Dimples are one of the most universally admired facial features, adding warmth, charm, and character to a smile. While once considered a genetic gift reserved for the fortunate few, modern plastic surgery now makes it possible for anyone to enjoy natural-looking dimples through a safe, minimally invasive procedure known as dimpleplasty. Dr. Saba Al Marush, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Dubai, performs dimple creation surgery with meticulous precision, delivering results that complement your unique facial anatomy and appear entirely natural.
What Is Dimple Creation Surgery (Dimpleplasty)?
Dimple creation surgery, clinically referred to as dimpleplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to create natural-looking dimples on the cheeks or chin. The procedure involves creating a small, controlled connection between the skin and the underlying buccinator muscle, mimicking the anatomical variation that produces natural dimples. Unlike many cosmetic procedures, dimpleplasty is remarkably straightforward, performed under local anaesthesia, and completed in approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Dr. Saba Al Marush carefully assesses each patient’s facial proportions, cheek fullness, and smile dynamics to determine the ideal dimple placement. This personalised approach ensures that your new dimples appear authentic and enhance your existing features rather than looking artificial or overdone. Whether you desire subtle indentations or more prominent dimples, the procedure can be tailored to your aesthetic goals.
How the Buccal Mucosa Technique Works
The dimple creation procedure at Dr. Saba Al Marush’s Dubai clinic utilises the buccal mucosa technique, which is widely regarded as the gold standard for dimpleplasty. Here is a step-by-step overview of what to expect:
Step 1 — Consultation and Marking
During your initial consultation, Dr. Saba Al Marush examines your facial anatomy and discusses your desired dimple location. Using a temporary marker, potential dimple positions are identified while you smile, ensuring optimal placement. You will have the opportunity to preview the expected outcome and make adjustments before proceeding.
Step 2 — Local Anaesthesia
A small amount of local anaesthetic is administered both externally on the cheek and internally on the buccal mucosa (the inner lining of the cheek). This ensures that the procedure is entirely pain-free. There is no need for general anaesthesia or sedation, significantly reducing risk and recovery time.
Step 3 — Creating the Dimple
Working from the inside of the mouth, Dr. Saba Al Marush makes a tiny incision on the buccal mucosa. A small cylinder of tissue, including a portion of the buccinator muscle, is carefully removed. An absorbable suture is then placed from the inner cheek mucosa through the muscle and attached to the underside of the skin at the pre-marked dimple location. This suture creates a controlled adhesion between the skin and muscle, replicating the natural mechanism that causes dimples.
Step 4 — Immediate Results
The dimple is visible immediately after the procedure. Initially, the dimple will be present even when you are not smiling, but as the tissue heals and the absorbable suture dissolves over the following weeks, the dimple typically becomes most apparent when you smile — just like a natural dimple.
Natural-Looking Results
One of the greatest concerns patients have about dimple creation is whether the results will look natural. Under Dr. Saba Al Marush’s expert care, the answer is a resounding yes. The key to natural-looking dimples lies in precise placement, appropriate depth, and consideration of your facial anatomy. Dr. Saba Al Marush takes into account factors such as cheek volume (patients who have had buccal fat removal may require a modified approach), skin thickness, and the natural movement patterns of your smile.
In the initial healing phase, the dimple may appear more prominent or present at rest. This is entirely normal and temporary. Over two to four weeks, as the internal suture dissolves and scar tissue matures, the dimple settles into a more natural appearance, deepening primarily when you smile or make facial expressions. The final result is a dimple that looks and behaves exactly as if you were born with it.
Same-Day Procedure — What to Expect
Dimple creation surgery is a true same-day procedure, meaning you walk into the clinic and walk out the same day with your new dimples. The entire appointment, including consultation, preparation, the procedure itself, and post-operative instructions, typically takes less than one hour. There is no hospital stay required, and most patients return to work and social activities within one to two days.
Because the procedure is performed entirely through the inside of the mouth, there are no visible external scars. The incision site inside the cheek heals rapidly due to the excellent blood supply of the oral mucosa.
Recovery After Dimpleplasty
Recovery from dimple creation surgery is straightforward and well-tolerated by most patients. Here is what you can expect during the healing process:
- First 24–48 hours: Mild swelling and tenderness at the dimple site. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relief are usually sufficient.
- Days 3–7: Swelling subsides significantly. You may notice the dimple is visible at rest, which is normal at this stage.
- Weeks 2–4: The absorbable suture dissolves, and the dimple begins to appear primarily when smiling.
