Dimpleplasty Surgery in Bangalore
Dimpleplasty — also called dimple creation surgery or dimple making surgery — is a quick, minimally invasive procedure performed entirely from inside the mouth. There are no external cuts, no visible scars, and no overnight admission. Most patients return to normal activities the same day.
At Pink Apple Aesthetics, Jayanagar, dimpleplasty is performed by Dr. Pinky Devi Ayyappan, MCh (Plastic Surgery) — a board-certified plastic surgeon who brings surgical precision and a detailed understanding of facial anatomy to even the most straightforward cosmetic procedures. Every dimple she creates is placed in the anatomically correct position for your specific face — not a generic mark on the cheek.
What Is Dimpleplasty (Dimple Creation Surgery)?
A natural dimple forms when there is a small variation in the cheek muscle — specifically the buccinator muscle — that tethers a point of the skin to the underlying tissue. When the face moves during smiling or expression, this attachment creates the characteristic indentation we recognise as a dimple. In some people, this variation exists on both cheeks; in others, only one side; in others still, it does not exist at all.
Dimpleplasty surgically recreates this same mechanism. Through a small incision made on the inner surface of the cheek — completely inside the mouth — the surgeon creates a small, precise connection between the inner cheek tissue and the underside of the skin at the exact position where the dimple is desired. As healing occurs, a fibrous connection forms that mimics the natural anatomy of a real dimple: invisible at rest after healing, and visible as a charming indentation when you smile.
The key details that make this procedure accessible and appealing:
- No external incision — the entire procedure is performed inside the mouth. There is no cut, mark, or scar on the outside of the face.
- Local anaesthesia — the cheek is numbed with a simple injection before the procedure. You remain awake and comfortable throughout.
- 20 to 30 minutes — for a single dimple; 30 to 45 minutes for bilateral (both sides).
- Day-care procedure — no overnight admission. Most patients go home within an hour.
- Same-day return to activities — most patients resume normal daily activities the same day or the day after.
- Permanent results — once the fibrous scar tissue has formed, the dimple is a permanent feature of your smile.
Why Do Some People Have Dimples Naturally? The Anatomy Explained
Dimples are one of the most universally admired facial features, and one of the most straightforward to understand anatomically. Knowing how a natural dimple is formed helps you understand exactly what dimpleplasty does — and why it works.
The buccinator is the broad, flat muscle that forms the bulk of the cheek wall. It assists with chewing, controls cheek tension, and plays a role in facial expression. In people who have natural dimples, there is a small cleft or variation in the buccinator muscle fibres at a specific point — usually in line with the corner of the mouth, slightly below and lateral to it. The skin at this point is connected, through a fibrous band, directly to the muscle or deeper tissue beneath, bypassing the normal subcutaneous fat layer.
When the buccinator contracts during a smile or expression, this tethered point is pulled inward relative to the surrounding skin, creating the visible indentation of a dimple. The dimple appears precisely because that one spot moves differently from the rest of the cheek.
Dimpleplasty replicates this anatomy surgically — creating the same fibrous tethering at the desired position. The procedure does not implant anything foreign into the face; it simply recreates a structural variation that exists naturally in people who are born with dimples.
Why does the dimple appear even at rest initially? In the first few weeks after dimpleplasty, while healing is occurring, the suture is still holding the skin inward and the dimple may be visible even when your face is at rest. As the suture dissolves and the fibrous scar tissue matures — typically over 4 to 8 weeks — the dimple relaxes and behaves exactly like a natural one: invisible at rest, appearing when you smile. This is normal and expected — not a sign that something has gone wrong.
Dimpleplasty Cost at Pink Apple Aesthetics
| Procedure | Cost at Pink Apple Aesthetics |
|---|---|
| Single cheek dimple (unilateral) | ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 (T&C) |
| Double cheek dimples (bilateral) | ₹45,000 – ₹50,000 (T&C) |
| Chin dimple creation | Cost confirmed at consultation (T&C) |
All costs are confirmed at consultation. The above starting prices are for standard bilateral cheek dimpleplasty or single cheek dimpleplasty. Combination procedures (cheek + chin dimple in one session) may have a different total. Terms and conditions apply.
