
Back dimples, also known as dimples of Venus, are indentations on the lower back, just above the buttocks. They are caused by ligaments that attach bone to skin. While back dimples are harmless and purely cosmetic, dimples on the buttocks are often associated with cellulite, which is caused by fat under the skin. Strength training, in combination with diet and cardio, can reduce body fat and sculpt muscles, helping to reduce the appearance of butt dimples.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Dimples of Venus |
| Scientific name | Sacral dimple |
| Location | Lower back, above the crease in the buttocks |
| Cause | A short ligament that attaches the superior iliac spine to the skin |
| Genetics | May be genetically predetermined, but the specific genes are unknown |
| Treatment | No treatment is necessary, but weight loss can make them more prominent |
| Associations | Beauty, fertility, good luck, good circulation in the pelvic region, and enhanced female orgasm |
| Related conditions | Spina bifida occulta, tethered cord syndrome, pilonidal cysts |
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What You'll Learn
- Back dimples are indentations on the lower back, above the buttocks
- They are caused by ligaments attaching bone to skin
- They are also called dimples of Venus and are considered attractive
- Dimples in general are thought to be genetic but there is no concrete evidence
- They are harmless but can sometimes be associated with spinal conditions

Back dimples are indentations on the lower back, above the buttocks
Back dimples, also known as dimples of Venus, are indentations on the lower back, above the buttocks. They are purely cosmetic and harmless. The dimples are usually present at birth, and are more common in people born female. They are caused by a short ligament that attaches the superior iliac spine (the outside edge of the iliac bone) to the skin. They are often associated with beauty, especially in women, and are believed to enhance fertility and bring good luck.
Back dimples are not caused by muscle atrophy, and there is no muscle in the area that can be toned through exercise to make them appear. However, losing weight can cause back dimples to become more prominent. While dimples are generally thought to be genetic, there is little research and no concrete evidence to support this claim.
It is important to distinguish back dimples from sacral dimples, which are small dents or depressions in the lower back near the crease of the buttocks. Sacral dimples are sometimes associated with certain medical conditions, such as spina bifida occulta and tethered cord syndrome. If a sacral dimple is paired with other symptoms, such as bruising, tufts of hair, or skin tags, it could indicate a spinal issue. In such cases, a healthcare provider may order an ultrasound or MRI to check for spinal cord problems.
While back dimples are generally considered harmless and aesthetically pleasing, some people may wish to reduce their appearance. Strength training, combined with diet and cardio, can help reduce body fat and sculpt muscles, which may minimise the dimpling effect. However, it is important to note that the visibility of back dimples is also influenced by body fat percentage, with an average of 22% body fat in women and 32% in men optimising dimple visibility.
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They are caused by ligaments attaching bone to skin
Back dimples, also known as dimples of Venus, are indentations on the lower back, just above the buttocks. They are caused by a short ligament that attaches the superior iliac spine (the outer edge of the iliac bone) to the skin. These dimples are usually present at birth and are typically harmless. While they are often considered a feature that enhances beauty, particularly in women, they have also been associated with various myths and beliefs, such as improved fertility and luck.
The presence of back dimples is largely influenced by genetics, although the specific genes responsible have not yet been identified. They are more common in people born female and can become more prominent with weight loss. It is important to note that back dimples are different from cellulite, which refers to the dimpling caused by fat distribution under the skin. While strength training, diet, and cardio can help reduce cellulite, back dimples are not related to muscle tone in the area and cannot be altered through exercise.
In rare instances, back dimples may be associated with spinal conditions, such as spina bifida occulta or tethered cord syndrome. If a sacral dimple is present at birth and accompanied by other symptoms, such as bruising, tufts of hair, or skin tags, further evaluation by a healthcare provider is recommended. However, most sacral dimples do not cause any problems and do not require treatment.
The term "dimples of Venus" is also used in surgical anatomy to describe two symmetrical indentations on the posterior aspect of the sacrum, which contain a venous channel. These indentations serve as landmarks for placing sacral pedicle screws during spine surgery.
While back dimples themselves do not require treatment, the presence of pilonidal dimples or cysts in the lower back area may require attention. Pilonidal cysts are round sacs filled with fluid or air that can become infected, leading to swelling and pain. If left untreated, they can result in a swollen pocket of pus (abscess), requiring medical intervention.
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They are also called dimples of Venus and are considered attractive
Back dimples, or dimples of Venus, are indentations on the lower back, just above the buttocks. They are caused by a short ligament that attaches the superior iliac spine (the outer edge of the iliac bone) to the skin. These dimples are usually present at birth and are a cosmetic feature, although they can be associated with certain medical conditions in some cases.
The name "dimples of Venus" comes from Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty. Back dimples are often associated with beauty in women, and they are considered attractive by many. In fact, an average of 22% body fat in women and 32% in men is said to improve the visibility of these dimples. Additionally, losing weight can make back dimples more prominent.
