Dimples have long been considered a sign of youthful charm and magnetic attraction. Today, cosmetic surgery has made it possible for anyone to achieve this look — through a minimally invasive procedure known as dimple surgery, or dimpleplasty. This guide walks you through everything you likely want to know: from the science behind the procedure to recovery timelines, celebrity examples, and honest cost breakdowns.
What Is Dimple Surgery? Understanding Dimpleplasty
Dimple surgery — clinically referred to as dimpleplasty — is an elective cosmetic procedure designed to create artificial dimples on the cheeks or chin. Unlike many surgical interventions, it is typically performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, often taking no longer than 30 minutes per side.
The procedure involves a small incision on the inner mucosal surface of the cheek. A suture is then placed to create a controlled adhesion between the skin and the underlying buccinator muscle, producing the characteristic indentation visible as a dimple.
The Origins of Dimple Fascination: A Cultural Story
Dimples have been celebrated across cultures for centuries. In many Eastern traditions, cheek dimples are seen as indicators of good fortune and prosperity. In Western beauty standards, they have long been associated with approachability, youthfulness, and a naturally magnetic smile.
The desire to have dimples is not a modern vanity — historical records from ancient China and India document admiration for dimpled faces in poetry, sculpture, and romantic literature. What dimple surgery does is bridge this centuries-old cultural aspiration with 21st-century medical precision.
Today, communities of people who have undergone dimpleplasty — or are considering it — share their journeys on platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and dedicated cosmetic forums, creating a rich ecosystem of real-world experience and peer support that extends well beyond the clinic.
How Dimple Surgery Works: The Dimpleplasty 7-Step Method
Based on established surgical principles and documented clinical practice, dimple surgery typically follows a structured sequence. Here is a conceptual framework — what could be called the Dimpleplasty 7-Step Method — to help you understand what the process likely involves:
- Consultation & Mapping: The surgeon evaluates facial anatomy, discusses desired dimple placement, and marks the optimal location using the patient’s natural smile line as a guide.
- Local Anesthesia Administration: A local anesthetic is injected into the target area to minimize discomfort throughout the procedure.
- Inner Cheek Incision: A small punch biopsy instrument or scalpel creates a minor circular incision on the inner mucosal surface of the cheek — no external skin cuts involved.
- Tissue Core Removal: A small amount of subcutaneous fat and muscle tissue is removed to create space for the adhesion point.
- Absorbable Suture Placement: A suture is passed through the cheek muscle and attached to the underside of the skin, creating a controlled tethering effect.
- Dimple Verification: The patient is often asked to smile during the procedure to verify natural placement and symmetry.
- Post-Procedure Assessment: The incision is self-sealing (no external stitches required), and the patient is given aftercare instructions before discharge.
It is worth noting that the initial dimple may appear prominent even at rest. Over several weeks, as the suture gradually dissolves, the dimple typically becomes visible only when smiling — more closely resembling a natural dimple.
Are You a Suitable Candidate? Key Considerations
Dimpleplasty is generally considered suitable for a wide range of adults. The following table outlines likely candidacy factors based on commonly reported clinical criteria:
| Factor | Suitable | May Require Evaluation |
| Age | 18+ years | Under 18 (parental consent & growth considerations) |
| Skin Type | All skin types | Active skin conditions in the target area |
| Health Status | Generally healthy adults | Bleeding disorders, active infections |
| Expectations | Realistic, subtle enhancement | Expecting deep, permanent, or dramatic results |
| Prior Surgery | No prior cheek surgery | History of facial reconstruction or implants |
| Weight | Stable weight | Significant planned weight loss (may affect result) |
6 Celebrities Who Are Believed to Have Undergone Dimple Surgery
Celebrity culture has played a significant role in popularizing dimpleplasty. While most public figures do not publicly confirm cosmetic procedures, cosmetic surgeons and industry observers have noted changes in certain celebrities’ facial features that are consistent with the procedure. The following individuals have been frequently discussed in this context:
1. Cardi B
The Grammy-winning rapper has been notably open about various cosmetic enhancements over the years. Beauty observers and cosmetic professionals have pointed to changes in her facial structure that could be consistent with dimpleplasty, particularly in how her cheeks appear during interviews and music videos.
2. Miranda Kerr
The Australian supermodel’s signature smile has drawn attention from cosmetic professionals who suggest that the definition of her cheek dimples may have been subtly enhanced. Miranda’s facial aesthetic is often cited in cosmetic consultations as a reference point for natural-looking dimpleplasty results.
3. Ariana Grande
Pop icon Ariana Grande’s evolving appearance has been extensively documented and analyzed. Some cosmetic surgery commentators believe that certain facial enhancements she may have undergone could include dimpleplasty, contributing to her consistently bright and characterful smile.
