Skip to content

Dimple Surgery – Like you were born with them

Oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Amiya Prasad has been performing dimple surgery on many people to help them have a great looking smile. Celebrities like Mario Lopez, Kate Middleton and Jennifer Garner have million dollar smiles thanks to their trademark dimples. It’s an enviable look that even if you weren’t genetically given can still be yours with a simple procedure called Dimple Creation, or Dimple surgery. This procedure has been increasing in popularity and we are seeing more people coming from diverse locations to have it done.

Dimple Surgery Before and After results
Dimple Surgery Before and After results

What is a Dimple?

A natural dimple is the result of a small opening in a muscle in the cheek called the buccinator muscle. Although it’s a hereditary trait, it can be created with a minimally invasive surgical procedure(dimpleplasty). Even though the cause of dimple is a defect in the facial muscle, in many cultures it is seen as a highly attractive trait. Dimples are considered a sign of youth and beauty which accentuate the smile of the person possessing them. People born with natural facial dimples can lose them or see a reduction of depth as they get older and the skin, muscle, and physical weight changes. 

Celebrities born with natural dimples

mario lopez - Celebrity born with natural dimples
jennifer garner

Fox 5 News New York Features Dimple Creation Surgery by Dr. Amiya Prasad

In this video, Dr. Prasad performs a dimple surgery on Lisa W, who wants a more memorable smile. Before the operation, Dr. Amiya Prasad measures Lisa’s face to find the area where naturally occurring dimples would be, by measuring the corner of the eye down, then the intersecting point from the mouth which is about 3 centimeters. “There is a sweet spot where the skin allows for a fold, which makes the dimple look natural” comments Dr. Prasad

Dr. Prasad’s talent for natural and refined results ensures that your new dimples will look natural and leave others none the wiser.

Read this feature on Dr. Prasad’s dimple creation surgery on the UK’s Daily Mail.

Dimple Creation Surgery Before and After results
Dimple Creation Surgery Before and After results

Types of Dimples

Cheek Dimples – This is the most common and known dimple located on the cheeks, it can be found on many areas of the cheek, and some people only have one dimple instead of two. Dimples can add angularity to the face and often, the person who has the procedure is perceived to have lost weight. When consulting with Dr Prasad, you will discuss the depth and placement of your desired dimple.

Chin Dimple – Often referred to a as a “cleft chin” is a less common dimple on the face, which results from a connection to the underlying jaw structure (i.e. John Travolta). Since it is a dominant trait, the likelihood of inheriting a chin dimple is high if one parent has it.

Back dimple – This type of dimple has also been referred to as the “dimple of Venus” after the Roman goddess of beauty, is the least known of the three. It is situated in the lower part of the back and is more common in women than men

before and after dimples surgery - female patient

Can you get facial dimples without surgery?

If you were not born with dimples, it is not possible to get dimples that will be long lasting with methods such as facial exercise. Some people have tried to get dimples by having their cheeks pierced instead of a dimpleplasty. Unfortunately, results with piercing can be limited and variable. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of having a dimple piercing.

Are you a candidate for a dimple surgery?

Most healthy people can be candidates for dimpleplasty. During your consultation a review of your medical history and an examination will determine if you are a candidate.

dimpleplasty before and after photo
dimpleplasty before and after photo

How is the dimple surgery done?

Cheek dimple creation (dimpleplasty) is a procedure that can be done under local anesthesia. Prior to your procedure, Oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Prasad will mark the area with you so you are fully aware of the planned dimple placement. During the procedure, Dr. Prasad will make a small opening inside the mouth and work on the buccinator muscle inside the cheek to create a natural-looking dimple. The inside of the cheek is closed with dissolvable stitches and you’re able to resume most normal activities following the short procedure.

Since the procedure is performed inside the mouth, there is no obvious appearance of surgery from the outside. Dr. Prasad combines his technical skills, artistry and expertise for a quicker recovery so you can enjoy the compliments related to your new dimples sooner.

dimpleplasty before and after photo
dimpleplasty before and after photo

Dimples surgery procedure time

Dimple creation surgery is a quick, relatively painless, outpatient procedure. A dimple creation procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation (also known as “twilight”). To create dimples, the surgery is performed on the inside of the cheek and there are no scars or incisions on the outside skin.

