After Dimple Surgery: Appearance When Smiling, Recovery and Permanence

Dimple surgery (dimpleplasty) is a procedure that aims to create the appearance of a dimple on the cheek when smiling. How dimples form and how the procedure is performed are explained in our article What Is Dimple Surgery (Dimpleplasty)? How Do Dimples Form?. In this article we look at what can be expected after the procedure.

What Happens in the First Days?

In the first days after the procedure there may be swelling, tenderness and mild pain in the cheek; there may be stitches inside the mouth. During this period the dimple may also be visible when the face is at rest and may look deeper than expected. This is a normal part of healing and changes as the tissue settles.

How Does the Appearance of the Dimple Change Over Time?

As the swelling goes down, the dimple softens and mostly becomes visible when smiling or speaking. It takes time for the final appearance to settle; the doctor determines this period and the follow-up intervals. If dimples were created on both cheeks, the two sides may look different for a while during healing.

What to Pay Attention to During Recovery

• Oral hygiene is carried out as recommended by the doctor; the stitch area is not strained.
• Soft foods may be preferred in the first days; the doctor gives recommendations on eating.
• Smoking can impair healing; stopping before and after the procedure is recommended.
• Massaging or pressing on the cheek is avoided unless the doctor recommends it.
• The time to return to daily activities, sport and work is decided together with the doctor.

Is the Dimple Permanent?

The aim of dimple surgery is a permanent dimple appearance; however, the result varies from person to person. In some people the dimple may fade or disappear over time; in this case a repeat procedure may be considered. The appearance and permanence of the dimple cannot be known for certain in advance, so it is important to discuss expectations with the doctor during the examination. If the person later decides against the dimple, correcting it may require an additional procedure.

Risks

Like any surgical procedure, dimple surgery has risks. Infection, bleeding, prolonged swelling, asymmetry between the two dimples, the dimple being deeper than expected or remaining visible when the face is at rest, and the dimple fading or disappearing may occur. Rarely, structures inside the cheek (such as a salivary gland duct or nerve branches) may be affected. If there is increasing pain, redness or discharge in the mouth, fever, or steadily increasing swelling of the cheek, a doctor should be consulted without delay. For more detailed information you can read our dimple aesthetics page.

Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın