Dimple surgery, also known as dimpleplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to create dimples on the cheeks. Dimples, a genetic trait, are small indentations that can add charm to a person’s smile. People without natural dimples may choose this surgery to enhance their facial appearance. However, one of the common concerns potential patients have is the level of pain they might experience during and after the procedure. This article will explore the procedure in detail, discuss how painful it is, and provide insight into managing discomfort.
What Is Dimple Surgery?
Overview of Dimpleplasty
Dimple surgery is a relatively simple and minimally invasive procedure performed by a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist. It involves creating small indentations in the cheeks by modifying the underlying muscles. The surgery can be done under local anesthesia, making it an outpatient procedure, which means patients can go home the same day.
Why People Get Dimple Surgery
Dimples are often seen as a sign of beauty and attractiveness. While some people have them naturally, others may desire them for cosmetic reasons. Dimple surgery has gained popularity because it is a quick and relatively easy way to enhance facial features. The demand for the procedure is often driven by personal preferences and societal beauty standards.
The Process of Creating Dimples
During dimpleplasty, a surgeon makes a small incision inside the cheek, where the dimple is desired. The surgeon then creates a small defect in the cheek muscle (the buccinator muscle) and attaches it to the skin. As the wound heals, scar tissue forms, and the skin is pulled inward, creating a natural-looking dimple. The size and placement of the dimple can be customized according to the patient’s preferences.
How Painful Is the Procedure?
Pain During Dimple Surgery
The actual surgery is usually not painful because it is performed under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the specific area being treated, meaning that patients will not feel any pain during the procedure. They may, however, experience some pressure or movement sensations as the surgeon works on the muscles beneath the skin.
Local anesthesia is often preferred because it allows patients to stay awake during the procedure, reducing recovery time compared to general anesthesia. Patients are usually able to talk to the surgeon throughout the process and may feel slight discomfort from the injection of the anesthetic.
Pain Immediately After Surgery
Once the anesthesia wears off, patients can expect to experience mild to moderate discomfort in the cheek area. This discomfort is often described as soreness or tenderness, similar to the feeling after dental work or a tooth extraction. The cheeks may feel tight, swollen, or tender to the touch for a few days after the procedure.
The level of post-operative pain varies from person to person. Some patients report minimal discomfort, while others may feel more significant pain. However, the majority of people undergoing dimple surgery find the pain to be manageable with over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Pain During the Recovery Period
The recovery period for dimple surgery is relatively short, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days. However, the cheeks may remain swollen and tender for up to a week. During this time, patients may experience varying levels of discomfort, particularly when eating, talking, or smiling.
Swelling and bruising are common after the procedure, contributing to the sensation of pain. It is important to note that this pain typically subsides after the first few days, and the discomfort tends to diminish as the swelling goes down.
Factors Influencing Pain Levels
Several factors can influence how much pain a patient experiences after dimple surgery. These include:
Individual Pain Tolerance: Some people have a higher tolerance for pain, which means they may experience less discomfort than others. Pain perception can vary widely from person to person.
Surgeon’s Technique: The skill and experience of the surgeon can affect how much pain a patient feels. A highly skilled surgeon will likely perform the procedure with greater precision, minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissues and reducing pain.
Post-Operative Care: Proper care after surgery can significantly reduce pain and discomfort. Following the surgeon’s instructions for aftercare, including taking prescribed pain medications and using cold compresses, can help ease any pain.
Health Conditions: Underlying health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or chronic pain conditions, can affect the body’s response to surgery and healing, potentially increasing pain levels.
See also: Does Dimple Surgery Look Natural?
Managing Pain After Dimple Surgery
Medications for Pain Relief
Most patients can manage the pain after dimple surgery with over-the-counter pain relievers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are often recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, the surgeon may prescribe stronger pain medications, particularly if the patient is experiencing more severe discomfort.
It is important to take pain medication as directed by the surgeon, especially in the first 24-48 hours after surgery when discomfort tends to be at its peak.
Cold Compresses and Ice Packs
Applying cold compresses or ice packs to the cheeks can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing relief from pain. It is recommended to use cold packs for 15-20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between, to avoid damaging the skin.
Soft Foods and Gentle Chewing
Eating soft foods during the first few days after dimple surgery can minimize discomfort. Chewing can be painful immediately after the procedure, especially if the cheeks are swollen and tender. Sticking to soft, easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups can help reduce strain on the cheeks.
Keeping the Mouth Clean
Oral hygiene is important after dimple surgery to prevent infection, which can lead to increased pain. Surgeons often recommend rinsing the mouth with a saltwater solution to keep the area clean without irritating the surgical site. Patients should also avoid brushing near the incision area to prevent accidental trauma to the cheeks.
Avoiding Physical Activity
Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity, including exercise, for at least a week after the procedure. Physical exertion can increase blood flow to the face, leading to swelling and discomfort. Resting and keeping the head elevated can help minimize pain and speed up the healing process.
When to Call the Surgeon
Signs of Excessive Pain or Complications
While most patients experience mild to moderate pain after dimple surgery, excessive pain may indicate a complication. It is important to contact the surgeon if the following symptoms occur:
- Severe or worsening pain that does not improve with medication
- Excessive swelling or bruising that does not subside after a few days
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or discharge from the incision site
- Fever or chills, which could indicate an infection
- Difficulty opening the mouth or severe pain while chewing
These symptoms may require medical attention and could indicate issues such as infection or poor wound healing.
Follow-Up Visits
Most surgeons schedule follow-up visits within a week or two after the procedure to monitor healing and ensure the dimples are healing properly. During these visits, the surgeon will check for any complications and provide additional guidance on pain management and recovery. If pain persists or worsens, the surgeon may adjust the treatment plan or recommend further interventions.
Long-Term Pain and Sensitivity
Pain After Full Recovery
Once the healing process is complete, most patients do not experience long-term pain from dimple surgery. The dimples will eventually appear when the face is at rest or while smiling, and there should be no discomfort associated with the healed scars.
In some cases, patients may experience mild sensitivity in the cheeks for several months after surgery, especially when pressing on the dimples. However, this sensitivity typically fades over time as the tissue fully heals.
Nerve Damage and Pain
One potential, though rare, complication of dimple surgery is nerve damage. The facial nerves are responsible for sensation in the cheeks, and if these nerves are damaged during surgery, it could lead to numbness, tingling, or long-term pain in the affected area.
Patients concerned about nerve damage should discuss this risk with their surgeon before undergoing the procedure. While nerve damage is uncommon, it is important to choose an experienced surgeon to minimize this risk.
Conclusion
Dimple surgery is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure that can enhance facial aesthetics. For most patients, the pain associated with dimple surgery is mild to moderate and can be easily managed with over-the-counter medications and proper aftercare. While the recovery process involves some discomfort, especially in the first few days, the pain typically subsides as the cheeks heal.
Choosing an experienced surgeon and following post-operative care instructions can help minimize pain and ensure a smooth recovery. For those concerned about the potential for pain, discussing these concerns with the surgeon before the procedure can provide reassurance and help set realistic expectations.
Ultimately, dimple surgery offers a low-risk option for achieving the desired aesthetic, with most patients finding the benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort.
Related topic:
Is There a Surgery to Get Dimples?
Does Buccal Fat Removal Affect Dimples?
