Dimple Creation Surgery (Dimpleplasty)

Dimpleplasty creates permanent cheek dimples by surgically attaching the inner cheek muscle to the underside of the overlying skin — mimicking the anatomy of natural dimples. Performed under local anaesthetic in approximately 30 minutes per side with no visible external scarring.

Dimple Creation Surgery (Dimpleplasty) in London

Dimple creation surgery — also called dimpleplasty — is a short cosmetic procedure that creates permanent dimples in the cheeks. Natural dimples form when a small portion of cheek muscle attaches directly to the overlying skin, so that when you smile the muscle contracts and pulls the skin inward to create a dimple. Dimpleplasty recreates this anatomy surgically: a tiny internal suture is placed between the inner cheek muscle and the underside of the overlying skin, producing a small permanent indentation that deepens naturally when you smile.

The procedure takes around 30 minutes per side under local anaesthetic and most patients return to work within 2–3 days. The dimple appears immediately after surgery and settles into its natural mature position over 4–8 weeks. There are no visible external scars because the incision sits on the inner (wet) surface of the cheek inside the mouth.

At Centre for Surgery, dimpleplasty is performed by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register at our CQC-regulated Baker Street facility. A two-week cooling-off period after your consultation is standard — particularly important given the permanent nature of the result.

Dimpleplasty is a deceptively simple procedure where technique and patient selection matter more than operating time suggests. Because the dimple is permanent and sits in a visible facial location, poor technique produces dimples that look unnatural, sit in the wrong position, or are visible at rest (rather than only when smiling). Careful surgical planning is essential.

What is dimpleplasty?

A dimpleplasty creates a permanent dimple by surgically attaching the inner cheek muscle to the underside of the overlying skin. When you smile, the muscle contracts; because it’s now tethered to the skin, the contraction pulls the skin inward to create a dimple.

Natural dimples are caused by a small defect in the cheek muscle (buccinator), where skin adheres to the deeper tissues. When the muscle contracts during smiling, the skin dimples inward. A surgical dimple recreates this mechanism — though the result looks natural, the patient and surgeon know it’s constructed rather than congenital.

The most common position is the "apple" of the cheek — at the point where your cheek creases naturally when you smile. Your surgeon will mark the position with you awake during the consultation to confirm the location matches where a natural dimple would be for your face. Some patients want dimples placed slightly higher or lower depending on personal preference and facial anatomy. Both cheeks are usually treated together for symmetry, though single-cheek dimpleplasty is possible if the patient has one natural dimple and wants the other side matched.

In the first 6–8 weeks, the dimple tends to appear more pronounced than the final result — visible even when the face is at rest. As healing progresses and the internal tissues soften, the dimple softens too, eventually becoming primarily visible during smiling (like a natural dimple). Patients who expect the immediate appearance to be the final result are sometimes concerned during the early weeks; the mature result takes time.

Benefits of dimpleplasty

For the right candidate, dimpleplasty delivers several specific benefits:

The surgical dimple is permanent — the internal suture holds the muscle-to-skin attachment long-term. You don’t need repeat treatments or maintenance procedures.

The dimple is visible from the moment of surgery, though it matures over 4–8 weeks into its final settled appearance.

Because the incision sits on the inner (wet) cheek surface inside the mouth, there’s no external scar. Once healed, no one can tell you’ve had surgery.

Dimpleplasty takes approximately 30 minutes per side under local anaesthetic with optional mild oral sedation. No general anaesthesia, no overnight stay, no anaesthetist fee.

Most patients return to work within 2–3 days. Social downtime is minimal — some swelling for the first few days, but no external bruising and no suture removal appointment needed.

The dimple can be placed at the position of your choosing — classic mid-cheek "apple" dimples, slightly higher cheek dimples, or matched to an existing natural dimple on the opposite cheek.

You can have both cheeks treated for new bilateral dimples, or a single dimple created to match an existing natural one on the other side.

Unlike some permanent cosmetic procedures, early reversal of dimpleplasty is possible within the first 6 weeks before full scar tissue formation — by releasing the internal suture. This is rarely requested but is technically an option, unlike procedures where the tissue change is irreversible.

Who is a good candidate for dimple creation?

