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  • Dimple
  • (Gelasin)
Bilateral cheek dimples (as seen on model Miranda Kerr)
Anatomical terminology

A dimple, also called a gelasin (from Latin gelasinus, from Ancient Greek γελασῖνος (gelasînos)),[1] and a fovea buccalis,[2] is a small natural indentation in the flesh on a part of the human body, most notably in the cheek. Numerous cultures believe that cheek dimples are a good luck charm that entices people who perceive them as physically attractive, but they are also associated with heroism and innocence, which has been included in literature for many centuries.

Medical research debates whether cheek dimples can be inherited or which type of allele they are, but it is certain that humans with cheek dimples are more likely to have them in both cheeks. Depth and length appearances are affected by the shape of the skull and dimples can appear and disappear due to age. There are four types of facial dimples, including cheek, and the cleft chin (sometimes nicknamed a "chin dimple").

Overview

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Cheek dimples when present, show up when a person makes a facial expression, such as smiling, whereas a chin dimple is a small line on the chin that stays on the chin without making any specific facial expressions. Dimples may appear and disappear over an extended period;[3] a baby born with dimples in their cheeks may lose them as they grow into a child owing to their diminishing baby fat.[4]

Anatomy

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Dimples are usually located on mobile tissue,[5][6] and are possibly caused by variations in the structure of the facial muscle known as zygomaticus major. Specifically, the presence of a double or bifid zygomaticus major muscle may explain the formation of cheek dimples.[7] This bifid variation of the muscle originates as a single structure from the zygomatic bone. As it travels anteriorly, it then divides with a superior bundle that inserts in the typical position above the corner of the mouth. An inferior bundle inserts below the corner of the mouth.

Cheek dimples can occur in any person, but some studies have suggested that dimples (both cheek and chin) are more common in females.[8][9] They can be either permanent,[10] or transient (aging makes dimples appear/disappear due to facial development and muscle growth):[10] a Greek study spanning almost 20 years concluded that 34% of Greek adults had dimples whereas 13% of Greek youths (between 7 and 15 years old) had dimples as well,[11] which might suggest that transient dimples are more common than permanent.[12]

Professor John McDonald, citing limited research, concluded that dimples have been mislabeled as genetically inherited and as a dominant trait.[7][13] It is believed that cheek dimple genes occur on the 5th chromosome, whereas cleft chin genes occur on the 16th.[14] However, the University of Utah considers dimples an "irregular" dominant trait that is probably controlled mostly by one gene but is influenced by other genes.[15]

Characteristics

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Closeups of three people's cheeks in three-quarter profile arranged in a three-panel collage: Panel one shows a diagonal, shallow-depth cheek dimple on the cheekbone in line with the earlobe; Panel 2 shows a deep, thin, curved dimple as tall as the nostril; Panel 3 shows a small, deep, round dimple under the cheekbone near the corner of the mouth.
Due to face shape, dimples come in many depths, shapes and sizes. Some only show when smiling (panels 1, 3) whereas others can permanently be in a person's face (panel 2).
Cheek dimple by the KBC point (right), and a para-angled dimple near the mouth

Having bilateral dimples (dimples in both cheeks) is the most common form of cheek dimples.[16] In a 2018 study of 216 people aged 18–42 with both unilateral (one dimple) and bilateral, 120 (55.6%) had dimples in both of their cheeks.[16] It was originally concluded that 60% of people with one dimple likely have it in their left cheek,[17] but later research concluded that 53% were on the right,[16] however, this may be due to differing cultures. Dimples are analogous and how they form in cheeks varies from person to person.[18] Dimple depth and size can also vary; unilateral dimples are usually large,[19] and a possible 12.8% of bilateral people have dimples positioned asymmetrically.[20] They are not linked with a dimpled chin: a study from 2010 by the University of Ilorin examined 500 Yoruban Nigerians with both uni- and bilateral cheek dimples, discovering that only 36 (7.2%) had a cleft chin as well.[21]

The shape of a person's face can affect the look and form as well:[22] leptoprosopic (long and narrow) faces have long and narrow dimples, and euryprosopic (short and broad) faces have short, circular dimples.[22] People with a mesoprosopic face are more likely to have dimples in their cheeks than any other face shape.[23] Singaporean plastic surgeon Khoo Boo-Chai (1929–2012) determined that a cheek dimple occurs on the intersecting line between the corner of the mouth and the outer canthi of the eye,[24] (nicknamed the "KBC point" in dimple surgery)[6] but people with natural dimples do not always have their dimples on the KBC point.[25] The other common type of facial dimple form near the mouth in three types: lower para-angle (underneath the mouth and lips), para-angle ("around the mouth angle"),[20] and upper para-angle (above the mouth and lips).[26]

