Logan Steele
Dimples are indentations in the skin that are often considered a desirable feature. They are caused by a variation in the facial muscles, specifically the zygomaticus major muscle, which is involved in facial expressions. This variation can occur during fetal development, resulting in a split or double zygomaticus major muscle that forms a dimple when the muscle contracts and the person smiles. While dimples are sometimes referred to as a birth defect or congenital disability, they do not have any known negative health effects and are often seen as a positive feature. The prevalence of dimples varies across different populations, with some studies estimating that around 20-30% of the world's population has dimples. For those who desire dimples, cosmetic surgery, known as dimpleplasty, is an option to create permanent dimples.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Technical term | Fovea buccalis |
| Cause | Irregular growth of the zygomaticus major muscle during embryonic development |
| Occurrence | 20-30% of the world's population |
| Permanence | Permanent in most cases |
| Inheritance | Genetically inherited |
| Removal | Impossible without surgery |
| Surgical creation | Possible through a procedure called dimpleplasty |
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What You'll Learn
Dimples are a result of a variation in the zygomaticus major muscle
Dimples are small indentations in the skin that are often found on the cheeks. They are considered a cosmetic feature in many cultures and are associated with beauty, youthfulness, and attractiveness. While dimples are desirable for some, they are technically a muscle deformity or variation.
Dimples are the result of a variation in the zygomaticus major muscle, which is involved in facial expressions and controls the upward movement of the corners of the mouth when smiling. In people without dimples, this muscle is typically a single band that runs from the zygomatic bone in the cheek down to the corner of the mouth. However, in individuals with dimples, the zygomaticus major muscle is divided into two parts, with each part consisting of two bellies. This split in the muscle is known as a double or bifid zygomaticus major muscle.
The dermatocutaneous fibres that span the muscle to the skin allow the skin to dimple when the muscle contracts during smiling. This movement of the skin over the double zygomaticus major muscle causes the characteristic indentation associated with dimples. The defect or split between the two parts of the muscle allows for the skin to gather and create the dimple effect.
The variation in the zygomaticus major muscle occurs during fetal development and is believed to be genetically inherited. Dimples are often observed to run in families, with similar-looking dimples appearing in successive generations. However, the specific genetics and inheritance patterns of dimples are not yet fully understood. While dimples are sometimes referred to as a congenital disability or birth defect, it is important to note that they do not carry any negative health risks.
The prevalence of dimples varies across different populations, with some studies estimating that about 20-30% of the world's population has dimples. Dimples can be permanent or transient, and their prevalence can change with age. For example, dimples may be present in childhood and disappear with age, or they may become less noticeable due to a loss of skin elasticity. Conversely, weight gain can make cheek dimples more prominent due to increased fat in the cheeks and face.
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Dimples are considered a birth defect or deformity
Dimples are indentations in the cheeks, often most visible when an individual smiles. They are caused by a difference in the muscles and skin of the face, specifically a variation in the structure of the facial muscle called the zygomaticus major, which is involved in facial expressions. This variation causes the muscle to shorten, resulting in the skin stretching and pulling the lips into an upturned smile. Dimples can also be caused by baby fat in the cheeks, which usually disappears as the individual gets older.
While dimples are considered a desirable and attractive feature by many, they are technically a form of muscular anomaly or defect. The gene responsible for facial dimples influences the formation of connective tissue during embryonic development, leading to a defect in the zygomaticus major muscle. This can be referred to as a double or bifid zygomaticus major muscle, where the muscle splits and causes the skin to cave in when engaged in a smile. As a result of this muscular variation during fetal development, dimples can be considered a "birth defect" or deformity. However, it is important to note that this term may be misleading as dimples are quite common and do not have any negative health effects.
The inheritance pattern of dimples is autosomal dominant, which means that an individual only needs to inherit one copy of the defective gene from one parent to exhibit the trait. If both parents have dimples, the chances of their child inheriting the trait are even higher. Dimples can also skip generations, with some families showing dimples in only one generation, while in others, they may persist for multiple generations.
While dimples are a genetic defect, they are not typically considered a severe "birth defect" in the medical sense. The term "birth defect" often refers to more severe conditions present at birth that may impact an individual's health or development. Dimples, on the other hand, are purely aesthetic and do not cause any functional impairments. In fact, as previously mentioned, they are often seen as a desirable trait.
In conclusion, while dimples are considered a form of muscular anomaly or genetic defect, they are not typically classified as a severe "birth defect" or deformity. They are a common and aesthetically pleasing variation in facial muscle structure that can be inherited from one's parents.
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Dimples are often believed to be inherited genetically
Dimples are small indentations in the skin that are often believed to be inherited genetically. They are caused by a variation in the zygomaticus major muscle, which is involved in facial expressions and controls the upward movement of the corners of the mouth during smiling. This muscle can be split into two parts, resulting in a bifid or double zygomaticus major muscle. The movement of the skin over this split muscle when smiling causes the skin to dimple and form an indentation.