4. Deepika Padukone
One of Bollywood’s most celebrated actresses, Deepika Padukone is widely known for her prominent and photogenic dimples. While she has natural dimples, her case frequently features in dimple surgery discussions, as patients often request results resembling her facial structure — making her a cultural benchmark for the procedure.
5. Kylie Jenner
Reality TV star and beauty entrepreneur Kylie Jenner has discussed several cosmetic procedures publicly. While dimpleplasty has not been among her confirmed enhancements, cosmetic analysts have noted facial contouring changes over the years that could be consistent with soft-tissue interventions in the cheek area.
6. Shah Rukh Khan
The ‘King of Bollywood’ is as famous for his dimples as for his iconic films. Much like Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan’s natural dimples have become aspirational reference points that surgeons across South Asia frequently receive as desired outcomes in dimpleplasty consultations.
Potential Risks and Limitations: What Research Indicates
While dimpleplasty is generally considered a low-risk procedure, research and clinical case studies indicate that complications could arise. Prospective patients are advised to discuss all risks thoroughly with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or maxillofacial specialist.
- Infection: Though uncommon, oral bacteria can potentially cause post-procedural infection if aftercare protocols are not followed.
- Asymmetry: Subtle variations in placement or healing could result in uneven dimples — likely requiring revision.
- Persistent Dimpling: In some cases, the dimple may remain visible at rest permanently, rather than only when smiling.
- Scarring: Minor internal scarring at the incision site is possible, though typically not externally visible.
- Hematoma or Swelling: Temporary bruising and swelling are common in the first one to two weeks post-procedure.
- Nerve Sensitivity: Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the cheek area has been reported in a subset of patients.
It is worth emphasizing that outcomes vary significantly between individuals. No cosmetic procedure can be guaranteed to produce a specific result, and patients should approach dimpleplasty with realistic expectations shaped by detailed pre-operative consultations.
Recovery Timeline: What to Expect After Dimple Surgery
| Timeframe | Typical Experience | Recommended Action |
| Days 1–3 | Mild swelling, tenderness, possible bruising | Soft diet; avoid touching the area |
| Days 4–7 | Swelling begins to subside; dimple may look exaggerated | Rinse mouth with antibacterial wash |
| Weeks 2–3 | Noticeable improvement; dimple softening | Resume light daily activities; avoid strenuous exercise |
| Weeks 4–6 | Dimple visible mainly when smiling; suture dissolving | Follow-up appointment with surgeon recommended |
| Months 2–3 | Final result becomes apparent | Evaluate outcome; discuss revision if needed |
Dimple Surgery Cost: What You Might Expect to Pay
Dimpleplasty costs vary widely depending on geographic location, the surgeon’s experience, and clinic prestige. Based on commonly reported figures from cosmetic surgery platforms and practitioner websites:
| Region | Estimated Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
| United States | $1,500 – $2,500 | Higher in major metro areas (NY, LA, Miami) |
| United Kingdom | $1,200 – $2,000 | Private clinics only; not covered by NHS |
| South Asia (India/Pakistan) | $300 – $800 | Significantly lower; quality varies widely |
| UAE / Middle East | $1,000 – $1,800 | Growing demand in cosmetic hubs like Dubai |
| Southeast Asia | $400 – $1,000 | Popular medical tourism destination |
Note: These figures are indicative estimates only. Always obtain a formal, itemized quote from a qualified practitioner before proceeding. Costs typically include anesthesia, surgeon’s fee, and follow-up appointments — but it is advisable to confirm this explicitly.
Pre-Procedure Summary Checklist
Before booking a dimpleplasty consultation, consider working through this checklist:
- Research and shortlist board-certified plastic surgeons or maxillofacial specialists in your area.
- Review before-and-after portfolios specific to dimple surgery — not general cosmetic work.
- Schedule at least one in-person consultation to assess surgeon communication and clinic standards.
- Discuss your medical history, including any blood-thinning medications or supplements.
- Ask about the surgeon’s dimpleplasty-specific experience and how many procedures they perform annually.
- Confirm what is included in the quoted price (anesthesia, follow-ups, potential revision).
- Arrange for a trusted person to accompany you on the day of the procedure.
- Follow all pre-operative instructions including dietary restrictions and oral hygiene protocols.
- Have realistic expectations — research indicates natural-looking results are most commonly achieved with conservative placement.
The Dimpleplasty Community: Shared Journeys, Real Insights
One of the most valuable resources for anyone considering dimple surgery is the growing community of people who have already been through the process. Online forums, subreddits dedicated to cosmetic procedures, and Instagram and TikTok communities offer candid before-and-after documentation, honest recovery updates, and surgeon recommendations based on lived experience. Many practitioners now encourage patients to engage with these communities before booking a consultation — not as a replacement for professional advice, but as a way to calibrate expectations and ask informed questions. Peer experience, when approached critically and combined with expert guidance, could meaningfully improve decision-making in elective cosmetic procedures.