Petit Plastic Surgery
If you've ever noticed small indentations on someone's skin, you've likely seen dimples. These little depressions can appear anywhere on the body, such as the chin, cheekbones, or lower back. While chin dimples are common, not everyone is born with this unique feature. Dimples are often seen as a sign of facial attractiveness, and many individuals are turning to surgical treatments to achieve this desirable look.
Dimples are typically a hereditary trait and can naturally appear on one or both sides of the cheeks. However, if you're not born with them, you can opt for surgery to create dimples on either one or both sides. This can greatly enhance your facial features, particularly your smile, as dimples are often associated with youth and attractiveness. Don't settle for a plain appearance when you can achieve a charming and charismatic look with both-sided dimples.
Dimples can also be a result of changes in a facial muscle called the zygomaticus major, which is responsible for facial expressions, particularly the elevation of the corners of the mouth during smiling. Normally, this muscle originates at the zygomatic bone and runs downwards towards the mouth in individuals without dimples.
However, in people with dimples, the zygomaticus major muscle may divide into two distinct bundles as it travels towards the mouth. One bundle attaches at the corner of the mouth, while the other bundle links to the skin above the corner of the mouth and is also attached to it. This split in the muscle is known as a double or bifid zygomaticus major muscle. When you smile, the skin moves across this double muscle, resulting in the appearance of a dimple.
There are various types of dimples that are prevalent in both males and females. These include:
The most common type of dimple is the cheek dimple, which can be found in various locations on the cheeks. While some individuals may have a single dimple, others may have two.
Also referred to as cleft chins, chin dimples are less common than cheek dimples and are mainly caused by the underlying jawbone structure. If one parent has a chin dimple, the likelihood of inheriting one is high.
Back dimples, also known as the dimple of Venus, are less common than cheek and chin dimples. They are more frequently found in women than men and are typically located in the lower back.
Dimple both-sides, which is also referred to as dimpleplasty or dimple creation surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that involves creating a dimple on both sides of the cheeks or chin. While it can be done on just one side of the cheeks, the goal is typically to achieve a symmetrical appearance.
Dimples are often considered a desirable physical trait in many cultures, and the popularity of dimple surgeries has increased in recent years due to their perceived benefits. This procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis and involves creating a dimple by forming scar tissue in the dermis between the muscles of the face using small instruments and incisions, with a small amount of tissue being removed.
It's important to note that dimple surgery is a purely elective cosmetic procedure and is not medically necessary. The primary benefit of this treatment is increased confidence and self-esteem due to the altered physical appearance. Notably, patient satisfaction with this procedure is generally very high.
Unlike other more invasive procedures, there are typically no special tests required prior to dimple surgery. The initial appointment will generally involve confirming overall health and discussing any contraindications with the healthcare professional. Before surgery, a physical examination of health parameters such as weight, heart rate, and blood pressure will usually be performed.
Dimple surgery is generally considered to be a safe and applicable procedure for most healthy individuals. However, before undergoing the surgery, your medical practitioner will first examine you to determine if you are a suitable candidate.
People with bleeding problems or chronic illnesses such as anemia or diabetes mellitus may not be suitable candidates for the procedure. This is because such medical concerns can affect blood count and potentially impact the success of the surgery.
While there are no absolute contraindications for dimple surgery, certain conditions may increase the likelihood of complications. They include:
If you're considering a dimple both-sides surgery, it's essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon. While some dermatologists may be trained in this technique, it may be necessary to seek a facial plastic surgeon instead. A consultation with your healthcare provider can help determine whether you are a suitable candidate for cosmetic surgery and assist in identifying the ideal location for the dimples.
As dimple creation surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, you won't need to change into a hospital gown. Instead, the surgeon will advise you to wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid wearing jewelry during the surgery, as it may interfere with the process. Patients with oral jewelry will be advised to remove it before the surgery and for a few days afterwards.
The surgeon will provide guidance on food and beverage consumption before the surgery to minimize complications. It's typically recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to the procedure. It's also important to inform your healthcare provider about any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbals you are currently taking, as certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood thinners may affect the surgical process and lead to complications.
On the day of the surgery, your surgeon may advise you to wash your face with antibacterial soap. Arriving early for your appointment will allow you enough time to complete intake documents and get situated.
You will have an initial examination and consultation, which will involve the following:
Since the dimple both-sides surgery is a relatively quick procedure, it's typically performed on an outpatient basis at the surgeon's or doctor's office, rather than a hospital.
The positioning of the dimple is an important aspect of the surgery, and in most cases, the patient will mark the location of the dimple in front of a mirror. If the patient is unsure about the location, an aesthetic reference point is the junction of a perpendicular line dropped from the external canthus and a horizontal line drawn from the angle of the mouth.
However, this approach may result in a dimple that is too low. Alternatively, the dimple can be located at the lateral junction of the perpendicular line dropped from the external canthus and the horizontal line drawn from the highest point of the cupid's bow, which is the top edge of the upper lip.
Another strategy involves having the patient produce a negative suction and suck the cheeks inward to locate the dimple at the point of the greatest depression.
Before the surgery, the plastic surgeon will apply a local anesthetic to the surgical area to prevent any pain or discomfort during the procedure. It typically takes 10 to 15 minutes for the anesthetic medicine to take effect.
The dimple both-sides surgery aims to create a dermal scar that attaches to the underlying muscle, resulting in a natural-looking dynamic dimple. After administering local anesthesia, a small stab incision is made with a small knife 2cm anterior to the desired dimple site. The blade's sharp edge is then inserted into the stab on the mucosal side, and the skin is scraped of any mucomuscular attachments until the blade reaches below the designated spot of the dimple. A similar operation is performed on the mucosal side, taking care not to break the mucosa. If a broader dimple is desired, a larger area is scraped, resulting in two raw regions that adhere to each other and form the dimple.
