Dimpleplasty
The demand for facial aesthetic plastic surgery is continually soaring, and the global cosmetic surgery market is estimated to reach $49.5 billion by 2025. Dimpleplasty is the creation of a dimple on the face, and it is performed for cosmetic purposes to create a more attractive face. Dimpleplasty has become one of the most popular plastic surgeries, probably because creating dimples is a simple, effective, and very short procedure with minimal recovery time. Dimples are due to a variation in the structure of a facial muscle, which results in a connection of facial collagen. Nature has its unique pattern for creating elementary and permanent dimples, and they can appear on both the cheeks and chin. They can be presented unilaterally or bilaterally and with varied intensity of visual impact. Dimples are seen as an attractive and cute characteristic of human facial beauty; therefore, some people may desire to have them, which is why dimpleplasty is growing its patient network. In the creation of facial beauty, the chin-cheek dimple is found to be a determinant, over the nasolabial folds and the formation of horizontal wrinkles on the forehead, and the dimpling of the corner of the mouth, combined with a slight drooping of the lower lip, causes a person to appear pleasant and somewhat complacent.
A prominent chin-cheek dimple, even when present on one cheek, adds flirty beauty to a girl’s face. Potential patients should be selected carefully to understand the true sense of an aesthetic dimple. The dimpleplasty surgeons should be knowledgeable about the estimated patients and should try to make the gravity flow towards the non-feature dimples while preparing a dimple. Simultaneously, awareness of the aesthetic science behind nose-upper lip relationships would direct and enrich the critically acclaimed personal artistic outcomes of non-surgical and surgical nose-lip procedures in contemporary rhinoplasty, maximizing satisfying comparable results for chin/cheek dimpleplasty as well. The desire for dimple creation can be due to an aesthetic choice or be influenced by significant social issues in life. Surgeries targeting the aging of the face are more common; however, facial surgeries to enhance beauty are increasingly performed. Over the years, there has been expanding attention in cosmetic surgery among patient-based techniques involving an increasing trend for personalized beauty.
The Dimpleplasty Procedure
Dimpleplasty, or the creation of dimples, is a specialized surgical procedure performed to improve the cosmetic appearance of a smiling face by creating congenital dimple formation. An attractive dimple on the cheek, regardless of size, represents cuteness, good luck, and beauty. This cosmetic procedure is becoming popular in both the Western world and Asian countries, frequently carried out by plastic surgeons.
Several methods have been described for creating a dimple: the suture method, punch method using a trephine or a dermal punch, and the flap method. The suture method, which is reversible and easy to perform, is popular with many surgeons because a dimple can be made with the use of foreign substances. A skin marker, needle holder, scissors, needle, local anesthesia, and antiseptic solution are needed for simple dimple creation. Patients with dimple complaints had consultations. A surgical procedure was performed at one medical center. Facial analysis software was used to determine the position of the dimple and for computational aesthetics.
Preparation for creating a dimple requires anatomic understanding, accurate markings and sketches, appropriate instrumentation, and gentle technique at every stage. In some cases, flap surgery is well indicated for dimple creation. There is one report showing a combination of the suture method and the lifting method to create a dimple, but we focus on flap therapy for dimple creation. The surgical techniques used to create dimples with good results using the flap method are illustrated.
Anatomic considerations
Prior to surgery, the surgeon must study the muscle anatomy of the affected person’s cheek in close detail. The anteriorly located fibers of the parotid fascia are identified. There are no blood vessels or nerves in the predetermined location of the dimple. The dimples are located between the zygomaticus major muscle and the buccinator muscle. The preoperative depth of the dimples is calculated to be 50–70 percent of the patient’s recording dimensions. The space between the zygomaticus major and the buccinator is determined by placing a finger inside the patient’s mouth. The patient is asked to assist in locating an optimal position for the dimple. Perception of the dimple positions takes into account the patient’s desire for the dimple and the surgeon’s preference. Generally, the dimples are located between the lower border of the zygomaticocutaneous ligament. The approach from the moxon incision is the optimal location on the facial skin. The dimple is created about 1 cm anterior to the preauricular sulcus.
Post-Procedure Expectations
During the recovery and healing time, it is important to understand what to expect so patients can manage their psychological state and increase their overall wellness after they receive the treatment. The following are some of the changes and expectations to expect during the early stages of healing: The final result might be visible after 6 months or longer, depending on the wound healing process and its final quality. Expect the dimples to be very prominent in the first few days. The body will swell after surgery, and the swelling will cause the dimples to look too deep and prominent. The muscles in the central part of the cheeks will be sore for the first few days. Avoid creams, chemicals, and harsh materials before your post-operative checkup. Scabbing on the internal incision, covered with a sterile strip, is inevitable and should be left to fall on its own. To help ensure optimal results after dimpleplasty, it is important to adhere to recommendations for post-operative care.
Applicants receive guidelines for:
- Appropriate post-operative care,
- Diet and advice about when they can start eating harder foods,
- The use of a mild antiseptic around the puncture site to prevent infection when conducting oral hygiene,
- Massaging the muscles during the first few weeks to release the dimples and help achieve the final result,
- Checking in with additional office appointments to review the progress of healing.
It is typical for the recovery process after a surgical procedure to involve a variety of sensations in the area of treatment. The following experiences are common: The internal punctures with scabbing under the gums: a ‘rusty’ taste in the mouth due to the scabbing, which is not a reason for concern. It is important to leave the scabbing to fall off on its own to prevent infection.
Determining Suitability for Dimpleplasty
An essential part of the dimpleplasty process is the initial consultation or virtual consultation between the patient who desires dimples and a surgeon who is qualified to perform the dimpleplasty procedure. Before electing to undergo elective surgery, it is best to ensure suitability for the procedure. The surgeon who can assess the patient adequately should be knowledgeable and competent, especially in the area of facial anatomy. The importance of the preoperative evaluation is to address patient-specific health and facial characteristics. The health characteristics that will affect patient suitability are age and general health.
The facial characteristics that need to be addressed are skin thickness and facial features as follows:
- The patient must be of adult age or have reached full facial bone growth.
- It is traditionally contraindicated for individuals with certain medical conditions or a medical ability to heal that would be affected negatively.
- Consideration must be given to patients who have realistic expectations of the procedure outcome with the understanding that even with a drawn-in dimple, the dimple may not be present at all times nor as deep as the desired appearance.
- The skin over the cheeks that will receive the dimples must be of sufficient thickness.
- Patients should have a thorough understanding that the dimples will not automatically appear with chewing based on the surgical techniques available in the industry today.
- Ideal candidates for dimpleplasty are those interested in adding overall cosmetic enhancement to the cheeks and a unique smile.
A misconception has been made among patients that the only way to achieve dimples is through the dimpleplasty procedure, omitting the desire for surgical intervention in underqualified individuals. It is essential to note that cosmetic procedures to adjust other aspects of the cheeks, dimples adjacent to the oral cavity, or full concave cheek indentations can be achieved with other procedures. Ethically, the patient should make the choice for dimpleplasty on a concordant and fully informed basis.
Aftercare and Recovery
Post-surgery progress in the case of dimpleplasty is favorable if managed properly. The inclusion of suggestions in the doctor’s discharge report is valuable and reassuring for the patient. After the anesthetic effect subsides, there may be some discomfort. The surgeon may prescribe medicines to manage this. Ibuprofen or paracetamol are prescribed to alleviate pain. The woman is told to avoid taking medication because it can raise post-surgery bleeding. Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking pain medicine. Dehydrated patients may feel more pain. Consumption of water must be increased. When yawning, eating, or laughing, gentle massages are advised to reduce discomfort. Warm, soft compresses decrease discomfort. Following the professional’s recommendation, patients should adhere to a balanced diet that is low in fiber and high in water and soft foods. Pain management is important to regulate the amount of movement exercised.
Patients must fast for four hours post-surgery. To avoid spasms, individuals should not consume hot or excessively cold meals for at least 48 hours or beverages within half an hour following the process. Foods that are easy to chew and digest are recommended. Alcohol, soda, and caffeinated beverages should be avoided for the first four days. Vitamin C-enriched foods that are high in zinc promote faster recovery and minimize swelling and bruising. Seriously acidic, spicy, or salty meals or beverages that necessitate excessive chewing should be avoided. Any potential side effects of the procedure should be monitored. Infections might develop. Patients should notify their surgeon if they have fever or flu symptoms or the appearance of complex pustules. When it comes into contact with a cut, signs to watch for include inflammation and extra pain.