What is dimple surgery?
Natural cheek dimples form where a band of the cheek muscle attaches to the skin. When that muscle contracts in a smile, it tugs a small point of skin inward. Dimpleplasty recreates that attachment on purpose.
Through a short incision inside the cheek, a tiny core of tissue is removed and a dissolving stitch links the skin's underside to the muscle. Nothing is cut on the outside of the face. Because it is small and quick, dimple surgery is sometimes combined with other lower-face work such as lip augmentation or buccal fat removal, though the two cheek procedures need careful planning when done together.
Who is a good candidate for dimpleplasty?
- You would like a smile dimple on one or both cheeks.
- You have a single natural dimple and would like a matching one.
- Your cheeks have moderate soft tissue, so a dimple can form without looking like a pit.
- Good oral health, with no active gum or mouth infection.
- Realistic expectations — the dimple will look a little different on each person.
Permanent stitch vs dissolving stitch dimples
| Dissolving stitch | Permanent stitch | No surgery | |
| How it holds | Scar tissue forms the link | Stitch stays in place | — |
| Dimple at rest | Fades over weeks | More likely to persist | — |
| Reversibility | May soften over time | Harder to reverse | — |
| Downtime | Few days | Few days | None |
| Typical use | Most patients | Selected cases | Make-up contouring |
Dimples created surgically can become shallower over months or years in some people. We explain this before surgery rather than promising a permanent result.
How is dimple surgery performed?
Before & after
Before
After
Browse more cases in our before & after gallery.
What is recovery like after dimpleplasty?
| Day 1–3 | Mild swelling; antiseptic mouthwash after meals, soft food. |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Inner stitches dissolving; the dimple is visible even at rest. |
| Week 2–6 | The resting dimple fades and it shows mainly when you smile. |
| Month 2–3 | Final depth and shape become clear. |
“A dimple should arrive with the smile and leave with it. That is what I design for.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the risks of dimple surgery?
Dimpleplasty is a minor procedure, but risks include infection inside the mouth, asymmetry between two dimples, a dimple that is too deep or too shallow, a dimple that fades over time, and rarely a visible indentation at rest. Careful oral hygiene in the first week lowers the infection risk. If you have very full cheeks or deep nasolabial folds, Dr. Lee will discuss how they affect the result.
Frequently asked questions
Will the dimple be visible when I am not smiling?
In the first few weeks, yes. In most people it then softens so it shows mainly when smiling.
Is there a scar?
No visible scar. The incision is inside the mouth and heals within about a week.
Is dimple surgery permanent?
It is designed to last, but in some people the dimple becomes shallower over time.
Can I eat normally?
Soft foods are best for a few days, with mouthwash after meals until the inside heals.
Can one dimple be made to match a natural one?
Yes. Dr. Lee marks the new dimple to mirror the position of your natural one.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
Three to five days is usually enough for a check before your flight.