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Cheek dimples are small indentations in the skin that occur due to a change in a particular facial muscle called the zygomaticus major. This muscle is involved in facial expressions and helps to raise the corners of the mouth when smiling. Dimples are often considered a desirable feature, with some people even opting for dimple creation surgery or 'dimpleplasty' to achieve the look. While the specific genetics of how dimples are inherited is still unclear, they do tend to run in families.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | A change in a particular facial muscle, namely the zygomaticus major |
| Occurrence | 20-30% of the world's population |
| Inheritance | Believed to be a genetically dominant trait |
| Surgery | Dimple creation surgery involves creating a region of scar tissue through a suture between the buccinator muscle and the dermis |
| Surgery Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Surgery Recovery | No scar on the outside of the face, can return to work on the same day |
| Surgery Risks | Injuries to the nerves that supply the muscles of facial expression and infection of the wound |
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What You'll Learn
Dimples are missing muscles due to genetics
Dimples are small indentations in the skin, commonly found on the cheeks, that many people find aesthetically pleasing. They are caused by a change in the structure of the zygomaticus major muscle, which is involved in facial expressions, specifically raising the corners of the mouth when smiling. This change results in a split in the muscle, known as a double or bifid zygomaticus major muscle, which causes the overlying skin to form a dimple when smiling.
While the specific genetic inheritance pattern is not yet fully understood, dimples are believed to be a genetically inherited trait. They tend to run in families, and dominant genetic traits are known to have a high likelihood of being passed on to children when both parents exhibit the trait. However, the prevalence of dimples varies across different populations, with some studies estimating their occurrence in approximately 20-30% of the world's population.
The formation of dimples is attributed to muscular variation during fetal development, specifically the irregular growth of the zygomaticus major muscle. This muscle, responsible for facial expressions, can undergo a change where it shortens, causing the skin to stretch and creating a dimple when smiling. The movement of the skin over this muscle results in the characteristic indentation associated with dimples.
While dimples are generally considered a desirable feature, not everyone is born with them. For those seeking to acquire dimples, a surgical procedure known as dimpleplasty exists. This procedure involves creating a small incision at the desired dimple site and carefully removing a thin circle of tissue, including skin, fat, and muscle. A suture is then passed through the remaining muscle, skin, and underlying layers, bringing them together to create a dimple. The depth of the dimple can be controlled by adjusting the tension of the suture and the placement of the incision.
In summary, dimples are indeed associated with missing muscles due to genetics. The specific genetic inheritance pattern is not entirely clear, but dimples tend to run in families. The formation of dimples is due to a variation in the structure of the zygomaticus major muscle during fetal development, resulting in a split in the muscle that creates the characteristic indentation when smiling. For those without naturally occurring dimples, surgical procedures like dimpleplasty can create them by manipulating the underlying muscle and skin structure.
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Dimpleplasty is a plastic surgery procedure to create dimples
Dimples are indentations that occur on the cheeks or chin when some people smile. They are believed to be inherited genetically, although the specifics of how they are inherited are unclear. Dimples are caused by a change in the facial muscle called the zygomaticus major, which is involved in facial expression. In people without dimples, this muscle usually runs from the zygomatic bone down to the corners of the mouth. However, in people with dimples, there is a split in this muscle, causing it to form a "V" shape.
Dimpleplasty, or dimple plastic surgery, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that can create dimples for those who do not have them naturally. It is a generally safe and quick procedure with minimal complications. The surgery can be performed on any type of cheek or chin and is usually done as an outpatient procedure. The average cost of dimpleplasty is $1,500, but this can vary and is not typically covered by medical insurance.
During the procedure, the surgeon first marks the location of the desired dimple and injects a local anesthetic. They then make a small incision at the site and remove a small amount of tissue. A suture or stitch is then passed through the skin and muscle on either side of the area, bringing them together to create the dimple. This stitch can either be absorbable or non-absorbable. With an absorbable suture, the cheek will eventually flatten out and the dimple will only appear when smiling. A non-absorbable suture will result in a permanent dimple.
As with any surgery, there are risks and potential side effects associated with dimpleplasty. Although rare, these can include excessive bleeding, infection, and scarring. It is important for individuals considering dimpleplasty to weigh the benefits and risks and consult with a reputable surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure.
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Dimples are perceived as attractive in some cultures
Cheek dimples are small indentations that appear on the cheeks when an individual smiles. They are considered attractive in various cultures around the world. While the specific reasons for this perception are not fully understood, several theories attempt to explain the appeal of dimples.
Dimples are often associated with youth and beauty, enhancing the attractiveness of a person's face. They are believed to accentuate smiles, making them appear more cheerful, genuine, and memorable. This perception of dimples as a desirable feature has been prevalent in literature and art throughout history, with Shakespeare, for instance, often acknowledging cheek dimples in his plays.
