In traditional Asian folklore, the presence of a dimple suggests good fortune and fertility, while in the West it is more simply viewed as a cute and unusual facial curiosity. For whatever reason, surgical creation of a dimple is an often mentioned form of Asian body modification, even though dimples seem to occur no more or less commonly in Asians than in others.
A dimple of the cheek skin is a soft tissue invagination that becomes prominent on facial animation or smiling. A natural dimple is usually formed when there is a small defect in the cheek musculature (most often the buccinator muscle). The skin overlying this small defect is stuck down to the underlying connective tissue and creates a dimple in the skin with facial animation (smiling).
Dimple creation surgery simulates this naturally occurring process. It can be performed on any kind or size of cheek, be it chubby or not. It would be easier if the cheeks are not too chubby. Dimples are usually located lateral to the lip commisure. You also can decide where the dimples should be, or you can have Dr Uddhav Patil decide with you where the most optimal place for the dimples should be on your face. So that it is aesthetically appealing and will compliment your facial features.
To create a dimple, a small incision is taken inside of your cheek. There is no incision or scar on the outside skin. An absorbable suture is passed through the inside of the cheek and catches the undersurface of the skin where the dimple is desired. When this suture is tied it causes a dimpling in the overlying skin. At first there is a dimple present even without smiling, but after several days, or sometimes a few weeks, the dimple is only present while smiling or moving the face. The internal scarring which takes place between the inner skin and muscle will create dimple when one smiles.
You will be awake and comfortable during the entire process. Special arrangements can be made if you would rather prefer to be asleep during the surgery. You can go home right away after the procedure and resume your usual activities.
There is usually minimal swelling for first two days, and the after care steps are just as simple and uncomplicated as the procedure. The after care usually involves regular mouth rinsing with Betadine oral antiseptic solution or Listerine mouthwash.
Usually there are no complications with dimple creation aside from a little bit of swelling and bruising but you need to take antibiotics for a couple of days after to prevent any infection.
Although the cheek is the usual place that patients might request a dimple, the chin is also a frequently requested site. It is possible to make chin dimples as well without any incisions on the outside skin.
Many patients state that one of their siblings or close friends have a dimple and they are happy to know that dimple surgery is available to give them that option as well.
Dimple creation surgery is a relatively easy painless way to form a dimple for those people who have always wanted one. Having created a dimple will it change your life or bring you better luck? That has not been scientifically proven. As with any other surgery that might change your appearance, Dr Uddhav Patil will speak to you in detail to make sure that dimple creation surgery is right for you.
Dr. Uddhav A. Patil
MS MCh (Plast. Surg.) MACPhleb
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