Society and culture

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Cheek dimples are often associated with youth and beauty and are seen as an attractive quality in a person's face, accentuating smiles and making the smile look more cheerful and memorable.[27] Throughout numerous cultures and history, there have been superstitions based on dimples: Chinese culture believes that cheek dimples are a good luck charm[28][6] (particularly, children born with them are seen as pleasant, polite and enthusiastic),[29] but can lead to complicated romantic relationships;[29] Haitian mothers gently form indents into newborns' cheek in hopes of molding dimples into the child's face;[30] and a proverb (often incorrectly credited to Pope Paul VI)[31] argues "A dimple in your cheek/Many hearts you'll seek/A dimple in your chin/The devil within".[32] According to Candy Bites: The Science of Sweets, the dent in Junior Mints is based on this belief, arguing that a unilateral dimple is more attractive than bilateral.[33] Richard Steele wrote that a dimpled laugh "is practised to give a grace to the features, and is frequently made a bait to entangle a gazing lover; this was called by the ancients the Chian laugh."[34] He added: "The prude hath a wonderful esteem for the Chian laugh or dimple [...] and is never seen upon the most extravagant jests to disorder her countenance with the ruffle of a smile [but] very rarely takes the freedom to sink her cheek into a dimple" implying that dimples are alluring due to demure women that have them.[34]

Isabelle Gilbert's (not pictured) Dimple Maker claimed to make permanent cheek dimples for women who desired them.

The Englishwoman's Magazine from 1866 featured an article named "The Human Form Divine: Dimples and Wrinkles", which associated cheek dimples with youth. On transient dimples, it wrote: "But generally, dimples mark the departure of youth, and fade away at the approach of crow's feet";[35] "Did you ever see a pretty child's face without dimples in it? Dimples in the cheek – temping dimples – and a dimple in the chin that gave a roguish smartness to the face?"[35] British boxer-turned-Hollywood actor Reginald Denny had his cheek dimples gushed about in a Photoplay article, which Professor Michael Williams inferred that "dimples might also provide a humanizing touch"[36] in the handsome Denny who had "dimples in conjunction with the physique of a young Greek god[.]"[36]

Women without dimples are said to envy the women that have them because dimples are "pitfalls for the men" that "[are] something purely natural and unattainable by art".[35] While it is not possible to give a definite explanation as to why dimples are attractive on a woman, researchers believe this "neutral feature" can be linked to paternity confidence, which is the ability of a man to easily distinguish his own offspring.[37] This has led to artificial attempts to create them: the Ohio-based Dolly Dimpler company advertized in Photoplay about a device that created dimples in customers' cheeks;[38] in 1936, Isabella Gilbert invented the Dimple Maker, a face-fitting brace which pushed dents into the cheeks to emulate dimples,[39] but it is unknown whether the artificial dimples could last this way (the American Medical Association argued that frequent users could develop cancer);[40] and in the 21st century, people undergo dimple surgery.[41]

In fiction

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The sentiments appear in fiction: authors have described dimples in their characters for centuries to show beauty,[42] especially in women, which has been seen as part of their sex appeal.[42] This is possibly why cheek dimples have been identified with female characters: Anne from Anne of Green Gables envied other female characters' dimples,[43] whereas Wives and Daughters featured a paragraph about Molly wondering whether she was beautiful as she looked in her mirror, which was followed by: "She would have been sure if, instead of inspecting herself with such solemnity, she had smiled her own sweet merry smile, and called out the gleam of her teeth, and the charm of her dimples."[44] Scarlett O'Hara exploited her cheek dimples in Gone with the Wind when she was flirting to get her own way,[45][46] to the point where Rhett is implied to be aware of what she is doing.[47]