What your dimpleplasty cost typically includes:
- Surgeon's fee — Dr. Pinky Devi Ayyappan, MCh Plastic Surgery.
- Local anaesthesia — administered inside the cheek before the procedure.
- Surgical facility charges — procedure performed in a fully equipped, sterile facility.
- Post-procedure medications — antiseptic mouthwash and any prescribed medication for the recovery period.
- Follow-up appointments — at 1 week and 1 month post-procedure to monitor healing and result.
Dimpleplasty is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. EMI payment options are available at Pink Apple Aesthetics — please ask at your consultation.
Types of Dimpleplasty — What You Can Choose
Dimpleplasty is a highly personalised procedure. Before any surgery, Dr. Pinky will discuss and mark the exact position, depth, shape, and number of dimples with you, based on your facial anatomy and aesthetic goal.
1. Cheek Dimpleplasty — Single (Unilateral)
Creates one dimple on a single cheek. Some people naturally have a dimple on only one side, and there is a distinctive, asymmetric charm to a single cheek dimple. This is the right choice if you want only one side, or if the goal is to match a natural dimple you already have on the opposite cheek. Single dimpleplasty takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Cheek Dimpleplasty — Double (Bilateral)
Creates dimples on both cheeks simultaneously in a single session. Bilateral dimples are the most popular choice and create a symmetrical, balanced enhancement to the smile. The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes for both sides. Dr. Pinky marks both positions carefully before beginning to ensure the dimples are symmetrical and positioned correctly for your specific facial width and proportions.
3. Chin Dimple Creation (Cleft Chin Dimpleplasty)
A chin dimple — sometimes called a cleft chin — is a small, centrally placed indentation on the chin, created using the same internal incision technique. A chin dimple has a different character to cheek dimples: it is a vertical or rounded indentation in the midline of the chin, commonly associated with strong facial definition. Chin dimple creation is a separate procedure from cheek dimpleplasty and can be performed as a standalone or combined with cheek dimpleplasty in the same session. Dr. Pinky assesses whether your chin anatomy and proportions are suitable for this before recommending it.
4. Dimple Position Customisation — Depth and Shape
Within cheek dimpleplasty, there is meaningful scope for personalisation. Before marking, Dr. Pinky will discuss with you:
- Position — the exact placement on the cheek. The anatomically correct position is typically at the junction of a vertical line drawn through the corner of the mouth and a horizontal line at the level of the occlusal plane — but this is adjusted for each patient’s facial width, cheekbone position, and personal preference.
- Depth — deeper dimples create a more prominent indentation; shallower dimples are more subtle. A subtle dimple is generally recommended for Indian faces, where moderate cheek fullness means a very deep dimple can look exaggerated.
- Shape — oval, round, or slightly elongated. Most natural dimples are oval or round; the shape can be discussed at consultation.
- Symmetry — for bilateral dimples, both sides are marked before surgery begins to confirm that placement, height, and angle are matched.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dimpleplasty?
Dimpleplasty is one of the most inclusive cosmetic procedures — it is suitable for a wide range of patients because it does not correct or alter existing features, but adds something new. That said, a consultation with Dr. Pinky ensures the procedure and placement are right for your specific face.
Suitable candidates include:
- Adults of any age who desire cheek or chin dimples — there is no upper age limit. The procedure is appropriate from late teens through to mature adults.
- Patients with any face shape or skin type — the procedure works across all face shapes. Dr. Pinky will advise on the position that looks most natural for your specific face shape and proportions.
- Patients with any cheek volume — dimpleplasty works on fuller cheeks, average cheeks, and lean cheeks, though the final appearance of the dimple is naturally influenced by cheek volume. Dr. Pinky will set accurate expectations based on your anatomy.
