About Dimple Creation Surgery
The goal of the Cosmetic Surgeon is to aesthetically enhance a patient's appearance and hence the procedures, principles and techniques used focus entirely on this outcome. The goal is to improve the proportion, aesthetic appeal and symmetry of the body part on which a procedure is being performed.
Cosmetic surgery can be performed on all areas of the body, including the head and neck.
It is a voluntary choice made by the patient to have cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetic surgery can be performed by plastic surgeons as well as doctors from various medical fields.
How are dimples created?
Cheek dimple creation can be done at the clinic under local anaesthesia. The size, shape and position of the desired dimple is marked on the cheek before surgery after detailed discussion with you. An incision is taken on the inner lining of your cheek (mucosa) and the underlying muscle is split. A suitable number of permanent sutures are placed to firmly anchor the dermis (deepest layer of skin) at the site of the dimple to the underlying muscle. In some cases, a small chunk of soft tissue (fat under the skin) may be removed to further enhance the dimple. The mucosal incision is then closed.
Creation of chin dimple is performed in an operation theater under intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia. The area of proposed dimple is marked on the skin. An incision is taken at the junction of the lower lip and gums (inside the mouth). The underlying chin bone is exposed and a hole is drilled through the bone. The dermis (deepest layer of skin) under the marked dimple is anchored to the bone by placing permanent sutures from the dermis through the hole in the bone. The incision is closed with self-absorbing sutures.
Recovery
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies from patient to patient. The first couple of days after surgery you should restrict your activities and sleep with your head elevated for the first 2 weeks. This will help to minimize swelling. In addition, facial movements may be temporarily restricted or impaired. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force or massages during the time of healing. You will be advised to have a liquid diet for the first 2-3 days, after which you may resume normal diet. It is imperative that you maintain proper oral hygiene during the recovery phase.
Initially, the dimple appears exaggerated due to the associated swelling. While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to 3 to 6 months for your new contour to fully refine. The dimple will appear “fixed” – visible even when you are not smiling – for the first 3 to 6 months. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance as it refines to a more permanent outcome. Eventually the cheek dimples settle and appear only when you smile. The chin remains as a permanent fixed dimple and is not related to facial movements.
Possible risks
Dimple creation surgery is a procedure that has some potential problems associated with it. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
The potential risks include:
- Bleeding
- Asymmetry
- Persistent "fixed" dimple (Cheek)
- Fading away of dimples – Most created cheek dimples fade away by 3 to 5 years.
- Need for revision surgery