Shakespeare often acknowledged cheek dimples, usually on children, such as "the pretty dimples of [the baby boy's] chin and cheek" in The Winter's Tale or the "pretty dimpled boys, like smiling Cupids" from Antony and Cleopatra;[42] however, Adonis' in Venus and Adonis are mentioned from the point of view of the flirting Venus. There are theories that some of his famous female protagonists had them as well, such as Juliet Capulet,[42][35] "Jessica and Maria [and] Rosalind."[35]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A dimple is a small, natural indentation or depression in the skin, typically occurring on the , , or lower back of the , and often resulting from underlying muscle or structural variations. These features are most prominent in the face, where cheek dimples appear as transient hollows during smiling due to an anomaly in the that creates a localized pull on the overlying . Facial dimples, the most commonly recognized type, exhibit genetic inheritance patterns that are complex and polygenic, meaning they tend to run in families but do not follow simple dominant-recessive rules, with prevalence estimated at approximately 20-30% in the general population. They can be unilateral (on one side) or bilateral (on both sides), and their appearance may fade with age as and skin change. Chin dimples, or cleft chins, arise from a similar muscular or bony variation in the mentum region. Culturally, cheek dimples have long been prized as markers of attractiveness and fortune; for instance, they symbolize in Chinese traditions and beauty in Arabian societies. Beyond the face, sacral dimples—small pits at the base of the spine, just above the gluteal cleft—are common congenital findings present in up to 5% of newborns and usually benign, though they warrant evaluation if associated with other spinal anomalies like a tuft of or discharge. , also known as back dimples, are bilateral symmetrical indentations on the lower back of some adults, formed by a short of the tethering the skin to the underlying . Cosmetic interest in dimples has led to dimpleplasty, a surgical procedure that artificially creates cheek dimples by suturing the skin to the muscle, with rising popularity in regions emphasizing facial aesthetics.

Definition and Types

Facial Dimples

Facial dimples are small, natural indentations in the skin, most commonly appearing on the or , that become prominent during smiling or other facial expressions. These indentations, also known as fovea buccalis for cheek dimples, create a subtle depression in the and are typically visible only under dynamic conditions like grinning. Variations in facial dimples include their location, symmetry, depth, and shape. dimples can occur unilaterally on one side of the face or bilaterally on both , with studies showing a range from approximately 28% bilateral to over 70% unilateral in certain cohorts. Depth ranges from shallow surface-level dips to more pronounced hollows, while shapes may be round, vertical (longitudinal), or slightly elongated, depending on individual facial structure. dimples, often referred to as cleft chins, present as a midline vertical groove that may be subtle or more defined. dimples, commonly known as cleft chins, manifest as a prominent midline indentation on the chin due to the incomplete fusion of the left and right halves of the during embryonic development. This results in a visible furrow or dimple that varies in depth and shape, from subtle lines to deeper clefts, and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The of cleft chins varies widely across populations, ranging from 4% to 71%, with examples including 9.6% in German men and up to 71% in certain Indian groups. The prevalence of cheek dimples is estimated at around 20-30% in the general , with an overall rate of 22.7% reported in meta-analyses of bifid zygomaticus major muscle variations associated with their formation. Ethnic variations exist, with higher rates observed in some groups; for instance, studies in Nigerian populations report prevalences of 31.8% to 37.7%, compared to 34% among . Dimples tend to occur more frequently in families, suggesting a genetic component, though patterns are complex. Historically, the term "gelasin" has been used to describe the cheek dimple that emerges with , derived from the word gelaein meaning "to laugh," via Latin gelasinus. This , referenced in classical texts and later works like Laurent Joubert's 1579 on Laughter, highlights the association between dimples and joyful expressions. The modern English "dimple" traces back to around 1400, from roots meaning a small pit or hollow.

Non-Facial Dimples

Non-facial dimples refer to congenital indentations occurring on various parts of the body outside the face, distinct from the dynamic dimples associated with facial expressions. These dimples arise from variations in underlying , muscle, or structure during development and are generally static in appearance. Sacral dimples, also called the when appearing as paired symmetrical indentations, are small depressions located on the lower back just above the , overlying the posterior superior iliac spines where the meets the spine. These dimples form due to the anatomical contours of the and are often linked to the developmental alignment of the spine and . They occur in up to 5% of newborns, typically as harmless markers present from birth. Rarer non-facial dimples may appear on other body areas, such as the lower back beyond the sacral region, thighs, or elbows, resulting from localized variations in or skeletal structure. Unlike facial dimples, which deepen with during smiling, these body dimples remain constant and unaffected by movement or expression. Such occurrences are infrequently documented and considered minor morphological traits.

