Dimples have long been considered a natural charm that makes the face more attractive, youthful, and approachable. Appearing not just when smiling, a small dimple creates a highlight for the face, making the smile brighter and more captivating. Therefore, many people who do not have natural dimples choose the dimple creation procedure to perfect their beauty.
Through many years of working in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery, I have noticed that the demand for dimple creation does not simply arise from the desire to “look prettier.” Most clients coming to Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital wish to possess a natural smile that harmonizes with their overall facial features without losing their inherent beauty.
However, to achieve that result, properly understanding dimples, their formation mechanism, and selecting the right procedure is extremely important. In this article, I will share professional insights to give you a complete perspective before deciding to undergo the procedure.
What Is a Dimple?
A dimple is a small indentation on the cheek area that appears when smiling or making facial expressions. This is an anatomical feature formed due to an abnormal attachment between the skin layer and the main smiling muscle (zygomaticus major). When the muscle contracts during a smile, the skin is pulled inward, forming a small depression, commonly referred to as a cheek dimple.
In practice, the terms cheek dimple and coin dimple are often used interchangeably. However, in folk tradition, “coin dimple” (đồng điếu) is often used to describe a rounder, deeper, and more distinct cheek dimple, evocative of ancient coins with a hole in the middle.
From a professional perspective, there is no medical distinction between these terms. What matters most is the location, depth, and symmetry of the dimple relative to each unique face.
Identifying Characteristics of Dimples
Not all dimples are the same. Through examining and performing thousands of dimple creation cases at Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital, we have observed that dimples can vary across many characteristics.
Some people only have a dimple on one cheek, creating a unique and expressive look. Meanwhile, many possess symmetrical dimples on both sides, bringing a more balanced and vibrant appearance.
The depth of dimples also varies greatly. Some only appear during a big smile, while others are visible even when talking or making subtle expressions. Because of these differences, when creating dimples, surgeons need to personalize the position and depth for each face rather than applying the exact same technique to every client.
The Meaning of Dimples in Folk Beliefs and Modern Perspectives
Since ancient times, dimples have been regarded as a sign of good luck and blessing in many East Asian cultures.
According to folk beliefs, people with dimples are often sociable, cheerful, easily liked, and encounter good fortune in social relationships. Some physiognomy schools of thought also suggest that this feature symbolizes good luck in work and romance.
However, from the perspective of a cosmetic surgeon, I always encourage clients to approach these concepts as cultural values rather than a scientific basis to evaluate a person’s fate or character.
The true value of a dimple lies in its aesthetic appeal. A properly placed dimple can make a smile more lively, soften facial features, and give a youthful impression beyond one’s real age.
Facial Shapes Suitable for Dimple Creation
In practice, dimples can suit various facial shapes if designed in the correct position.
For oval or V-line faces, dimples enhance softness and femininity. For round faces, dimples create a slimming effect, adding depth and elegance. Even individuals with long faces can get dimples if the surgeon accurately identifies a position proportional to their facial ratios.
The important thing is not to copy the dimple position of celebrities or friends. Each face has a different bone structure, muscle pattern, and soft tissue volume; therefore, the most suitable plan must always be personalized after a direct consultation.
That is why I always dedicate considerable time to analyzing the face before performing the procedure, as a correct decision during the design phase directly impacts the long-term beauty of the final result.
Can Dimples Be Created?
While dimples were once considered an innate genetic trait, today, with advancements in minimally invasive plastic surgery, owning natural-looking dimples has become far more feasible and safe.
During consultations, I often encounter clients with a common goal: “I just want my smile to look a bit more charming when I laugh, without anyone knowing I had plastic surgery.” This is precisely the goal we aim for at Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital – creating harmonious, natural beauty tailored to each individual’s facial contours.
It is essential to understand that dimple creation does not involve placing materials or implanting any foreign substances into the cheeks. It is a soft-tissue surgical procedure designed to emulate the exact formation mechanism of natural dimples.
Current Methods for Creating Dimples
Currently, various methods are advertised on social media, such as using cheek clamps, massages, acupressure, or home remedies to create dimples. However, from a medical standpoint, I affirm that these methods cannot alter the anatomical structure of the muscle and skin, and thus cannot create permanent dimples.
For clients seeking stable, long-lasting results, the widely applied method today is minor dimple creation surgery.
This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves no tissue excision or wide dissection, usually taking only about 20–30 minutes to complete. After the procedure, clients can return home the same day and engage in light daily activities following the doctor’s instructions.
At Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital, before proceeding with dimple creation, every client undergoes facial ratio analysis through imaging and direct examination. We determine the precise dimple position based on cheekbone structure, smiling muscles, soft tissue fullness, and the smile curve, rather than applying a fixed position for all cases.
This is the decisive factor that helps the dimples look natural and balanced with the overall face after healing.
How Is the Dimple Creation Process Performed at Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital?
A standardized process not only delivers optimal aesthetic results but also helps minimize the risk of post-procedural complications.
- Consultation and Examination
The doctor will evaluate overall facial features, analyze cheek symmetry, test smiling muscle activity, and discuss aesthetic expectations with the client.
During this step, we also simulate the dimple position so clients can visualize the expected outcome in advance. Selecting the right position from the start helps minimize situations where the dimple is placed too high, too low, or unevenly.
- Marking the Dimple Location
After agreeing on the treatment plan, the doctor marks the dimple creation point based on facial proportions.
This step requires extensive experience, as even a deviation of a few millimeters can affect the harmony of future facial expressions.
- Local Anesthesia
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the client remains fully conscious throughout the process.
This allows the doctor to check facial expressions directly when the client smiles and adjust the dimple depth if necessary.
- Performing Dimple Creation
Through an incision inside the mouth cavity, the doctor creates an attachment point between the muscle and skin using specialized surgical sutures.
The entire process is gentle, causes no damage to key structures in the cheek area, and leaves no visible external skin scarring.
Upon completion, clients receive post-care instructions and can return home on the same day.
Is Dimple Creation Painful?
This is perhaps the most common concern among first-time inquiries about this service.
In reality, the pain associated with dimple creation is significantly lower than most clients expect.
During the procedure, the treatment area is anesthetized, so clients mostly feel only a mild tightness or light numbness, with virtually no distinct pain.
After the anesthesia wears off, the cheek area may feel slightly tender for the first 1–2 days. This is a normal physiological reaction as the tissue begins its healing process.
By adhering closely to the doctor’s instructions, discomfort will dissipate quickly and won’t significantly impact daily activities.
Why Choose Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital for Dimple Creation?
As a specialized institute in plastic and cosmetic surgery, Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital always prioritizes safety, natural results, and personalized outcomes in every treatment case. To me, a beautiful dimple is not one that looks identical on everyone, but one that harmonizes with facial contours, matching the unique expressions and personal style of each client.
Before the procedure, every client is directly examined by Specialist Doctor I Phung Manh Cuong and our medical team, who analyze facial proportions, smiling muscle positions, and soft tissue characteristics. Based on these evaluations, the doctor advises on the appropriate location, depth, and shape of the dimple to deliver balanced, natural results while minimizing signs of cosmetic intervention.
In addition to medical expertise, Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital invests in sterile procedure rooms, modern equipment, and a well-structured post-operative care process. Clients are monitored not only during the procedure but also receive detailed home-care guidelines and scheduled follow-ups to ensure smooth recovery and optimal aesthetic outcomes.
One of the key distinctions we consistently pursue is personalized treatment plans. Rather than applying a fixed template to all clients, the doctor designs dimples based on facial structure, soft tissue thickness, smiling range, and personal aesthetic goals. This approach ensures that the smile, once fully healed, remains soft, natural, and harmonious with the entire face.
Over many years of operation, Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital has welcomed and treated numerous domestic and international clients. Client trust serves as the motivation for our medical team to continuously update new techniques, enhance expertise, and refine treatment protocols, aiming to provide a safe, effective, and sustainable beauty experience.
Client Before-and-After Photos of Dimple Creation at Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital
Dimples are not only a feature that adds charm to the face, but they also help make a smile feel warmer, more youthful, and full of vitality. However, the beauty of a dimple lies not in its depth or size, but in its harmony with each individual face.
From a plastic surgeon’s perspective, I always encourage clients to make aesthetic choices based on professional consultation rather than following temporary trends. A personalized treatment plan yields results that are more natural, safe, and long-lasting.
If you are considering dimple creation or want to evaluate whether your face is suitable for this procedure, visit Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital for a direct examination and consultation with our expert medical team.
A direct consultation will help determine the optimal dimple location, choose the best technique, and answer all questions prior to the procedure. This is an essential step to ensure every beauty decision is built upon a foundation of safety, science, and individual suitabilities.