Dimples are believed to be inherited in a genetically dominant way, but the specifics of how they are inherited are not yet fully understood. If both parents have dimples, the likelihood of their child having them is very high. Dimples can be present at birth or develop later in childhood, and they can last a lifetime or disappear as one ages and loses skin elasticity. In some cases, weight gain or loss can also affect the prominence of dimples due to changes in fat distribution in the cheeks.
The prevalence of dimples varies across different populations, with studies finding rates ranging from 12.3% in Europeans to 34% in Americans, and an overall prevalence of 22.7%. Dimples are considered a desirable feature in many cultures, associated with beauty, youthfulness, and good luck. This has led to the development of dimple creation surgery, or "dimpleplasty," a cosmetic procedure that involves creating a small indentation in the cheek by passing a suture through the skin and muscle.
While dimples are often believed to be inherited, it is important to note that they can also be created surgically through dimpleplasty. This procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and has a short recovery time. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, including potential nerve injuries and infection.
In summary, dimples are believed to be inherited genetically, but the specifics of their inheritance are not yet fully understood. They are caused by a variation in the zygomaticus major muscle, resulting in an indentation in the skin when smiling. Dimples are considered a desirable feature in many cultures, and their presence can enhance one's smile and overall appearance.
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Dimples can be created through plastic surgery
Dimples are small indentations in the cheek caused by differences in facial muscles and skin. They are often considered a sign of beauty and beauty standards may be why dimple plastic surgery has become increasingly common. This procedure is also known as dimpleplasty and was first performed in 1962. It is a quick, simple, and generally safe procedure with low risks of side effects. The cost of dimpleplasty ranges from $1,500 to $3,500.
During the procedure, the surgeon will mark the location of the dimple creation. Then, a local anesthetic will be injected. The surgeon will then make a small incision at the site of the dimple and remove a small amount of tissue. A stitch, or suture, is then passed through the skin and muscle on either side of the area, bringing the skin and muscle together to create the dimple. This suture connects the underlying muscle with the outer layer of skin, creating the appearance of a dimple without removing any tissue.
As an alternative to this suturing method, a surgeon may choose to create a scar on the outer layer of the skin. This technique involves making an incision with a surgical blade and connecting the resulting scar to the muscles below the skin with a surgical knot.
The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and is performed inside the mouth, leaving no scars or incisions on the outside skin. Recovery may involve bruising and swelling, which should subside within a few days. Mild swelling is common following the procedure. Antibiotics and mouthwash will also be prescribed to aid in faster healing and prevent infection. The sutures used to close the incision inside the cheek will dissolve within two weeks of the surgery.
Dimple creation surgery is partially reversible. In the reversal procedure, the tissue in the cheek may be released and the skin separated from the underlying muscle.
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Dimples are associated with attractiveness
Dimples are anomalies or deformities of the muscle that cause a dent in the cheek, particularly when an individual smiles. They are caused by a change in a facial muscle called the zygomaticus major, which is involved in facial expressions. Cheek dimples are likely the result of a genetic trait, although the specifics of how they are inherited are not entirely clear. They are often believed to be inherited in a genetically dominant way, but this is debated.
Despite being a deformity, dimples are often associated with attractiveness. Many people find them cute, youthful, approachable, playful, and innocent. In some cultures, dimples are associated with beauty and good luck. Dimples can accentuate smiles, making them more noticeable, and can convey more information about the intensity of a person's expression.
Dimples can be found on different parts of the body, including the cheeks, chin, and lower back. They can be present at birth or develop later in childhood, and they can last a lifetime or disappear as a person ages. In some cases, weight gain or loss can affect the prominence of cheek dimples.
The perception of dimples as attractive may vary among individuals, and there is a limited number of studies on this subject. However, their presence can enhance facial expressions and make a person appear more engaging and attractive to others.
For those who desire dimples, plastic surgery procedures such as dimpleplasty can create them artificially. This involves making a small incision, removing a small amount of tissue, and passing a stitch through the skin and muscle to bring them together and create the dimple.
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Frequently asked questions
Dimples are a variation in one of the main muscles found in our faces, specifically the zygomaticus major muscle. This variation is caused by irregular growth during embryonic development. Dimples are often referred to as a congenital disability or birth defect, but there are no known negative health effects associated with them.
Dimples may appear in early childhood and fade away as one ages and loses skin laxity or weight. Conversely, weight gain can make dimples more prominent due to increased fat in the cheeks and face.
Yes, dimples can be created surgically through a procedure called dimpleplasty. This involves making a small incision inside the cheek and creating a permanent indentation in the cheek by passing a suture through the underlying muscle. Dimples are considered permanent, and it is virtually impossible to remove them, even with a facelift.