Anatomy and Formation

Anatomical Structure

Dimples, particularly those on the cheeks, arise from a structural variation in the zygomaticus major muscle, which is typically a single band running from the zygomatic bone to the corner of the mouth. In individuals with dimples, this muscle often presents as double or bifid, featuring an inferior bundle that inserts directly into the dermis rather than solely into the modiolus at the mouth. During facial expressions such as smiling, contraction of the bifid muscle causes the inferior bundle to pull the overlying skin inward, forming a localized fold or indentation visible as a dimple. This anatomical configuration has been documented in cadaveric dissections, with the bifid variation observed in 34% of hemifaces studied. The formation involves interplay among several tissue layers. The , the deeper layer of skin containing and fibers, serves as the primary attachment site for the inferior muscle bundle's fascial strands. These strands, composed of , tether the skin to the muscle, leading to shortening and dimpling upon contraction. The subcutaneous fat layer (hypodermis), situated beneath the , is displaced or compressed in the region of , contributing to the depth and visibility of the indentation without altering the muscle's primary function in elevating the oral commissure. This tethering effect is confined to the cheek's mid-region, typically 2-4 cm lateral to the oral commissure. Chin dimples, also known as cleft chins, result from variations in the underlying mandibular structure or mentalis muscle attachments, where a midline deficiency in the chin or fibrous bands create a visible groove. Sacral dimples form due to a congenital short or fibrous cord the skin to the underlying sacral spine, often benign and present at birth. In adults, symmetrical sacral dimples are termed , accentuated by pelvic structure and fat distribution. Developmentally, cheek dimples result from an embryonic between the ectodermal layer and the underlying mesodermal structures, such as muscle or occasionally , occurring during the formation of tissues in the first trimester. This stems from a localized variation in subcutaneous development, where incomplete separation leads to persistent shortening of fibrous bands. Such variations are considered benign anatomical traits rather than defects. Non-facial dimples, like sacral ones, arise from similar mesenchymal dysjunctions during spinal and pelvic development . Imaging studies support these findings, with high-resolution ultrasound and (MRI) capable of visualizing the zygomaticus major muscle's bifurcation in vivo. Ultrasound , for instance, has been used to assess facial muscle properties, revealing differences in insertion patterns and tissue elasticity in dimpled versus non-dimpled individuals, while MRI provides detailed cross-sectional views of muscle splitting and dermal attachments. These modalities confirm the bifid structure without invasive dissection, aiding in preoperative planning for related procedures.

Genetic and Developmental Factors

The of dimples is complex and polygenic, involving multiple genetic variants that influence muscle and skin development, with patterns that tend to run in families but do not strictly follow simple dominant-recessive rules. While often described as having dominant characteristics with incomplete —meaning not all individuals carrying the relevant variants display dimples—the trait shows variable expression and can skip generations. No single has been identified, and indicates involvement of at least nine genetic variants. Dimples form during early embryonic facial development, arising from differential growth patterns in the facial that affect the positioning and attachment of underlying muscles. This process occurs as part of the broader of the face between the 4th and 8th weeks of , when neural crest-derived contributes to the formation of facial prominences and soft tissues. Variations in this growth lead to the bifid or shortened muscle slips characteristic of dimpled individuals. For non-facial dimples, genetic factors similarly contribute to congenital tethering or structural variations, though less studied. From an evolutionary perspective, dimples may serve as an adaptive signal by enhancing the visibility and expressiveness of smiles, thereby facilitating social communication and emotional recognition. Some theories propose connections to , where dimples evoke youthful, childlike features that signal health and fertility, potentially influencing mate selection preferences. This could provide indirect fitness benefits through increased social attractiveness, though direct evidence remains limited.

Cultural Significance

Beauty and Aesthetics

Dimples have long been regarded as markers of beauty across diverse cultures, often symbolizing charm and vitality. In Western traditions, particularly during the , artists incorporated dimpled smiles into portraits to evoke a sense of approachability and liveliness; for instance, Antonello da Messina's works featured subjects with prominent dimples alongside subtle smiles, reflecting ideals of natural allure and emotional expressiveness. In Asian contexts, such as , dimples are viewed as auspicious signs of good fortune and aesthetic appeal, historically linked to prosperity and enhancing the perceived harmony of facial features in practices. Gender plays a notable role in the desirability of cheek dimples, with research indicating a stronger for them in women, where they contribute to perceptions of youthfulness and . This association with neotenous features—retaining childlike qualities into adulthood—further amplifies their appeal in female faces, fostering impressions of vitality and warmth. In contemporary settings, dimples continue to influence beauty standards in modeling and advertising, where they are leveraged to convey friendliness and memorability. Scientific evaluations confirm that individuals with dimples are often perceived as more attractive overall, with dimpled smiles enhancing positive emotional responses in viewers during media exposure. Prominent figures have exemplified how dimples can amplify public persona and fame; actor and host is known for his deep cheek dimples, which contribute to his charismatic on-screen presence across decades in television. Similarly, actress had subtle dimples that accentuated her elegant features.

