Dimpleplasty is performed under local anesthesia. The first step is to mark the exact location of the desired dimples on the outside of the cheek. A small amount of local anesthetic is placed on the inside of both cheeks, and then a small incision is made on each side. A small amount of muscle is removed in the location that it would be absent in a natural dimple. Next, one or two absorbable sutures (which dissolve in 1-2 weeks) are used to create the new dimple. The amount of muscle removed and the depth of the sutures need to be adjusted very precisely to create the most natural appearing dimples. The entire dimple surgery procedure takes 20-30 minutes to complete. 

Immediately after the dimpleplasty is completed, you will be able to see your new dimples. A common question that people have is whether the dimples will show up when they are not smiling. The answer to this question is absolutely not. Natural dimples are generally only apparent when one smiles or expresses emotion. Because this procedure recreates a similar process, once healed, the dimples will only be seen when you are smiling. For the first two weeks, the dimples may be visible at all times but this subsides once the healing is complete. You can resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure, and can eat and drink normally within one or two hours, once the freezing has worn off. 

During the first two to three days after dimple surgery, there can be some swelling in the cheeks and sometimes a little bit of bruising right at the location of the dimple. Most of the time this is very minimal, but some patients do elect to take one or two days off from work or school. 

Preparing For Your Surgery

Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding. Please arrange for a responsible adult to take you and pick you up from your surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.