dimples

Dimples are small natural indentations in the skin, most often seen on the cheeks or chin. They become visible when a person smiles or talks, and many people maintain them throughout life while others only show them intermittently. Dimples are generally considered a normal anatomical variation rather than a medical condition.

Cheek dimples are indentations that appear on the cheek below the cheekbone. Chin dimples, also called cleft chins, are vertical grooves or depressions in the center of the chin. Some people may have dimples at other locations rarely, but cheek and chin dimples are by far the most common.

Most dimples are due to genetic variation in the way facial muscles and connective tissue attach to the skin. In cheek dimples, a variation in the zygomaticus major muscle can create a small, permanent indentation that becomes more noticeable with a smile. Chin dimples arise from the pattern of muscles in the chin (mentalis) and surrounding tissue. They can be present at birth or develop in childhood and are not harmful.

Dimples tend to run in families. The trait is commonly described as genetically inherited with variable expression, meaning not all family members who carry the gene will be visibly dimpled.

While dimples are often perceived as attractive in some cultures, they are simply a normal variation. Cosmetic options exist for individuals who wish to create dimples, such as dimpleplasty surgery or temporary non-surgical methods, but these carry risks and should be discussed with a clinician.