- Months 1–3: Final results are fully settled. The dimple looks completely natural and dynamic.
Dr. Saba Al Marush provides detailed aftercare instructions, including oral hygiene recommendations and dietary guidelines (soft foods for the first few days). A follow-up appointment is scheduled to monitor healing and ensure you are delighted with your results.
Permanence of Results
Dimple creation surgery produces permanent results. The controlled scar tissue that forms between the skin and the buccinator muscle creates a lasting connection that mimics the anatomy of natural dimples. While the depth of the dimple may soften very slightly over the years as part of the natural ageing process, the dimple itself remains a permanent feature of your smile.
In the rare event that a patient wishes to reverse the procedure, this can be discussed on a case-by-case basis, although reversal is considerably more complex than the original surgery.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, dimpleplasty carries a small number of potential risks, although serious complications are exceedingly rare when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Saba Al Marush. These include:
- Asymmetry: Slight differences in dimple depth or position between sides. Dr. Saba Al Marush minimises this risk through meticulous pre-operative planning and precise surgical technique.
- Infection: The oral cavity contains bacteria, but infection risk is managed effectively with prescribed antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwash.
- Excessive scarring: In rare cases, the internal scar tissue may be more prominent than desired, resulting in a dimple that is too deep or visible at rest.
- Temporary numbness: Minor, temporary numbness around the dimple site that typically resolves within days to weeks.
- Haematoma or bleeding: Very rare and typically self-limiting.
Dr. Saba Al Marush discusses all potential risks thoroughly during your consultation, ensuring you are fully informed before making your decision.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Dimpleplasty?
Dimple creation surgery is suitable for a wide range of patients. Ideal candidates include individuals who:
- Desire natural-looking cheek or chin dimples to enhance their smile
- Are in good general health with no active oral infections
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome
- Are non-smokers or willing to stop smoking before and after the procedure
- Understand the permanent nature of the results
The procedure is equally effective for men and women of all skin types and ethnicities. During your consultation, Dr. Saba Al Marush will assess your suitability and discuss your aesthetic goals in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dimple Creation in Dubai
Is dimple creation surgery painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you will not feel pain during surgery. After the anaesthesia wears off, most patients experience only mild discomfort that is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
How long does the dimple creation procedure take?
The procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes per dimple. If you are having both cheeks done, the total time is approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Will the dimple look natural?
Yes. Dr. Saba Al Marush’s technique creates dimples that appear when you smile and flatten when your face is at rest, just like natural dimples. The initial period where the dimple is visible at rest resolves within two to four weeks.
Are there any visible scars from dimpleplasty?
No. The incision is made inside the mouth on the buccal mucosa, so there are no external scars whatsoever.
Can I choose where the dimple is placed?
Absolutely. During your consultation, Dr. Saba Al Marush works with you to select the ideal position based on your facial anatomy and personal preference. The location is marked and approved by you before the procedure begins.
How soon can I return to work after dimple creation?
Most patients return to work within one to two days. Swelling is typically minimal and subsides quickly. You can resume all normal activities, including exercise, within approximately one week.
Is dimpleplasty reversible?
While the procedure is designed to be permanent, reversal may be possible in certain cases through a more involved surgical procedure. This is discussed on a case-by-case basis during consultation.
Can dimple creation be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Dimpleplasty can be combined with other facial procedures such as buccal fat removal for enhanced cheek definition, or other cosmetic surgery procedures. Dr. Saba Al Marush can advise on the best combination approach during your consultation.
Book Your Dimple Creation Consultation in Dubai
If you have always admired the beauty of dimples and wish to enhance your smile with this charming feature, Dr. Saba Al Marush invites you to schedule a personalised consultation at her Dubai clinic. With years of experience in facial aesthetics and a commitment to natural-looking results, Dr. Saba Al Marush will guide you through every step of the process — from initial assessment to final follow-up.
Related procedures.
Facelift Dubai
Learn about facelift with Dr Saba Al Marush.
Learn more →
Brow Lift Dubai
Learn about brow lift with Dr Saba Al Marush.
Learn more →
Neck Lift Dubai
Learn about neck lift with Dr Saba Al Marush.
Learn more →
Eyelid Surgery Dubai
Learn about eyelid surgery with Dr Saba Al Marush.
Learn more →
Buccal Fat Removal Dubai
Learn about buccal fat removal with Dr Saba Al Marush.
Learn more →
Otoplasty Dubai
Learn about otoplasty with Dr Saba Al Marush.
Learn more →