The ideal candidate meets most of the following:

Dimpleplasty is a permanent surgical change. If you’re unsure about whether you’ll still want dimples in 5 or 10 years, the honest answer is that dimpleplasty may not be the right procedure. For patients who’ve wanted dimples for years and are certain, the procedure’s permanence is an advantage.

Standard criteria: non-smokers or willing to stop for at least 2 weeks before and after surgery, no uncontrolled medical conditions, no untreated oral infections or active gum disease.

Because the incision is intraoral, oral health matters. Active gum disease, untreated cavities, or mouth ulcers need to be resolved before surgery. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental care should be in place.

We don’t perform dimpleplasty on patients under 18. Facial anatomy continues to develop into the late teens, and the decision-making around permanent cosmetic change benefits from additional maturity.

Dimpleplasty creates a specific, localised change — a small indentation on the cheek that shows when smiling. It doesn’t transform your face, change cheek volume, or address other facial concerns. Patients expecting subtle but noticeable localised change are usually satisfied; patients expecting dramatic facial transformation will be disappointed.

Thin-skinned patients, patients with very lean faces, or patients with particular cheek anatomy may get more visible dimples (including possible visibility at rest). Your surgeon will assess this at consultation and advise whether the planned result is likely to look natural in your specific anatomy.

The choice to have a permanent cosmetic change should be yours, driven by your own preference rather than partner pressure, social media influence, or trend-following. We’re particularly cautious about patients whose motivation feels externally driven — dimples are a trend that waxes and wanes, and the procedure is more permanent than the trend.

The dimple looks more prominent in the first 6–8 weeks than it will after full maturation. Candidates need to understand and accept this timeline.

When dimpleplasty is not the right answer

Dimpleplasty is a niche procedure that’s not appropriate for every patient. Honest case selection matters. We regularly advise against dimpleplasty in the following situations:

If we think dimpleplasty isn’t right for you, we’ll explain why. Declining the wrong procedure is as important as performing the right one — particularly for a permanent cosmetic change in a visible facial location.

How to prepare for dimpleplasty

After your initial consultation, a two-week cooling-off period is standard before your surgery date is confirmed. Once your date is booked, our pre-operative assessment team will be in touch.

For standalone dimpleplasty under local anaesthetic, formal fasting isn’t required — you can eat normally before your appointment. Wear comfortable clothing. Remove makeup.

Before any incisions are made, your surgeon will mark the planned dimple position with you in an upright seated position, looking in a mirror, asked to smile naturally. This is when position decisions are finalised. If you have particular preferences about dimple location, this is the moment to confirm them. Once marked and agreed, you’ll lie down for the procedure.

Soft, cool foods for the first 2–3 days (smoothies, yoghurt, scrambled eggs). Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods that will irritate the healing incision. Have saline mouthwash ready (your surgeon will provide specific post-op rinse instructions).

You’ll be given 24/7 surgeon-led clinical access via a direct emergency contact number. Most patients feel well enough to travel home independently 30–60 minutes after the procedure if only local anaesthetic was used. If you chose oral sedation, a responsible adult should collect you.

What happens during dimple creation surgery

Dimpleplasty at Centre for Surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, often with optional mild oral sedation if you’re nervous. Local anaesthetic is infiltrated into the cheek — a brief stinging sensation for 15–20 seconds before the area becomes fully numb. Oral sedation (taken 60 minutes before) helps you relax without affecting your ability to respond to instructions during the procedure. You remain awake and comfortable throughout.

General anaesthesia is not required or recommended for standalone dimpleplasty. If dimpleplasty is being combined with larger procedures (rhinoplasty, facelift), TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) would be used — TIVA is the safest form of general anaesthesia available for day-case facial surgery, using only intravenous agents with no inhaled gases.

You’ll recover in our suite for 30–60 minutes. The local anaesthetic wears off gradually over 3–4 hours. By the time you leave the clinic, sensation is returning with minimal discomfort. Mild painkillers (paracetamol) are typically sufficient. You’ll be given written post-operative instructions and a direct emergency contact number for the first 48 hours.

Dimpleplasty recovery timeline

Dimpleplasty recovery is faster than most facial surgery because the procedure is small and uses intraoral incisions.