Symbolism in Media and Folklore

In folklore traditions, dimples have often been interpreted as omens of prosperity and favor. For instance, in some American folklore collections rooted in European immigrant communities, a dimple on a baby's is believed to foretell future wealth. Similarly, in Chinese cultural beliefs, cheek dimples are viewed as symbols of good luck, enhancing the bearer's fortune in life. Dimples appear in literature as emblems of flirtatious allure and youthful innocence, particularly in the works of William Shakespeare. In Venus and Adonis, the poet describes Adonis's smile revealing "a pretty dimple" in each cheek, attributing the hollows to Love's own crafting as enchanting pits. Likewise, in The Winter's Tale, Shakespeare praises the "pretty dimples of [the baby's] chin and cheek," evoking tenderness and beauty in a child's features. In film and television, dimples frequently define character archetypes, symbolizing charm or innocence that drives narrative appeal. Child star Shirley Temple's prominent cheek dimples became iconic in 1930s Hollywood musicals like Dimples (1936), where they underscored her portrayal of plucky, endearing protagonists, captivating Depression-era audiences and embodying wholesome . Contemporary media amplifies dimples through viral trends and humor, often blurring celebration with .

Medical and Surgical Aspects

Health Implications

Facial dimples are generally considered benign cosmetic features with no associated increase in risk or negative effects. Similarly, chin dimples, also known as cleft chins, are typically harmless genetic variations without health implications in most cases, though they can rarely occur as part of broader craniofacial syndromes. In contrast, sacral dimples warrant closer attention due to potential links to underlying spinal conditions. These dimples appear in 2-4% of newborns and are usually innocuous, but approximately 1-4% of cases may be associated with occult spinal dysraphism or tethered cord syndrome, conditions that can lead to neurological complications if undetected. Neonatal screening is recommended to identify at-risk infants, particularly those with additional cutaneous markers like or lipomas. Diagnostic evaluation focuses on distinguishing simple from atypical sacral dimples. Simple dimples—defined as shallow (<5 mm deep), midline, and within 2.5 cm of the —rarely require , with studies showing an occult spinal dysraphism rate of less than 1%. Atypical features, such as depth greater than 5 mm, off-midline position, or distance more than 2.5 cm from the , prompt screening to assess for spinal anomalies, as these characteristics elevate the risk to around 8-9%. If findings are equivocal, MRI may be pursued for definitive diagnosis.

Cosmetic Procedures

As of , dimpleplasty has seen increasing popularity as a sought-after cosmetic procedure, with patients facing months-long wait times. Dimpleplasty, also known as dimple creation , is an elective outpatient procedure designed to artificially form dimples by establishing internal adhesions between the skin and underlying buccinator muscle, mimicking the natural anatomical bifurcation that produces congenital dimples. The typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes and is performed under , often with lidocaine and epinephrine, allowing patients to return home the same day. A small mucosal incision, approximately 2-3 mm, is made inside the to access the target area without external scarring. The most common technique is the sling method, where non-absorbable sutures such as or are used to tether the to the buccinator muscle, creating a controlled indentation that becomes more dynamic with facial movement over time. Variations include forming L- or T-shaped flaps for enhanced adhesion in fuller cheeks or using bolsters to maintain suture tension, which are removed after about seven days. Recovery generally involves 1-2 weeks of swelling and mild discomfort, with most patients resuming normal activities within 2 days and full results visible after 2-4 weeks as initial static dimples evolve. Potential risks and complications of dimpleplasty are uncommon but include (exceedingly rare with proper ), , postoperative , , , and rare instances of damage or scleroma. One study reported a 5% complication rate across 40 sites, primarily involving dimple loss or minor , while overall success rates exceed 95% in experienced hands, with high patient satisfaction due to the procedure's simplicity and permanence. Non-surgical alternatives to dimpleplasty offer temporary dimple simulation, primarily through dermal fillers injected to create or accentuate indentations by strategically adding volume around the desired site. Techniques involve injecting 0.3-0.5 ml of biocompatible fillers like Ellansé in a ring formation within the subcutaneous layer to produce a subtle depression, lasting 6-12 months depending on the product. These methods carry lower risks than , such as temporary bruising, swelling, or lumpiness, but outcomes are not permanent and may require repeat treatments.

References

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