What Causes Dimples: Exploring the Science Behind This Cute Trait
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Dimples are considered an attractive facial feature. In this article, we will discuss how they are formed, their genetic aspects, and about their social and cultural significance.
We will also discuss all the various types of dimples which are cheek, chin, and sacral dimples, and how common they are in the general population. Lastly, we will answer some commonly asked questions regarding this topic.
Not everyone has dimples. Why some people have dimples, and some don’t and the science behind dimples are discussed below.
Changes in your facial muscles, the way the fat tissue is distributed, and the soft tissues under them determine the formation of dimples. These changes move your skin over the muscles when you smile or make a face which leads to dimples.
Face muscles, fat, and soft tissues that are below the skin form the base for dimples. Genes and other things also aid in their creation.
The key to dimples lies in facial muscles and what’s around them. For example, smiling makes some people’s skin pull in, creating cheek dimples. This is because their face muscles connect to the skin in a unique way.
Genes do play a major part in deciding if you will get dimples. Some changes in your genes may change the make-up of your face muscles. This can lead to dimples.
Did you know?
There are several dimple types seen. Each one comes with its own make and cause. Cheek, chin, and sacral are the most common ones.
When people smile, sometimes you see small dips on their cheeks. These are cheek dimples. It has to do with how the zygomaticus major facial muscle attaches to the skin. They usually pass on from parents to kids.
Chin dimples or cleft chins, come from a gap in the two halves of the lower jawbone during early growth. This gap gives rise to a clear cleft or dimple on the chin. Like cheek dimples, these ones also pass from parents to kids.
Unlike face dimples, sacral ones are close to where your backbone ends. Most of them may cause no harm. But, you might need health checks if these show signs like back pain.
Only around 20-30% of people have cheek dimples. Chin and sacral dimples are even rarely seen.
Genes play a crucial role in the occurrence of dimples which is explored here.
One hypothesis is that dimples come from a strong/dominant gene. So, if your mom or dad has them, you probably will too. There are ongoing studies to explore this and figure out how such genes work.
Even though dimples are seen as strong traits, their transfer is not always in order. For example, two parents with dimples might have a child without them. It’s the other way too. Some researchers tag dimples as an “irregular dominant trait” because of this.
We don’t know the names of dimple-causing genes. But, many genes could be at play. Your age and weight might also change how your dimples look.
Twins may help shed light on the mystery of dimple genes. For siblings having the same genes, both will have dimples if they carry dimple genes. Half-related siblings could go either way like the rest of us.
People all around the world find dimples cute. Here we will discuss about their appeal.
As fewer people have dimples it ends up becoming more desirable. Also, it makes the face look more young and happy. As a result of these societal perceptions of dimples, it is more desirable to have them.
Dimples can mean many things in different parts of the world. Some people link them with good luck, wealth, or beauty. This could be why we find them so charming.
Your brain plays a big role in deciding what looks good. Dimples might make your smile stand out. This can charm people in social settings.
Researchers have found that families may have dimples that resemble one another in subsequent generations. In one family, for instance, the dimples on both cheeks of the siblings, their father, uncles, grandfather, and great-grandfather all looked alike. Some families do not see dimples in more than one generation, but they may appear in a child.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Dimples are nice until they cause problems. Even though most do not, sacral ones might. In such cases, it’s best to discuss it with a doctor to find a suitable management plan.
Most sacral dimples do not harm. But, if they are big, close to a skin tag, or lump, talk to a doctor. Below are the possible health issues a sacral dimple may be hinting at.
Spina bifida occulta occurs when one part of the spine does not cover the spinal cord. This usually needs no management.
In this, tissue stuck to the spinal cord stops it from moving freely. This might lead to weak legs and bad control over bladder or bowel movements. Remember, just having a sacral dimple doesn’t mean you have this complication. It is advised to consult a doctor if you are concerned.
Not everyone is born with dimples. Your cheeks have dimples, which are indentations. When you smile, you notice dimples. They add to your smile and make you cute!
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Sacral dimples may be associated with health concerns. So, if you notice them and have concerns regarding them it is advised to consult with your healthcare provider.
Not everyone likes their dimples. If you want to fix them, a surgeon can guide you. They may advice medical creams, laser technique, or surgery.
Surgical procedure, known as dimpleplasty, can make dimples for those who want dimples to appear when they smile. It includes adding sutures under the skin and muscle. Always discuss this with a registered plastic surgeon first.
The human body has a variety of dimple forms: dimples of the shoulder, elbow dimples, dimples of the back, gluteal dimples, pilonidal dimples, dimples on the cheek, chin, and zygomatic dimples. In my experience, dimples may occasionally be present permanently and other times they are not.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Dimples though look appealing, they are actually quite complex. Many aspects of anatomy and genetics combine to create them. They might seem charming, but some may be associated with health issues like the sacral dimples.
It is possible to create or remove dimples later in life and by knowing more about dimples, we can make smarter choices about them. However, professional advice is mandatory if you are looking for these options.
Yes, you can. Changes in your facial muscles and genes could make them appear as you age.
No, they are not counted as traditional birth defects. They usually do not affect your health.
As you turn older or lose weight, your face changes. This can make dimples less obvious.
At this point, science does not know how to do this.
Yes, usually they follow the family line. But, many genes can alter this process.
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