Mild swelling of the treated cheek(s). The dimple is visible but appears deeper than its final appearance — often visible even at rest. This is normal and expected. Mild discomfort controlled by paracetamol alone. Apply cold compresses as directed for the first 24 hours. Stick to cool, soft foods. Use the prescribed antiseptic mouthwash after eating to keep the incision clean.

Peak swelling settles. Discomfort largely resolves. Speech is normal. Eating soft foods is comfortable. Most patients return to work around day 2–3.

Absorbable sutures (internal) dissolve over 2–3 weeks — no removal needed. The dimple still appears deeper than its final form. Some patients feel the suture knot on the inside of the cheek with their tongue — this becomes imperceptible as tissues soften.

Tissue continues to soften. Dimple depth begins to decrease as internal tissue matures. Gentle exercise from week 2, full exercise from week 4.

The dimple matures toward its final appearance — softer when at rest, more visible when smiling. This is when most patients start feeling the dimple looks "natural."

Full settling complete. The dimple’s final appearance is established: primarily visible when smiling, with a subtle indication at rest. The internal scar tissue is fully mature.

The most common concern in the early weeks is that the dimple looks "too deep" or "too obvious" — visible even at rest. This is expected and will settle as the internal tissues mature. Patients who understand this timeline in advance worry less during recovery.

Risks of dimpleplasty

Dimpleplasty is among the safer facial surgeries when performed by an experienced specialist, but no surgery is risk-free. Understanding the possibilities in advance lets you make an informed decision.

Expected for the first few days, not complications. The dimple appears deeper than its final appearance in the early weeks.

Intraoral infections are uncommon with good oral hygiene and post-op care but possible. Signs include increasing pain after day 3, redness, unusual discharge, bad taste, or fever. Most cases respond to oral antibiotics if caught early.

In the early weeks this is expected and will settle. If the dimple remains too deep after 3 months of settling, it can reflect either aggressive tissue removal or thin cheek tissue. Mild over-depth usually softens further over 6–12 months; significant over-depth may require revision.

Occasionally the internal suture fails to create permanent adhesion and the dimple gradually disappears. If this happens, the procedure can be repeated — the repeat procedure has similar risks to the primary surgery.

Even with careful bilateral marking, small asymmetry between the two dimples is possible. Minor asymmetry often settles over 3 months as both sides mature. Significant asymmetry can require revision of one or both sides.

Rare but possible if pre-surgical marking is misaligned. Once created, the dimple position is not easily changed. This is why careful marking with the patient awake and smiling matters.

The buccal branch of the facial nerve runs near the surgical site. Temporary weakness or altered sensation of the cheek is uncommon; permanent nerve injury is rare in experienced hands.

The parotid (Stensen’s) duct, which drains saliva into the mouth, runs near the buccinator muscle. Injury to the duct is very rare but can cause localised swelling or saliva accumulation. Management depends on the extent of injury.

Intraoral incisions typically heal without visible scarring. A minority of patients develop hypertrophic internal scars that can be felt as small firm areas for several months; these usually soften without intervention.

The internal suture is occasionally palpable with the tongue for the first few weeks, then becomes imperceptible as surrounding tissues soften. Rarely, the suture can work its way to the surface through the inner cheek mucosa — this presents as a small suture visible in the mouth and may need removal.

Some patients feel the dimple doesn’t look as natural as expected, is too subtle, too obvious, or in the wrong position. Because the result is not easily reversible, careful consultation and realistic expectations matter.

Over many years, gradual softening of the internal scar tissue can reduce dimple prominence. The dimple persists but may become progressively softer.

Our postoperative support programme was described as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC. Follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully to minimise your risk of complications.

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Alternatives to dimple creation surgery

Before committing to permanent surgical dimpleplasty, consider whether alternatives might address your goals:

Despite social media claims, there is no effective non-surgical way to create a permanent dimple. Dimples are produced by a specific anatomical relationship between cheek muscle and overlying skin — no injection, filler, laser, or topical treatment can create this attachment. "Dimple suction" devices (small suction cups) marketed online don’t produce permanent change; any temporary indentation disappears within hours. Dermal Temple Fillers & Forehead Fillers cannot create dimples — they add volume, which is the opposite effect.

