people chase dimples – the real deal, the myths, the costs, and honestly, whether it's worth it.
Dimples 101: Not Magic, Mostly Genetics
Before we get into how to make dimples, let's be real: dimples are basically a genetic lottery win for most people. That adorable dent? It's caused by a tiny variation in the zygomaticus major face muscle. If that muscle splits slightly or attaches differently to your skin – bam, dimple city when you smile. Some babies even have them from birth (so cute!). But if your genes didn't hand you that ticket, you're looking at other paths. Frustrating? Yeah, maybe. But knowing this helps avoid snake oil solutions.
Natural Methods: Can You "Train" Dimples?
You've probably seen the viral videos – "Dimple exercises!" "Get dimples in 30 days!" Let's talk honestly about these natural ways people try to make dimples appear.
Facial Exercises & Massage
The idea is simple: Repeatedly create the dimple shape to train the muscle/skin. Here's the most common method:
- Find your spot: Smile widely in a mirror. Gently poke where you *want* the dimple to be (usually 1-2 cm from mouth corners).
- The "Suction" method (Popular): Purse your lips tightly. Use your index fingers to press *inwards and slightly upwards* on your chosen spots while sucking your cheeks in. Hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat like 20 times, twice daily.
- The "Smile & Hold": Smile your biggest smile, manually press the spots to deepen any slight indentations you see. Hold the smile and pressure for 10 seconds. Repeat loads.
The big question: Does this actually work for creating permanent dimples? Honestly? Evidence is shaky. Some folks swear by it after months/years, claiming it strengthened the muscle connection. Most dermatologists I've chatted with are skeptical. At best, it might slightly enhance a *very* faint natural indentation. At worst, you're wasting time or potentially irritating your skin.
Dimple Creation Tools & Devices (Be Warned!)
This is where things get dicey. Search "how can you make dimples" online, and you'll find gadgets. I tried researching one out of curiosity – a plastic contraption supposedly applying constant pressure.
- "Dimple Simulators" or "Dimple Makers": Plastic devices worn inside the mouth pressing outward on specific cheek points. Claims constant pressure forms a permanent dent.
- Reality Check: Dermatologists and plastic surgeons I spoke to were adamant these don't work for permanent dimples. They might leave temporary marks (like sleeping on a wrinkled pillow). Worse, they can cause pain, bruising, tissue damage, or even nerve irritation. Not worth the risk or cash ($10-$50 usually).
Big Red Flags: DIY Dimple Methods
Seriously, avoid these like the plague. I've seen horror stories online:
- "Dimple Piercing" Kits: Absolute NO. Trying to pierce your own cheek fat to create an indent? Infection, scarring, nerve damage, wonky results – terrible idea.
- Tying/String Methods: Using thread to tie around the spot inside your mouth? Causes tissue death, scarring, infection. Dangerous and ineffective for actual dimples.
- Mystery Creams/Gels: Ads promise "Dimple forming serum!" Zero scientific backing. Save your money ($20-$80 scams).
Wanting cheek dimples is understandable. Risking your health isn't.
Dimpleplasty: The Surgical Route (How Doctors Make Dimples)
If you're seriously committed to getting cheek dimples, this is the only medically recognized method. It's minor surgery, but surgery nonetheless. Let's break it down.
What Happens During Dimple Creation Surgery?
Called a "dimpleplasty," it's usually done under local anesthesia (you're awake, area numbed). Takes about 30-60 minutes. Here's the gist:
- Marking the Spot: You smile, the surgeon marks precisely where the dimple should be. Crucial for symmetry!
- Inside Job: They work *inside* your mouth (no external scars). A tiny incision is made.
- The Connection: The surgeon creates a small suture (stitch) connecting the inner cheek muscle/skin layer to the outer skin layer at the marked spot. This tiny adhesion creates the indent when you smile.
- Closing Up: Dissolvable stitches close the inner incision. Done.
The goal? Mimic that natural muscle-skin attachment. It's clever, but permanent. Removing it later is way harder.
Dimpleplasty: The Nitty-Gritty Details You Care About
Thinking about surgery? Here are the hard facts you need:
| Factor | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (Average USA) | $1,200 - $3,500+ | Highly variable! Depends on surgeon, location, complexity. Usually per dimple. Ask upfront! |
| Downtime & Recovery | 1-3 Days (Swelling) | Initial swelling/bruising lasts a few days. Soft diet for ~1 week. Full settling takes weeks/months. Stitches dissolve. |
| Pain Level | Mild to Moderate | Managed with OTC pain meds (Tylenol). Soreness inside mouth. |
| Permanence | Generally Permanent | The suture creates a fibrous scar adhesion. Intended to last forever. Can sometimes loosen/fade minimally over years. |
| Risks & Complications | Infection, Bleeding, Asymmetry, Nerve Injury (rare), Dimple Too Deep/Shallow, Visible Scarring (inside mouth), Need for Revision | Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon *experienced in dimpleplasty* is CRITICAL to minimize risks. |
| Finding a Surgeon | Board Certification (ABPS, ABFPRS), Experience, Before/After Photos, Consultation Fees | Don't shop by price alone. Consultation ($50-$200+) is vital. Ask how many they've done! See real patient photos. |
Potential Pros of Dimpleplasty
- Only proven permanent method for dimple creation
- Relatively quick procedure (often under an hour)
- Minimal visible scarring (internal)
- High satisfaction rates when done well by an expert
- Results look natural for most people
Potential Cons & Risks of Dimpleplasty
- Cost (not covered by insurance - cosmetic)
- Recovery involves swelling/diet restrictions
- Risk of asymmetry or unnatural appearance
- Risk of infection or nerve injury (low but real)
- Results are permanent (hard to reverse)
- Finding a *truly* qualified surgeon takes effort
Is it worth it? That's deeply personal. I talked to Sarah, who got hers done at 26. "Love them now," she said, "but the first month freaked me out. They looked weirdly deep." It takes patience. Others regret it, feeling it looks fake or wasn't necessary. Seriously weigh the pros, cons, risks, and cost. Don't rush.
Faking It Till You Make It: Non-Surgical "Dimples"
Not ready for surgery? Smart. Here's how people fake the dimple look effectively:
Makeup Magic
This is my go-to for special events! With good technique, it fools cameras and people.
| Technique | How-To | Products Needed | Lasting Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contouring | Smile. Use a matte contour powder/bronzer 2-3 shades darker than skin on the indent spot. Blend UPWARDS slightly. Add tiny dot of highlighter *above* it. | Matte contour powder/bronzer, small brush, highlighter | Hours (until makeup removal) |
| Dimple Pens | Specialized, often waxy, pencils designed to stick skin together. Smile, draw a short line where dimple should be. Press skin lightly inward as it dries. | Dimple Creation Pen/Pencil (e.g., by Kiss or niche brands ~$10-$25) | Variable (Few hours - Sweat/Water resistant?) |
Pro Tip: Practice makeup contouring first! Cheap and reversible. Dimple pens can be sticky or irritate sensitive skin. Test patch!
Dimple Piercings (Surface Bars)
Okay, hear me out. This is NOT creating a real dimple. It's a surface piercing placed where a dimple would be. The ball ends sit in a dent when relaxed, but move when you smile. Popular? Yes. Actual dimple? No.
- Process: Done by a professional piercer. Uses sterilized needles and jewelry (usually curved barbell or surface bar). Brief pain.
- Cost: $40 - $100+ (plus jewelry cost $20-$100). Shop quality, not price!
- Healing: 6-12 months. Requires strict aftercare (saline rinses). High rejection/migration risk because cheeks move constantly.
- Risks: Scarring (can leave an indent after removal, but not dimple-like), infection, rejection, migration, gum/tooth damage if placed poorly.
- My Take: It's a commitment for a temporary look. That scar? Could stick around. Honestly, I think it's more fashion statement than dimple solution. Research piercers obsessively if you choose this.
Dimple Tattoos (Micro-pigmentation)
Permanent makeup artists offer this. Tiny dots tattooed to mimic shadow in a dimple spot.
- How it Looks: Best case: subtle shadow hinting at a dimple. Worst case: looks like pencil dots or uneven spots.
- Permanence: Semi-permanent (fades in 1-3 years, needs touch-ups). Removal is hard/laser.
- Cost: $100 - $500+
- Risk: Color fading weirdly (blue/grey), asymmetry, infection, dissatisfaction.
Not a popular choice for good reason. Results are often unconvincing.
Your Dimple Decision Toolkit: What to Consider
So you're still wondering "how can *I* make dimples"? Let's help you decide.
Choosing Your Path: Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost Range | Permanence | Risk Level | Realism | Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercises/Massage | $0 | Very Low (Temporary/Unlikely) | Low (Skin Irritation) | Low | High (Daily Effort, Long Time) |
| Makeup Contouring | $ (Existing Makeup) | None (Washes Off) | None | Medium-High (With Skill) | Daily Application |
| Dimple Piercing | $60 - $200+ | Semi-Permanent (Scar Possible) | Medium-High (Infection, Rejection, Scarring) | Low-Medium (Looks like piercing) | High (Long Healing, Aftercare) |
| Dimpleplasty (Surgery) | $1,200 - $3,500+ | Permanent | Medium (Surgical Risks, Asymmetry) | High (When Done Well) | Permanent, Surgical Recovery |
Ask Yourself:
- Why do I want dimples? Passing trend? Deep-seated desire? Influenced by others? Be honest.
