Dimpleplasty is a cosmetic surgery technique that uses surgical means to create dimples on the face, aiming to enhance the affinity and three-dimensional sense of facial expressions. Dimples are natural depressions caused by adhesions between the cheek muscles and the skin of the face, and are more obvious when smiling. Since dimples are often seen as a symbol of charm in interpersonal relationships, many people who seek beauty choose to obtain the dimple effect through surgery. Depending on the surgical method, dimpleplasty can be divided into several types, including incision, suturing, laser-assisted and combined surgery . The following will explain in detail the principles, surgical procedures, applicable population, advantages and disadvantages, and postoperative management.
The anatomical basis of dimple formation
The fundamental reason for the formation of natural dimples is the congenital fibrous adhesion between the cheek skin and the zygomatic muscle or buccinator muscle . When the facial muscles contract, the skin is pulled to form a depression, thus forming a dimple. The surgical methods are all to simulate this natural anatomical structure and form a dimple-like visual effect by artificially creating adhesions between the skin and muscles.
Main surgical methods for dimpleplasty
1. Suture method (non-incision method)
Suture is the most commonly used method in clinical practice. The core of this method is to form adhesions between the skin and muscles only through suturing with needles and threads without making obvious incisions. Under local anesthesia, the doctor will introduce sutures through small needle holes in the oral mucosa or facial skin to sew the inner layer of cheek skin with the zygomatic muscle or buccinator muscle in a dotted manner to form a slight depression. Within weeks to months after the operation, scar adhesions will gradually form at the suture points, eventually forming a stable dimple.
Advantages : easy operation, short recovery time, and minor trauma.
Disadvantages : The dimples may appear too deep in the early stage or be obvious when static. In some patients, the dimples may gradually disappear due to weak adhesion.
2. Incision method (microsurgery)
The incision method is to make a small incision in the oral mucosa under local anesthesia to expose the relevant facial muscles. After removing some fat and soft tissue, the muscles and dermis are sutured to form a stable adhesion . This method is suitable for those who have thicker subcutaneous tissue or wish to maintain dimples permanently.
Advantages : The adhesion is stronger, the dimples are more natural and vivid, and it is suitable for people with complex structures or fuller faces.
Disadvantages : The postoperative recovery time is relatively long, the surgical area is significantly swollen, and there may be a slight risk of scarring.
3. Laser-assisted dimple augmentation
In recent years, laser technology has also been introduced into dimple formation surgery, mainly used to assist in the processing of tissue between the skin and muscles. The soft tissue is vaporized or burned by laser, forming a mild scar and then sutured to enhance the adhesion effect . Laser surgery can reduce bleeding and reduce the risk of infection, but the operation process requires professional equipment and experienced doctors.
Advantages : Less intraoperative trauma, less bleeding, suitable for those with rich facial blood vessels.
Disadvantages : The operation time is relatively long, the cost is higher, and the doctor's technical skills are required to be high.
4. Combined surgery
Some patients may have problems such as asymmetric facial contour, hypertrophy of the masseter muscles or incoordination of the zygomatic muscles. A single surgical method is difficult to achieve the ideal effect. In this case, combined surgery such as facial liposuction and masseter muscle reduction can be performed to simultaneously perform dimple formation on the basis of improving the overall facial proportions.
Advantages : Comprehensively adjust the facial structure to improve postoperative coordination and aesthetics.
Disadvantages : The procedure is complicated, the recovery period is relatively long, and strict preoperative evaluation is required.
Comparison of suitable populations for different surgical methods
| Surgical method | Suitable for | Whether scarring | Maintenance time | Recovery period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suture method | Those with thin facial skin and little basic fat | No obvious scars | Moderate (months to years) | 3~5 days |
| Incisional method | Those who want a permanent effect and have a thick face | Very slight | Longer | 7~14 days |
| Laser-assisted method | People with rich facial blood vessels and sensitive skin | No obvious scars | medium | 5~7 days |
| Combined surgery | Those who need other facial structures or plastic surgery | Depends on the combined procedure | Depends on the procedure | Longer (2-3 weeks) |
Preoperative preparation and evaluation
Before performing dimpleplasty, the doctor needs to conduct a detailed assessment of the patient's facial structure, including expression muscle activity, subcutaneous fat thickness, symmetry of the left and right faces , etc. In addition, the difference between the patient's expectations and the actual results of the surgery should be clarified to avoid psychological gaps caused by postoperative expectations not matching reality.
The following examinations are recommended before surgery:
①. Collection of facial photos and dimple location design;
②Oral health assessment (to prevent postoperative infection);
③. Allergy history and anesthesia evaluation;
④. The doctor and the patient communicate and sign the informed consent form for the surgery.
Postoperative management and risk control
Postoperative care is an important part of ensuring the effectiveness of dimple shaping surgery. Different procedures require slightly different care methods, but generally include the following:
Cold compress treatment : Ice compress can be used within 24 hours after surgery to reduce swelling.
Avoid strenuous facial movements : Avoid laughing and chewing hard food within one week after surgery to prevent the sutures from shifting.
Maintain oral hygiene : Use mouthwash or salt water to clean daily to prevent infection.
Regular follow-up : Follow-up visits should be made on time after surgery, and the doctor will adjust the follow-up care plan appropriately based on the recovery situation.
Possible postoperative problems include:
①. Dimples are too deep or unnatural: They can usually be adjusted through revision surgery.
②. Broken sutures: This will cause the dimples to disappear and can be repaired secondaryally.
③. Infection or hematoma: Seek medical treatment promptly.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Dimpleplasty is a delicate cosmetic surgery. Although the technical threshold is not high, the individualized evaluation before the operation is as important as the doctor's professional operation. Different surgical methods are suitable for different facial bases and personal aesthetic expectations. You should fully communicate with professional physicians before choosing. Postoperative care and preoperative preparation also affect the stability of the surgery and the duration of the effect. For those who prefer dimple aesthetics, this surgery is a relatively safe, minimally invasive and effective choice, but you should also be rational about the effects and patiently wait for the recovery process.