If you want a permanent dimple, surgery is the only approach that works.

Sometimes the honest answer is that no procedure is needed. Dimples are an aesthetic trend that has waxed and waned over decades. If your motivation is trend-following rather than a long-held personal preference, waiting to see if the preference persists is often wise.

If your real concern is broader facial aesthetics rather than specifically wanting dimples, other procedures may address your goals more effectively:

At consultation we’ll discuss honestly whether dimpleplasty addresses what you actually want, or whether a different approach would be more appropriate.

How much does dimpleplasty cost in London?

At Centre for Surgery, standalone bilateral dimpleplasty (both cheeks) typically costs £1,800–£2,500. Unilateral dimpleplasty (single cheek, usually to match an existing natural dimple) typically costs £1,400–£1,800. Dimpleplasty combined with other procedures is priced according to the overall scope.

The procedure has a short operating time (30–45 minutes), is performed under local anaesthetic (lower anaesthesia cost than TIVA), and has short recovery. For patients, this means that specialist consultant-led care at a CQC-regulated facility remains accessible at a lower price point than most other facial surgery.

0% APR finance is available through Chrysalis Finance, our specialist medical finance partner. Monthly payments typically from £60–£85/month for standalone dimpleplasty depending on the amount financed and term.

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Price shouldn’t be the determining factor when choosing a surgeon for dimpleplasty. Make sure whoever you choose is on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery and a member of BAPRAS or BAAPS. Dimpleplasty is technically simple but anatomically precise — positioning errors, overly aggressive tissue removal, or inadequate fixation all produce poor long-term results. Call to speak with a patient coordinator for an indicative price before your consultation.

Dimpleplasty is a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance or the NHS.

Why choose Centre for Surgery for dimpleplasty

Dimpleplasty is a deceptively simple procedure where technique matters disproportionately to operating time. Small errors in positioning, suture placement, or tissue removal produce large effects on final appearance — and because the change is permanent and sits in a visible location, there’s limited opportunity to correct mistakes.

Dimpleplasty at Centre for Surgery is performed exclusively by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery — the highest qualification available in the UK. Our surgeons are members of BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) and ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). We don’t use cosmetic doctors, dentists, or non-specialist practitioners for dimpleplasty.

Our purpose-built private hospital at 95–97 Baker Street, Marylebone is independently regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission, which awarded us a "Good" rating — a standard very few cosmetic surgery facilities in the UK achieve.

We’re deliberately selective about who we recommend dimpleplasty for. If your anatomy would produce an unnatural-looking result, if your motivation feels trend-driven rather than personal, or if a different approach would serve you better, we’ll tell you. A meaningful proportion of our dimpleplasty consultations conclude with no surgery booked — this is a feature of our approach.

Because dimpleplasty’s result is so dependent on precise positioning, our surgeons mark the dimple location with you awake and smiling, allow you to confirm the position in a mirror, and finalise only once you’ve agreed. This matters more than operating time or technique choice — a dimple in the wrong position, however well executed, won’t look natural.

Over-aggressive tissue removal produces dimples that appear too deep and remain visible at rest rather than only when smiling — an unnatural appearance that’s difficult to correct. Our surgeons take a deliberately conservative approach, preferring to accept a slightly subtle result over an overly prominent one.

Standard practice and not optional for any cosmetic surgery at our clinic. Particularly emphasised for trend-sensitive cosmetic procedures where reflection matters — dimples as an aesthetic preference have waxed and waned over decades, and the procedure is more permanent than the trend.

Our postoperative support programme was described as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC. This includes 24/7 surgeon-led clinical access for the first 48 hours, a dedicated patient coordinator, regular phone and face-to-face checks, and full aftercare through the 3-month mark as your dimple settles into its mature appearance.

Book your dimpleplasty consultation

Useful preparation:

Your initial in-person consultation is £100, redeemable against the cost of surgery if you proceed. Consultation lines are open Monday–Saturday, 9am–6pm.