In certain cultures, dimples are regarded as a sign of good luck and prosperity, further contributing to their positive perception. For instance, in Chinese culture, children born with cheek dimples are considered pleasant, polite, and enthusiastic. Additionally, there are superstitions and proverbs associated with dimples, such as the belief that "a dimple in your cheek/Many hearts you'll seek".
The formation of cheek dimples is primarily attributed to genetics and variations in the structure of the zygomaticus major muscle, which is involved in facial expressions and smiling. Individuals with dimples typically have a shorter zygomaticus major muscle, causing the skin to be pulled tightly and creating a visible indentation when smiling. However, the inheritance of dimples is complex and unpredictable due to incomplete dominance, and not everyone with dimples will pass them on to their offspring.
While dimples are generally perceived as attractive, opinions may vary, and some individuals may prefer their absence for personal or aesthetic reasons. Additionally, the appeal of dimples is not limited to any specific age group, as individuals with dimples across different age ranges are often perceived as more approachable and friendly. The desire for dimples has led to the development of cosmetic procedures, such as dimpleplasty, which involves creating dimples through plastic surgery.
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Dimples can be permanent or transient
Dimples are small indentations in the skin that are commonly found on the cheeks or near the mouth. They occur due to differences in the muscles and skin of the face, specifically a change in the facial muscle called the zygomaticus major, which is involved in facial expressions. Dimples are often considered a desirable feature, with some people undergoing plastic surgery, or "dimpleplasty", to create them artificially.
While dimples are believed to be inherited in a genetically dominant way, the specifics of how they are inherited are not entirely clear. They can be permanent or transient, with some individuals retaining their dimples throughout their lives while others may experience a decrease in dimple visibility over time. Dimples can become less noticeable with age as skin elasticity decreases or as a result of significant weight loss. Conversely, weight gain can make dimples more prominent due to increased fat in the cheeks and face.
The prevalence of dimples varies across different populations, with estimates ranging from 20 to 37 percent of the general population. A study by Phan and Onggo in 2019 found a prevalence of 34 percent in Americans, 27.4 percent in Asians, and 12.3 percent in Europeans. Dimples are considered a desirable trait in some cultures, with certain populations perceiving them as a sign of beauty and good luck. This perception has driven the demand for cosmetic surgery to create dimples, particularly in South Korea and among Asians.
The procedure for creating dimples is quite simple and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. It involves making a small incision at the desired location of the dimple and removing a thin circle of skin and muscle. A suture is then passed through the skin and muscle, creating a region of scar tissue that results in the dimple. The depth of the dimple can be controlled by adjusting the strength of the suture knot. While the surgery does not leave a visible scar on the outside of the face, there is a brief recovery period during which certain dietary and oral movement restrictions should be followed to minimise the risk of infection and ensure proper healing.
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Dimples are caused by the irregular growth of a certain facial muscle
Dimples are small indentations in the skin that occur in about 20 to 30% of the world's population. They are commonly found on the cheeks or near the mouth and are considered an attractive feature in many cultures. While the prevalence of dimples may vary by population, a study of over 2,300 people found that about 37% of participants had cheek dimples.
The formation of dimples can be understood through the procedure used in dimple creation surgery, or "dimpleplasty." During this procedure, a small incision is made at the desired location of the dimple, and a thin circle of skin and muscle is removed from the inside of the cheek. A suture is then passed through the remaining tissue, connecting the skin to the underlying muscle and creating a dimple. This surgical technique mimics the natural process of dimple formation, where a split or variation in the zygomaticus major muscle results in a dimple when the skin moves over it during facial expressions.
While the specific genetics of dimple inheritance are not yet fully understood, dimples do tend to run in families. They are believed to be inherited in a genetically dominant manner, with a higher likelihood of inheritance if both parents possess the trait. However, the absence of dimples in both parents does not necessarily preclude their appearance in offspring, as dominant traits can skip generations.
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Frequently asked questions
Dimples are not missing muscles. They are caused by a change or irregular growth in a facial muscle called the zygomaticus major, which is involved in facial expressions and helps to raise the corners of your mouth when you smile. This change in the muscle can be referred to as a double or bifid zygomaticus major muscle.
Dimples are quite common, with an expected prevalence of between 20 and 30% of the world's population. One study of over 2,300 people found that about 37% had cheek dimples. Another review found that the prevalence was 34% in Americans, 27.4% in Asians, and 12.3% in Europeans.
Yes, a plastic surgery procedure called dimpleplasty can create the appearance of dimples. This procedure involves making a small incision at the desired location of the dimple and passing a suture through the skin and muscle to bring them together and create the dimple. It is a simple outpatient procedure with minimal downtime, but like any surgery, there are risks such as nerve injuries or infection.
