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Dimpleplasty

Dimples are often considered an attractive facial feature, associated with youthfulness, charm, and an expressive smile. While some people naturally have dimples, others may wish to create them through a minor surgical procedure known as dimpleplasty.

Dimpleplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that creates natural-looking dimples on the cheeks or chin by making a small incision inside the mouth and suturing the skin to the underlying muscle. This creates an indentation that appears when smiling or making facial expressions.

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Dr Terence Goh

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Ideal Candidates for Dimpleplasty

Dimpleplasty is ideal for individuals who:

  • Want to enhance their smile with natural-looking dimples
  • Have always wanted dimples but do not have them naturally
  • Prefer a minimally invasive procedure with minimal downtime
  • Would like dimples that appear naturally when smiling
  • Seek a subtle and long-lasting facial enhancement

Benefits of Dimpleplasty

  • Minimally Invasive with Quick Recovery

    A simple outpatient procedure performed under local anaesthesia, dimpleplasty involves minimal discomfort and a short recovery period.

  • Creates Natural-Looking Dimples

    The procedure mimics natural dimples, appearing when smiling and blending seamlessly with facial features.

  • Customisable Dimple Placement

    The location, size, and depth of the dimples can be tailored based on individual preferences and facial structure.

  • No External Scars

    The incisions are made inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars on the skin.

Dimpleplasty Techniques

Cheek Dimpleplasty

A small incision is made inside the mouth, and a tiny portion of tissue is removed before suturing the skin to the buccinator muscle, creating a natural-looking dimple that appears when smiling.

Chin Dimpleplasty

A chin dimple or cleft can be created by suturing the skin to the underlying chin structure, enhancing the chin’s appearance with a subtle indentation.

Ready for Natural Looking Results?

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Preparing for the Procedure

Consultation and Planning

The consultation involves assessing facial structure and discussing dimple placement to ensure results that complement natural expressions. The dimple size and depth can be customised based on personal preferences.

Pre-Surgical Guidelines

To support healing and reduce the risk of complications, avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain herbal supplements for at least two weeks before surgery. Smoking should also be stopped at least two weeks in advance, as it can impair circulation and slow healing.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Anaesthesia Administration

Dimpleplasty is performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free experience.

2. Incision Placement

A small incision is made inside the cheek or chin, allowing the creation of a dimple without external scars.

3. Tissue Modification and Dimple Creation

A small amount of tissue is carefully removed, and a suture is placed between the inner skin and the buccinator muscle (cheek muscle). This creates an indentation that initially appears at rest and, over time, becomes visible primarily when smiling or making facial expressions.

4. Incision Closure

The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures, allowing the tissues to heal naturally over time.

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

Immediate Care

Mild swelling, bruising, and tightness are common in the first few days. Pain medication and cold compresses can help manage discomfort and reduce swelling.

Recovery Timeline

Most swelling subsides within one to two weeks, and dimples may initially appear even when the face is at rest. Over the next few months, as healing progresses, they will settle into a more natural appearance, becoming visible primarily when smiling or making facial expressions.

Aftercare Recommendations

To support healing, avoid excessive facial movements or pressure on the treated area for the first week. Follow a soft food diet for the first few days to prevent irritation, especially if the incisions are inside the mouth. Maintain good oral hygiene by rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash or following post-surgical care instructions to minimise infection risk and promote smooth recovery.

Potential Risks and Complications

Dimpleplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, but like any surgery, it carries potential risks. Temporary swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common and usually subside within a few weeks. Rare complications include infection, asymmetry, or dimple loss if the tissue heals in a way that separates the skin from the underlying muscle. In some cases, revision surgery can recreate or adjust dimples if they fade completely or appear uneven over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take for the dimples to look natural?

In the first few weeks, dimples may appear even when the face is at rest due to the sutures holding the skin and muscle together. Over the next one to three months, as healing progresses and the sutures dissolve, the dimples will settle into a more natural appearance, becoming visible primarily when smiling or making facial expressions.

Are the results of dimpleplasty permanent?

Yes, dimpleplasty results are long-lasting, as the skin heals attached to the underlying muscle. However, in rare cases, dimples may fade slightly over time, depending on how the tissue heals.

How soon can I return to work after dimpleplasty?

Most patients can return to desk-based work within 1 to 2 days, as dimpleplasty has minimal downtime. However, mild swelling and bruising may take one to two weeks to fully subside. Those concerned about visible healing may prefer to wait a few extra days before resuming social activities.

How long do the sutures take to dissolve after dimpleplasty?

The sutures used in dimpleplasty are absorbable and typically dissolve within one to three weeks, depending on individual healing rates. During this time, dimples may appear more pronounced, but as healing progresses, they will soften into a more natural appearance.

Is dimpleplasty suitable for all skin types?

Yes, dimpleplasty is suitable for all skin types and tones. However, individuals with thicker skin may find that their dimples appear more subtle than those with thinner skin.

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Dr Terence Goh

Choosing to combine the intricate skills of microsurgery with aesthetic surgery, Dr Goh specialises in gynaecomastia, surgery of the Asian face, particularly Asian eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty.

Blending the precision of microsurgery with the artistry of aesthetic surgery, Dr Goh has a special interest in gynaecomastia, facial procedures, including ptosis and eyelid surgery, as well as rhinoplasty.

He also offers a full range of body contouring procedures such as mummy makeovers, breast augmentation, liposuction, and body sculpting—designed to help patients feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.

Beyond aesthetics, Dr Goh remains active in reconstructive microsurgery, with expertise in breast reconstruction, head and neck reconstruction, and lower limb salvage—restoring both form and function where it’s needed most.

  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, National University of Singapore
  • Master of Medicine, National University of Singapore
  • Member of the Royal College of Surgeons
  • Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Plastic Surgery)
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