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FAQs

What To Expect

Your journey begins with a face-to-face consultation with one of our consultant plastic surgeons at Baker Street, typically lasting 30–45 minutes. Your surgeon will examine your cheek anatomy, assess skin thickness and facial proportions, and discuss the natural-looking dimple position for your specific face. Planned positions are marked with you sitting upright and smiling in a mirror so you can confirm location before committing. This is also the consultation where your surgeon may advise against surgery — if your anatomy wouldn't produce a natural result, if your motivation feels trend-driven, or if a different procedure would serve you better. A meaningful proportion of our dimpleplasty consultations conclude with no surgery booked. Clinical photography is taken for surgical planning. A two-week cooling-off period between consultation and surgery is standard — particularly important for a permanent change. You can return for further consultation during that period at no additional cost.

Once the two-week cooling-off period has passed, our pre-operative assessment team will confirm medical fitness for surgery. In the weeks before surgery: stop smoking at least 2 weeks before (delays intraoral healing); stop aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti-inflammatories at least 2 weeks before; review all supplements with your surgeon (vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo, garlic affect bleeding); avoid alcohol for 48 hours before; complete any planned dental work before surgery; maintain good oral hygiene. On the day: for standalone dimpleplasty under local anaesthetic, formal fasting isn't required — you can eat normally. Wear comfortable clothing and remove makeup. If you chose oral sedation, arrange a responsible adult to collect you. Prepare your recovery space with soft cool foods for the first 2–3 days and saline mouthwash per your surgeon's instructions.

Arrive on time for your appointment. An admission nurse will check identification, consent documentation, and that post-operative medications have been dispensed. Your vital signs are recorded. Your surgeon will confirm the operative plan, obtain final written consent, and mark the dimple position with you seated upright and smiling in a mirror — finalised only once you've agreed. You then lie down for the procedure. Standalone dimpleplasty is performed under local anaesthetic with optional mild oral sedation. Local anaesthetic is infiltrated into the cheek (brief stinging for 15–20 seconds, then complete numbness). If combined with substantial surgery (rhinoplasty, facelift), TIVA is used — the safest form of general anaesthesia for day-case facial surgery. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes per side or 45 minutes to 1 hour for bilateral dimples. A small incision is made on the inner cheek surface, a small core of tissue is removed, and a fine absorbable suture creates the muscle-to-skin attachment. The incision is closed with dissolving sutures. The dimple is visible immediately. You'll recover in our suite for 30–60 minutes before discharge with detailed written instructions and a direct emergency contact number for the first 48 hours.

Once home, you have 24/7 surgeon-led clinical support for the first 48 hours via a direct emergency contact number. Our post-operative team will phone regularly during the first two weeks. Days 1–2: mild swelling, the dimple looks deeper than its final form. Paracetamol alone is usually enough for discomfort. Cold compresses for the first 24 hours. Soft cool foods and prescribed antiseptic mouthwash after eating. Days 3–5: swelling settles. Most patients return to work around day 2–3. Weeks 1–2: absorbable sutures dissolve over 2–3 weeks. The dimple still appears deeper than its final form. Weeks 4–8: the dimple matures toward its natural appearance — softer at rest, more visible when smiling. 3 months: full settling complete. The dimple's final appearance is established. Follow-up: clinical review at 1 week, surgeon review at 6 weeks, final assessment at 3 months. Avoid smoking, anti-inflammatories for 2 weeks, hot spicy or crunchy foods for the first week, straws for 1 week, vigorous exercise for 3 weeks, dental work for 2 weeks, and touching the dimple externally for 2 weeks. Our postoperative support was described as 'outstanding' by the CQC. Contact us at any stage if concerned — we'd much rather hear from you unnecessarily than miss something.

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All procedures at Centre for Surgery are performed exclusively by GMC specialist-registered consultant plastic surgeons — the highest qualification available in the UK. Our surgeons hold positions on the GMC Specialist Register and are members of BAPRAS and ISAPS, ensuring you receive care from fully credentialled specialists, not cosmetic doctors.



Our purpose-built private hospital at Baker Street, Marylebone is independently regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which awarded us a Good rating — a standard very few cosmetic surgery facilities in the UK achieve. We use TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) as standard, the safest and most advanced form of anaesthesia available for day case surgery.



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