Cheek dimples

Cheek dimples are small indentations that appear on the skin when a person smiles. Dimples can be on both sides of the mouth or just one. They are considered cute and are a sign of beauty and friendliness. But have you ever wondered what causes dimples and why some people have them while others don't?

It turns out that it’s all about the facial muscles, specifically the zygomaticus major muscle, which is responsible for smiling. In people with dimples, this muscle is slightly different—it sometimes splits into two parts that attach to the skin in different spots. When a person smiles, these two parts pull the skin, creating the little indentation we know as a dimple. This is actually a minor anatomical feature, as this muscle variation doesn’t occur in everyone. Over time, dimples may become less noticeable, especially if they were small to begin with, due to the skin losing elasticity.

Some babies are born with dimples that disappear as they grow older, often due to changes in the structure of their faces. A chin dimple, known as a cleft chin, forms because the lower jaw doesn’t fully fuse during development. And while dimples are often associated with youth, they can persist into old age depending on a person’s facial structure.

Many believe that dimples make people look younger, friendlier, and more approachable. They add a touch of individuality and charm. In many cultures, dimples are even considered symbols of good luck and beauty.

If you weren’t born with dimples, you can actually get them surgically! The procedure is called dimpleplasty, and it’s a cosmetic surgery that creates dimples by adjusting the cheek muscles and skin.

Are Dimples Inherited?

Yes, genetics play a role, but it’s not that straightforward.

Dimples are typically considered a dominant trait, meaning that if one parent has dimples, their child may also have them. But it’s not a guarantee. It’s a bit more complicated—dimples can “skip” generations, so you might have dimples even if your parents don’t, or you might not have them even if they do. It seems that several genes are involved, and possibly even some external factors.

Dimples are an intriguing combination of genetics and facial anatomy that have fascinated people for ages. Whether you’re born with them or decide to get them later, they’re truly a unique and attractive feature of one’s appearance.