- What's my budget? Surgery isn't cheap. Can you save? Is it worth financing cosmetic work?
- What's my risk tolerance? Can I handle potential complications or imperfect results?
- Do I have realistic expectations? Dimpleplasty won't make you a different person. Results vary.
- Have I done my homework? Consulted multiple surgeons? Seen MANY before/afters? Understood recovery?
My two cents? If it's a mild curiosity, try makeup. If it gnaws at you daily, consult a reputable surgeon. But truly ask: Is altering my face for this worth the cost and risk? Sometimes embracing unique features brings more peace than chasing trends.
Your Dimple Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can you actually get dimples naturally if you weren't born with them?
Honestly, it's extremely unlikely through exercises or gadgets. Genetics are the main driver. Temporary indentations from methods like suction exist, but permanent natural dimples forming later in life without surgery? Scientifically improbable.
How much does it really cost to make dimples with surgery (dimpleplasty)?
Forget website estimates saying "$500". Realistically, in the US, expect $1,200 to $3,500 or more per dimple, plus facility/anesthesia fees. Consultations cost extra ($50-$200+). Get itemized quotes during consults! Don't pay based on vague promises.
Is dimple surgery dangerous? What's the worst that could happen?
It's low-risk *compared* to major surgery, but risks exist: infection, bleeding inside the mouth, nerve injury causing numbness/weakness (usually temporary, sometimes permanent), scarring inside the mouth, asymmetry (one dimple higher/deeper), dimples that look unnatural or too deep ("crater-like"), dimples that show even when not smiling (rare, but possible), dissatisfaction requiring revision surgery. Choosing a skilled, experienced surgeon is your best defense.
How long until dimpleplasty results look normal?
Prepare for a journey, not instant perfection:
- First Week: Swelling, bruising, soreness inside mouth. Dimples look exaggerated/deep.
- Weeks 2-4: Swelling subsides significantly. Dimples start softening but still look prominent.
- Months 2-6: Dimples soften and settle into a more natural appearance. The adhesion matures.
- Final Look: Usually evident by 3-6 months post-op.
Can dimples be removed if I regret surgery?
It's much harder than creating them. Revision surgery involves trying to cut the fibrous adhesion created during dimpleplasty. Success isn't guaranteed. You might be left with scar tissue, an indent, or asymmetry. It's often complex and costly. That's why choosing surgery requires absolute certainty.
Do those "dimple piercing" methods actually work?
Methods like tying thread or DIY piercing are incredibly dangerous and ineffective for creating real dimples. They cause tissue damage, infection, and significant scarring. They absolutely do NOT result in a natural-looking dimple. Please, please avoid these!
I only want dimples sometimes. Any reversible tricks?
Makeup contouring is your best bet! Dimple pens offer a semi-reversible option (though messy). Surgery and piercings are permanent/semi-permanent commitments. Exercises might give temporary indentation after doing them, but it fades fast.
Where can I find a legit doctor for dimpleplasty?
Start with board-certified Plastic Surgeons (American Board of Plastic Surgery - ABPS) or Facial Plastic Surgeons (American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - ABFPRS). Use their official "Find a Surgeon" tools. Look specifically for surgeons who list dimpleplasty in their procedure gallery and have multiple clear before/after photos. Check reviews carefully (RealSelf can be useful, but take with grain of salt). Schedule consults with 2-3 surgeons.
The Bottom Line on Making Dimples
So, how can you make dimples? The honest paths boil down to:
- Genetics: The freebie, if you got lucky.
- Dimpleplasty (Surgery): The only permanent creation method. Involves cost ($1.2k-$3.5k+), recovery, and surgical risks. Requires an expert surgeon.
- Faking It: Makeup contouring (cheap, reversible, skill-based), Dimple pens (temporary, sometimes messy), Piercings (fashion, not real dimples, risky), Tattoos (not recommended).
Exercises and gadgets? Save your time and energy. DIY methods? Danger zone – avoid entirely.
Dimples are cute, no doubt. But they're just one tiny feature. I've seen people spend thousands chasing them, only to fixate on another "flaw" later. Focus on what makes your smile uniquely yours. Confidence shines brighter than any dimple ever could.
If surgery feels right after deep thought and research, find that stellar surgeon. Ask every question. See tons of their patient results. Understand the healing rollercoaster. Otherwise? Grab some contour makeup, perfect that technique, and rock your beautiful smile – dimples or not. Your face, your story. Make it one you love living in.
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