Dimples are often regarded as one of the most charming facial features. These small indentations on the cheeks or chin can add a playful and youthful appearance to someone’s smile. However, not everyone is naturally born with dimples, and in recent years, a growing number of people have opted to undergo cosmetic procedures to acquire them. This has led to an increase in demand for dimple creation surgery, a relatively straightforward cosmetic procedure.
One common question that arises when people consider getting this procedure is: “Does it hurt to get dimples?” In this article, we will delve into the anatomy of dimples, the process of dimple creation surgery, and whether or not it causes pain. We’ll also cover the potential side effects, recovery, and alternatives for those who want to achieve dimples without surgery.
What Are Dimples?
Dimples are natural indentations that occur in the skin, usually on the cheeks or chin, and they are generally considered an attractive facial feature. Some people have dimples on one cheek, while others have them on both cheeks. The cause of dimples is often genetic. They are formed due to variations in the structure of facial muscles, particularly the zygomaticus major muscle, which pulls the skin inward when a person smiles.
Not everyone has natural dimples. But the allure of dimples has led some individuals to seek out ways to artificially create them. This has made dimpleplasty, a minor cosmetic procedure to create dimples, a popular option.
How Is Dimple Creation Surgery Performed?
Dimpleplasty is a relatively simple and minimally invasive surgical procedure. It is performed by a plastic surgeon or a cosmetic specialist. The surgery typically takes less than an hour to complete, and it can be done under local anesthesia, meaning the patient is awake during the procedure but does not feel pain in the treated area.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how dimple creation surgery is typically performed:
Consultation: Before the procedure, a consultation is conducted to understand the patient’s goals and evaluate their facial anatomy. The surgeon will also determine the appropriate placement for the dimples, ensuring it suits the patient’s natural smile and face shape.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area where the dimples will be created. This ensures that the patient does not experience pain during the procedure.
Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision inside the cheek. There are no external cuts on the skin. The incision allows access to the muscle tissue beneath the skin.
Suture Placement: A small suture (stitch) is used to tie a portion of the cheek muscle to the undersurface of the skin. This creates a natural-looking dimple that appears when the person smiles. The suture dissolves on its own after a few days or weeks.
Healing: The dimple will initially appear even when the face is at rest. However, as the tissue heals and the muscle adjusts, the dimple will only be visible when the person smiles.
The procedure is quick, and patients can typically return to their normal activities within a day or two.
Does Dimple Creation Surgery Hurt?
One of the most common concerns is whether dimpleplasty is painful. The short answer is that the surgery itself is not painful because local anesthesia is used. During the procedure, the patient should feel little to no discomfort as the anesthesia effectively numbs the area. However, some people may experience mild sensations of pressure or tugging as the surgeon works.
Post-Surgery Discomfort:
After the anesthesia wears off, it is normal to experience some mild discomfort or soreness in the cheek area. This is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. The pain is typically short-lived, lasting only a few days to a week.
Swelling and bruising are common side effects after dimple creation surgery. These symptoms can also contribute to discomfort, but they usually subside within a week or two. Cold compresses and anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort during the recovery process.
Recovery Process After Dimpleplasty
The recovery from dimpleplasty is usually smooth and quick. Here’s what you can expect in the days and weeks following the surgery:
1.Initial Days After Surgery:
- Mild swelling and bruising may occur around the cheeks.
- Some patients report a feeling of tightness or mild pain around the surgical site. This is a normal part of the healing process.
- You may be advised to avoid eating hard or chewy foods for the first few days, as it could irritate the area.
2.First Week:
- Most of the swelling and bruising will start to subside.
- The dimple may still be visible even when your face is relaxed, but it will gradually become more prominent only when smiling.
3.Two to Four Weeks Post-Surgery:
- By this point, most patients report feeling fully recovered.
- The dimple should now appear only when you smile, looking more natural.
- Any residual soreness or tightness should have resolved.
It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. These may include guidelines for oral hygiene, as the incision is made inside the mouth, and recommendations on avoiding certain physical activities that could put stress on the surgical area.
See also: Is There a Surgery to Get Dimples?
Are There Any Risks or Complications?
As with any surgical procedure, dimpleplasty carries certain risks, though serious complications are rare. Here are some potential risks associated with the procedure:
Infection: Since the incision is made inside the mouth, there is a risk of infection if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Your surgeon will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Asymmetry: There is a possibility that the dimples may not be perfectly symmetrical, especially if the procedure is done on both cheeks. This can usually be corrected with a follow-up procedure.
Scarring: While the incision is made inside the mouth, there is a minimal risk of scarring. However, since the scar is internal, it is usually not visible.
Dimple Loss: In some cases, the created dimples may fade over time, especially if the tissue does not heal as expected. This is a rare occurrence and can be corrected with a revision surgery.
Prolonged Pain or Discomfort: While most patients experience only mild pain during recovery, some may have prolonged soreness or sensitivity in the area. This is uncommon and should be discussed with your surgeon if it occurs.
Non-Surgical Alternatives for Creating Dimples
For those who are hesitant about undergoing surgery, there are a few non-surgical methods that can create the appearance of dimples. While these alternatives are not permanent, they offer a less invasive way to achieve a similar look.
Makeup: Makeup artists can create the illusion of dimples using contouring techniques. By applying a darker shade of makeup in the areas where you want dimples, you can simulate the shadow effect that real dimples create when you smile.
Dimple Stickers: Some cosmetic brands offer adhesive dimple stickers that can be placed on the cheeks to create a temporary dimpled look. These stickers can be worn for special occasions and removed afterward.
Facial Exercises: Some people believe that certain facial exercises can naturally create dimples over time by strengthening the facial muscles. While there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim, these exercises involve sucking in the cheeks and holding the position for several minutes each day.
Dermal Fillers: In some cases, dermal fillers can be used to create the appearance of dimples. Fillers are injected into specific areas of the cheek to create small indentations. However, this is not a permanent solution, as fillers are eventually absorbed by the body and will need to be re-injected.
Is Dimpleplasty Right for You?
Deciding whether or not to undergo dimpleplasty is a personal choice. For individuals who have always admired dimples but were not born with them, this procedure offers a relatively quick and safe way to achieve the desired look. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
If you’re considering dimpleplasty, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in facial cosmetic procedures. They can help you understand whether the procedure is a good fit for you and what results you can realistically expect.
Conclusion
To answer the initial question: Does it hurt to get dimples? During the surgery itself, you will not feel pain thanks to local anesthesia. Post-surgery, any discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with pain relievers. Most patients report that the temporary discomfort is worth it for the charming, long-lasting dimples they achieve.
While dimpleplasty is generally safe and effective, it’s important to understand the risks, recovery process, and potential for complications before deciding to undergo the procedure. If you prefer not to undergo surgery, there are also non-surgical alternatives that can give you temporary dimples. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and goals for your appearance.
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