Back dimples are more common in people born female, and they are largely genetically predetermined. While there is no concrete evidence, dimples in general are thought to be genetic. They cannot be created through exercise, as there are no muscles in the area to tone. However, they are not a sign of good circulation in the pelvic region, as some have claimed.
There are various myths surrounding back dimples and their impact on one's sex life. For example, it is claimed that women with back dimples can orgasm more easily or even exclusively from a partner pushing on the dimples. However, there is no research to support these claims. While some consider back dimples attractive, they are purely cosmetic and do not provide any functional benefits.
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Dimples in general are thought to be genetic but there is no concrete evidence
Dimples in the buttocks, also known as "butt dimples", "back dimples", or "dimples of Venus", are indentations on the lower back, just above the buttocks. They are typically present at birth and are harmless. While the exact cause of these dimples is unknown, they are believed to be caused by ligaments that attach bone to skin.
Dimples in general are thought to be genetic, but there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. For example, cheek dimples occur due to a change in a particular facial muscle, and there is some genetic component to their occurrence, but the exact reason is unclear. Similarly, back dimples are largely genetically predetermined and can only be altered within limits. However, there has been little research done on this topic, and scientists are unsure of what genes may be linked to dimples.
Back dimples are more common in people born female, and they are associated with beauty in women. They are also believed to enhance fertility and bring good luck. In men, back dimples are called "dimples of Apollo", named after the Greco-Roman god of male beauty.
While back dimples are harmless, sacral dimples, which are small dents in the lower back near the crease of the buttocks, can sometimes be associated with certain medical conditions. For example, a deep sacral dimple that is far from the crease of the buttocks may indicate spina bifida occulta, a mild form of spina bifida where the spine does not close completely but the spinal cord stays within the spinal canal. In rare cases, sacral dimples can also indicate a tethered spinal cord, where tissue attaches the spinal cord to the spinal canal, limiting its movement. If a baby is born with a sacral dimple and other risk factors, healthcare providers may perform an MRI or ultrasound to check for spinal cord issues.
It is important to note that butt dimples are different from cellulite, which refers to the dimpling caused by fat under the skin. While cellulite can occur in people of all sizes, strength training, diet, and cardio can help reduce body fat and improve the appearance of cellulite.
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They are harmless but can sometimes be associated with spinal conditions
Back dimples, also known as dimples of Venus, are indentations on the lower back, just above the buttocks. They are generally considered harmless and are often associated with beauty, especially in women. However, in some rare instances, the presence of back dimples, specifically sacral dimples, can indicate an underlying spinal condition.
Sacral dimples are small dents or depressions near the crease of the buttocks, and they are typically shallow. While most sacral dimples are harmless, in rare cases, they can be a sign of a spine or spinal cord problem. For example, a sacral dimple paired with symptoms such as bruising, tufts of hair, or skin tags, could indicate an underlying spinal condition.
Spina bifida occulta is one such condition that has been associated with sacral dimples. In this mild form of spina bifida, the spine does not close completely, but the spinal cord remains within the spinal canal, usually without causing any symptoms. Another related condition is tethered cord syndrome, where tissue attaches the spinal cord to the spinal canal, limiting its movement and potentially causing leg weakness, numbness, and bladder or bowel incontinence.
If a baby is born with a sacral dimple, healthcare providers may perform an MRI or ultrasound to evaluate the spine and spinal cord for any potential issues. This is especially important if other risk factors or symptoms are present, such as those mentioned earlier. However, it is important to note that most people with sacral dimples do not experience any complications and can lead normal, healthy lives.
While back dimples themselves are harmless, they can sometimes be associated with spinal conditions in rare instances. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and evaluation if there are any concerns or additional symptoms present.
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Frequently asked questions
No, dimples in the butt are not caused by muscle atrophy. Dimples in the butt, also known as "dimples of Venus" or "back dimples", are harmless indentations in the lower back, just above the buttocks. They are caused by ligaments that attach bone to skin and are often associated with beauty, especially in women.
The exact cause of dimples in the buttocks is not fully understood, but they are believed to be genetic. They are present at birth and are usually harmless.
In rare cases, deep or large sacral dimples that are far from the crease of the buttocks may be a sign of an underlying spine or spinal cord problem, such as spina bifida occulta or tethered cord syndrome.
Dimples in the butt cannot be eliminated, but their appearance can be minimised through strength training, a balanced diet, and cardio exercises. Losing weight can also cause back dimples to become more prominent.
Yes, back dimples are considered a symbol of beauty, fertility, and good luck in some cultures. They are also referred to as "dimples of Apollo" when seen in men, named after the Greco-Roman god of male beauty.











