Can I decide how the depth and location of the dimple on my cheek?

During your consultation with Dr Prasad, he will provide you with information about the optimal placement and the degree of depth you can anticipate.

Dr. Amiya Prasad measuring the depth and location of dimpleplasty

Dimple Creation Surgery Aftercare

It’s very important to follow your post procedure care to insure proper recovery. Dr. Prasad and his staff will provide you with instructions. Since the oral cavity is a source of bacteria, proper care has to be maintained. An antiseptic mouthwash has to be used a couple of times a day to keep the site as germ free as possible. Suitable antibiotics will also be prescribed to help with faster healing. Dr. Prasad can also provide medications to relieve pain, if needed. Mild to moderate inflammation will remain for a few days. Over animated facial expressions should be avoided for better results during the healing phase.

Dimple surgery reversal

While dimple creation is a long lasting procedure, it does not mean that all cosmetic dimples are completely irreversible. Dimple creation may be partially reversible.

In the reversal procedure, the tissue in the cheek may be released and the skin separated from the underlying muscle. As with all cosmetic procedures there are exceptions.

Dr. Prasad will review the risks, benefits and options before your procedure.
In certain rare cases there could be a temporary weakness of the cheek muscle after the surgery that could last for a few weeks.

Are there any risks?

As with any surgery there are some risks. Dr. Amiya Prasad will meet with you to discuss the procedure and the risks so you can make an informed decision.

Recovery from Dimpleplasty

The sutures dissolve and absorbs in about 2 weeks and the skin softens which creates a more natural appearance. When the internal tissue heals, it connects the cheek muscle to the skin, thus creating a dimple when smiling. This period could vary from a few days to several weeks depending on the healing and the extent of tissue removed. It typically takes a few weeks for your new dimple to look natural. You will be able to eat after the surgery, but it is recommended to wait until the anesthesia wears off.

before and after full Recovery from Dimpleplasty
before and after full Recovery from Dimpleplasty

How much does the dimple surgery cost?

The fees for any procedure are based on the level of the procedure, the time and resources required as well as the type of anesthesia you choose. Contact us for more information about the procedure and we can arrange your consultation with Dr. Prasad at one of our New York offices. It will also depend on the type of dimples wanted, for the cheek dimple, some patients have already one and only need/want another.

before and after Recovery from Dimpleplasty after 3 days

How soon will I be able to go back to work?

Most people return to work the next day. Dr. Prasad and his staff will advise you after your procedure if there is any need to take more time before going back to work.

Dr. Amiya Prasad

How to prepare before the Dimple creation surgery ?

As with any surgical procedure, it’s important to stop blood thinning medications. If you have a history of high blood pressure, diabetes or any other medical conditions, you need to inform Dr. Prasad of this. It’s routine to have patients take oral antibiotics and use an antibacterial oral rinse before surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Prasad will review your medical and dental history as well as any current medications and supplements you may be taking.

Clients tell us that with Dr. Prasad’s technique, the results look natural and recovery is fast with minimal discomfort. If you have always wanted to have those dimples on your cheeks, contact Oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Amiya Prasad at his New York office at (212) 265-8877 or in his Garden City office at (516) 742-4636. Dr. Prasad also perform other procedures like facelifts, eyelid ptosis surgery, upper eyelid surgery, asian eyelid surgery, under eye bag surgery. Call or contact us today.

Patient Reviews on Dimpleplasty

I had a great experience with my eyelid and dimple surgery. Both procedures took place same day. I now feel like I have an enhanced day to day look. Reviewer: R.K.
Great doctor very friendly. He explained everything step by step I’m very satisfied with my dimples and neck lipo. Reviewer: name withheld
I had dimples but I wanted them deeper. I am pleased with the results. Majority of the swelling took a week and a half to go down. So far so good. Reviewer: Mgcantidote
I wanted to get a dimple surgery and went for a consultation in his New York midtown office. Two months later, I’m really happy with the result. It looks natural and no scars left from surgery. Reviewer: name withheld
I debated on dimple surgery for a couple of years now! I started researching on my own and came across Dr. Prasad. He was very experienced, informative and answered all my questions. Reviewer: JM4419

Appointment Request