Dimples, often considered a symbol of beauty, are also known as an “angel’s mistake.” An Irish poet once described them as the result of an angel’s mistake when God accidentally spilled divine liquid when creating humans. But why do dimples form?
Dimples: Charming Point That Enhances Attractiveness
Dimples, which appear slightly when smiling or making facial expressions, are considered one of the charming points in women. Having dimples can give them cuteness and adorability, making them an object of envy. From a physiognomic perspective, people with dimples often tend to be popular with the opposite sex. Dimples are more likely to form in individuals with soft skin and thicker fat layers; hence, they are more common in women and children. Men with less facial fat have a harder time developing dimples.
Why Do Dimples Form?
From a medical perspective, dimples are considered abnormal muscle insertions. The face is made up of numerous muscles, and when these muscles move normally, dimples do not appear. However, when a part of the muscle adheres to the skin of the cheek, the skin is pulled by the muscle when smiling, creating a groove, which is a dimple.
Usually Genetic Factors
Although research on the genetic origins of dimples is still insufficient, some argue that cheek dimples are a genetic trait. They are more likely to form in individuals with flexible skin, and while the appearance and depth may vary, they can also develop or disappear over time.
Could Be a Sign of Illness
Sometimes, dimples can be a sign of an illness. A classic example is the so-called “breast dimple,” or nipple retraction, which can be a sign of breast cancer. If the nipple area suddenly becomes inverted, it may be necessary to suspect breast cancer. A breast dimple can occur when a tumor grows in the breast and pulls on the skin or when tumor cells block the lymph vessels in the breast. This can be an early symptom of breast cancer.
Dimples Give Different Impressions Depending on Their Location
Dimples can give different impressions depending on their location. From a cosmetic perspective, the ideal location for a dimple is in the middle of the cheek. If the dimples are near or below the corners of the mouth, they emphasize cuteness and adorability. There are also “Indian dimples” that form around the cheekbones, and dimples can also form on the forehead, chin, arms, and legs.
Want to Create Them Surgically?
Many people desire surgery to create cheek dimples because they find them appealing. This surgery involves connecting the dermis layer of the cheek to the muscle to form a dimple. The principle is that when the muscle moves, the skin also moves, creating a dimple. However, dimple surgery is not suitable for everyone, and sufficient cheek fat is necessary to proceed smoothly. If no fat is on the face or the cheek wrinkles are severe, the dimples may not look natural after surgery, so caution is needed.
Can It Be Restored to Its Original State After Surgery?
After dimple surgery, the skin and muscles of the face adhere. This adhesion can be loosened, but adhesion can occur again over time. Since it is often difficult to reverse once done, a more careful decision is needed if you are considering dimple surgery.
Dimples Can Deepen With Age
If you have dimples, vertical wrinkles can deepen in that area as you age. These vertical wrinkles naturally occur regardless of whether the dimples are natural or surgically created. Even in the case of Indian dimples, a slight groove forms along the dimples, and as you age, the dimples can gradually lengthen. Like other wrinkles, vertical wrinkles in dimples should be understood as one of the natural aging phenomena.
Dimple Makers Are Trending
Products used to create dimples are trending on U.S. social media, raising concerns about the side effects of these products. In particular, “dimple makers” are cherry-shaped devices with two small metal balls attached to the ends of a wire. When placed on each cheek, the two metal balls press hard on both cheeks, leaving marks that resemble dimples. Since this method of creating dimples involves pressing a specific part of the face, it can lead to facial scars and skin necrosis, so it is better not to use them.
There Are Even Buttock Dimples
Dimples also occur on the body, not just the face. The most representative of these are the buttock dimples that appear in newborns. They are typically found near the tailbone on the upper part of the buttocks and are also known as “newborn dimples.” Dimples are a relatively common condition observed in about 5% of the population and usually disappear naturally. However, in rare cases, they can be associated with spinal cord malformations and can be a sign of spina bifida, so caution is needed.
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