- Patients who want only one dimple — to match a natural dimple on the opposite side, or simply because that is the aesthetic they prefer.
- Patients with good general health — no active infection in the mouth or cheek area, and no bleeding disorders.
- Patients with realistic expectations — the dimple created will look natural and behave like a natural dimple, appearing when you smile. It will not produce a deep, exaggerated indentation unless that is specifically planned.
Dimpleplasty is not recommended during active dental infection, mouth ulcers, or if you are in a period of significant weight change. We recommend reaching a stable weight before the procedure, as significant weight gain after surgery can reduce the visible depth of the dimple.
What Are the Risks of Dimpleplasty?
Dimpleplasty is one of the safest cosmetic procedures available, with a very low complication rate when performed by a qualified surgeon. Patients should still understand the full picture:
- Swelling — mild to moderate swelling of the cheek is normal in the first 1 to 2 weeks. The face may feel tight or full temporarily. This resolves completely.
- Dimple visible at rest initially — as explained, this is expected in the first 4 to 8 weeks while the suture holds the tethering point. It is not a complication. It resolves as healing completes.
- Asymmetry — minor differences in dimple position or depth between the two sides can occasionally occur during healing. Significant asymmetry is uncommon with careful pre-operative marking and precise technique.
- Dimple fading over time — in a small number of patients, particularly those with very full or heavy cheeks, the dimple may become less prominent over years as tissue volume naturally evolves. This can sometimes be revised. This is more likely in patients with very thick buccal cheek tissue.
- Infection — uncommon. The mouth is not a sterile environment, but infection after dimpleplasty is rare with prescribed post-operative mouthwash and oral hygiene protocols. Managed with antibiotics if it occurs.
- Trismus (jaw tightness) — rare. Mild discomfort when opening the mouth widely in the first week can occur as the tissue heals.
- Unsatisfactory position or depth — if the dimple position is not as expected after full healing, revision is possible. This is why Dr. Pinky spends significant time on pre-operative marking and position confirmation before beginning the procedure.
- Reversibility — in the early weeks after dimpleplasty, before the fibrous connection has fully matured, the procedure can be reversed if the patient is not satisfied. Once fully healed (typically after 3 months), it is permanent. Patients who are uncertain are encouraged to use makeup or digital simulation to visualise the result before committing.
The most important risk-reduction measure in dimpleplasty is position planning. Dr. Pinky does not proceed until both she and the patient are fully satisfied with the marked placement — confirmed in the mirror before the procedure begins. Taking this time eliminates the most common source of post-procedure dissatisfaction.
Why Choose Dr. Pinky Devi Ayyappan for Dimple Creation Surgery?
Dimpleplasty is a simple procedure — but simple procedures performed carelessly still produce poor outcomes. A dimple placed in the wrong position, at the wrong depth, or with excessive tissue removal can look unnatural permanently. The goal is a dimple that could have been natural — and achieving that requires genuine anatomical understanding.
- MCh (Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery) — India's highest postgraduate qualification in plastic surgery. Formal training in facial anatomy including the buccinator muscle, parotid duct, and buccal branches of the facial nerve — all relevant to a correctly and safely performed dimpleplasty.
- Anatomy-first dimple placement — Dr. Pinky positions each dimple based on the established anatomical landmarks for natural dimple location on the human face, adjusted for each patient's specific proportions. The result looks like something you could have been born with.
- DAFPRS Fellowship — Belgium (Dr. Patrick Tonnard & Dr. Alexis Verpaele) — international training in advanced facial surgery and facial aesthetics, including a deep understanding of how the face moves and how surgical changes integrate with natural expressions.
- Facial Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship — Seoul, South Korea — training at YK Plastic Clinic and Jayjun Plastic Surgery in facial aesthetics for Asian anatomy — directly relevant to planning natural dimple placement in Indian faces.