Once the scraping is complete, the next step is to establish and maintain adhesion using a straight needle with an absorbable suture. The needle is inserted through the skin, brought out through the mucosa, reinserted through the mucosa, and brought out through the skin, and a stitch is taken. These steps are repeated on the other side of the face.
Depending on the patient's goals, the entire dimple procedure takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete (it may take longer for dimple both-sides). As the surgical area heals, the skin and muscles remain connected, resulting in a permanent dimple on the skin. It may take one to two weeks for the skin to fully heal, and the scarring fades over time.
After the dimple both-sides surgery, the patient is immediately discharged with antibiotics and painkillers. It is crucial to practice meticulous dental hygiene, including using mouthwash and oral rinse. The sutures used in the surgery are not removed and will disintegrate on their own within two weeks. However, some surgeons may use non-absorbable sutures and remove them on the seventh postoperative day.
While the dimples will be visible immediately after the surgery, the final results will take about two months to appear. Initially, there will be a static dimple that develops on animation, but over time, there will only be a faint trace of the dimple that deepens on animation.
After the surgery, a follow-up consultation will be scheduled in one to two weeks to ensure that you are recovering properly.
Your healthcare practitioner will advise you to follow a liquid diet for the first five days after surgery because you will have healing wounds and sutures in your mouth. This means avoiding solid foods and opting for protein shakes or soup instead. Your doctor may also advise you not to use a straw.
While most people can return to work the same day after surgery, you may want to take a few more days off later due to swelling and redness.
You should be able to perform light everyday duties without restriction, but you should avoid intense physical activity for one to two weeks after surgery. If you are unsure about any activities, consult your doctor for advice.
Recovery and proper healing are crucial for achieving optimal results after dimple creation surgery. During the healing process, it's important to keep the following in mind:
It's normal to experience pain and discomfort after surgery, especially during the first five days to one week. Your healthcare practitioner will prescribe or recommend pain-relieving medication to manage the discomfort.
To avoid infections, it's important to maintain appropriate hygiene on the face and lips. When washing your face, gently massage the cheeks, paying special attention to the dimples and surrounding areas. Additionally, it's essential to take proper precautions when cleaning your teeth to avoid interfering with the healing process.
Some people may experience facial redness and swelling during the recovery period. While this is uncommon, applying ice can help reduce swelling and speed up the recovery process.
During the recovery period, it's important to watch for any signs of infection. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately:
Although dimple surgery on both sides is generally well-tolerated and effective, some individuals may experience psychological and emotional consequences. Plastic surgery procedures can result in feelings of depression and anxiety.
If you are struggling with difficult emotions as a result of dimple surgery, here are some steps you can take:
Dimple surgery typically produces long-lasting results; however, the effects may diminish or even disappear over time. There is also a possibility that the outcomes may be uneven or unsatisfactory.
While it is rare, you may require additional surgery, such as:
In many cultures, dimples are considered a desirable physical trait that symbolizes good fortune and success. As a result, the demand for surgical dimple creation is increasing as people seek to enhance their appearance.
Although the procedure is generally safe and straightforward, there are still risks involved. These are some examples:
Patients may experience minor swelling and bruising in their cheeks after the dimple creation surgery, but these symptoms usually disappear on their own. Patients can often resume their regular activities the next day.
Antibiotics are prescribed to patients after the surgery to prevent infection, which is a typical surgical risk. Additionally, most patients are given analgesics to manage any postoperative discomfort, which is usually minimal.
According to studies, only 3 out of 100 patients developed an intraoral infection during follow-up appointments, typically ranging from 3 weeks to 4 years after the dimple creation procedure.
These cases were linked to too-tight sutures that caused mucosal ischemia and poor oral hygiene. The infection was cured with antibiotic treatment and suture removal, but the dimple remained unchanged and even accentuated by the extra scarring caused by the infection. It is crucial to detect and manage problems early to prevent undesirable aesthetic outcomes.
The cost of dimple creation surgery, also known as dimpleplasty, is not typically covered by medical insurance and can vary depending on various factors. On average, patients can expect to pay around $1,500 for the procedure. However, the total cost may increase if any complications or issues arise during or after the surgery. It is important to discuss the cost and payment options with the healthcare provider during the initial consultation.
A dimpleplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that creates permanent dimples in the cheeks or chin. This procedure only affects soft tissue and cannot change the shape of the cheeks or jawbone. Dimpleplasty can generate a permanent, natural-looking dimple with no visible scars.
Healthy individuals who wish to produce the appearance of natural dimples in the cheeks or chin are good candidates for this procedure. However, those with infections in and around their mouths, blood clotting disorders, diabetes, or who are frequent smokers are not recommended to undergo this surgery.
The dimple is created by making a small incision within the patient's cheek and excising a portion of the cheek muscle. The remaining muscle is sutured to the skin's underside with dissolvable suture, creating a permanent depression in the skin.
After the surgery, patients may have one to two weeks of downtime, and strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least one to two weeks. Dimpleplasty outcomes will be established in about two months when the body recovers and swelling reduces. However, there is a possibility of adverse effects such as infection, asymmetry, scarring, bruising, and persistent swelling.
The cost of a dimpleplasty procedure is approximately $1,500 on average, and it is not covered by medical insurance. Despite its risks, dimpleplasty can provide long-lasting and natural-looking results for those who desire dimples.
Natural results of surgery
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