- Honest expectation-setting — Dr. Pinky will tell you what a dimple will look like on your specific face before you make any decision. If your anatomy or facial proportions make a natural-looking result difficult to achieve, she will say so.
- 4.9 stars from 191+ verified Google reviews — trusted across hundreds of patients.
- Times of India Top Brand 2024 — recognised among Bangalore's leading aesthetic clinics.
Dimpleplasty — Frequently Asked Questions
Is dimpleplasty a permanent procedure?
Yes — once the fibrous scar tissue has formed between the inner cheek skin and the deeper tissue, the dimple is a permanent feature of your smile. The sutures used during the procedure are dissolvable and absorb over several weeks, but the fibrous connection they encourage to form remains. In most patients, this connection is stable for life. In a small number of patients with very full cheeks, the dimple may become less pronounced over many years as the face changes — this can be revised if needed.
Why is my dimple visible even when I'm not smiling after the procedure?
This is completely normal and expected in the first 4 to 8 weeks after dimpleplasty. While the suture is in place and the healing tissue is forming, the skin is held inward at the dimple point even at rest. As the suture dissolves and the fibrous connection matures, the dimple relaxes and begins to behave like a natural dimple — invisible when your face is at rest, visible and charming when you smile. Most patients find this transition happens between weeks 4 and 8.
Is dimpleplasty painful?
The procedure itself is not painful. Local anaesthesia is administered by injection inside the cheek before anything else is done — this numbs the area completely within a few minutes. The injection itself causes a brief sting that resolves in seconds. After the anaesthetic takes effect, the procedure is painless. After the anaesthetic wears off — typically 2 to 4 hours later — there may be mild soreness or tenderness in the cheek, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief and resolves within a few days.
How long does dimpleplasty surgery take?
A single cheek dimple takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Bilateral cheek dimples (both sides) take 30 to 45 minutes. Adding a chin dimple to the same session extends the total time slightly. The entire visit — including preparation, consultation confirmation, the procedure, and the post-procedure rest period — is typically 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can dimpleplasty be reversed if I change my mind?
In the early weeks after the procedure — before the fibrous connection has fully matured — reversal is possible. Once fully healed, typically after 2 to 3 months, the dimple is permanent. If you are genuinely unsure about whether you want permanent dimples, consider experimenting with makeup contouring to simulate the appearance first, or discuss temporary options with Dr. Pinky at consultation. A permanent decision made with full confidence is always the right approach.
Where exactly is the dimple placed?
The anatomically correct position for a cheek dimple is at the junction of a vertical line through the corner of the mouth and a horizontal line at the occlusal plane — the level at which the upper and lower teeth meet. In practice, this falls on the lower-outer portion of the cheek, in the area that naturally indents on people born with dimples. The exact position is discussed and marked in the mirror with you before the procedure begins, and can be adjusted to suit your facial proportions and personal preference.
Can I eat and drink normally after dimpleplasty?
Yes, but with some care in the first week. A soft diet — yogurt, rice, idli, soft bread, soups, smoothies — is recommended for the first 3 to 5 days to avoid putting pressure on the healing internal incision. Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods should be avoided during this time. After the first week, normal eating can gradually resume. The antiseptic mouthwash should be used after every meal for the first 10 to 14 days to keep the incision site clean.
Can dimpleplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Dimpleplasty is commonly performed in the same session as buccal fat removal, masseter Botox, or other non-surgical facial treatments. The combination of dimpleplasty with buccal fat removal — creating cheek definition from both directions simultaneously — is a particularly popular facial contouring option. Dr. Pinky will advise on what can be safely combined in a single session at your consultation.
Is dimpleplasty suitable for men?
Absolutely. Dimpleplasty is equally effective for men and women. A chin dimple in particular is strongly associated with masculine facial aesthetics — the cleft chin is widely considered a sign of strong facial definition. The placement and depth of a dimple for male patients may be slightly adjusted from the standard female ideal to suit the typically broader, more angular male face — Dr. Pinky will discuss this at consultation.
