Dimples have long been considered an attractive feature that adds charm and liveliness to one’s smile. While some people are naturally blessed with dimples, many choose to enhance their facial appeal through cosmetic procedures. Among the most popular options is Dimple creation in Islamabad — a simple, safe, and effective procedure designed to create permanent dimples on the cheeks or chin.
However, one question often arises among patients considering or who have undergone the procedure: Can dimple surgery results fade over time? This blog will explore that question in depth, explaining how the procedure works, what determines the longevity of results, and how to ensure your dimples remain beautiful for years to come.
Understanding How Dimple Creation Surgery Works
Before understanding whether dimples can fade, it’s essential to know how they are created surgically. Dimple creation surgery, also known as dimpleplasty, is a minor outpatient procedure that involves making a small incision inside the mouth. The surgeon then creates a tiny connection between the cheek muscle (buccinator) and the overlying skin.
When you smile, this connection pulls the skin inward, forming a dimple-like indentation. The process typically takes 30–45 minutes, requires only local anesthesia, and leaves no visible scars since the incision is made inside the mouth.
Initially, the dimples appear even when the face is at rest. Over time, as healing occurs and the tissues adjust, they become visible only during smiling — mimicking natural dimples.
Are Dimple Creation Results Permanent?
In most cases, the results of dimple creation surgery are long-lasting and often permanent. Once the internal tissues heal and form a stable bond, the dimple becomes a natural part of your smile.
However, permanence can vary from person to person. While many patients enjoy lifelong results, others may notice subtle fading over time due to factors such as aging, skin elasticity changes, or improper aftercare.
Let’s explore why that happens.
Why Do Some Dimples Fade Over Time?
There are several reasons why dimples created through surgery may gradually fade:
1. Body’s Healing Response
Each individual’s body heals differently. Some people form stronger scar tissue between the muscle and skin, which helps the dimple remain permanent. Others may experience softer tissue bonding, causing the indentation to become shallower or fade over time.
2. Inadequate Tissue Adhesion
For a lasting dimple, the connection between skin and muscle must heal properly. If that bond weakens during recovery — possibly due to excessive facial movements or infections — the results may not last as long.
3. Poor Post-Surgery Care
Ignoring post-operative instructions, such as maintaining oral hygiene or avoiding unnecessary facial pressure, can interfere with proper healing. Infection or irritation in the incision area can also affect tissue formation and lead to fading dimples.
4. Natural Aging Process
As the face ages, the skin loses collagen and elasticity. Muscles may also weaken or shift slightly. These natural changes can soften the appearance of dimples, making them less prominent than they were in the first few years after surgery.
5. Incorrect Surgical Technique
The experience of the surgeon matters significantly. If the dimple is made too shallow or positioned incorrectly, it might not hold its shape long-term. That’s why choosing a skilled cosmetic surgeon in Islamabad is crucial.
Typical Longevity of Dimple Surgery Results
Most patients notice that their dimples go through three distinct stages:
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Initial Phase (0–3 Weeks)
The dimples are visible even without smiling because of the sutures connecting the skin and muscle. -
Healing Phase (1–3 Months)
As the sutures dissolve and tissues heal, the dimples gradually start appearing only when smiling. -
Permanent Phase (3–6 Months and Beyond)
Once healing is complete, the connection between the skin and muscle becomes permanent, resulting in a natural-looking dimple that moves with facial expressions.
For most patients, these results last for many years. However, as mentioned earlier, individual factors such as skin type, aging, and care can influence how long the dimples remain prominent.
How to Prevent Fading and Maintain Your Results
If you want your surgical dimples to last longer, the key lies in proper care and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some essential tips to ensure your results remain permanent:
1. Follow Post-Operative Instructions
Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare guidelines. This typically includes avoiding strenuous activity for a few days, rinsing your mouth with antiseptic solutions, and keeping the incision site clean. Following these steps ensures smooth healing and stronger tissue bonding.
2. Avoid Touching or Pressuring the Area
Do not poke, massage, or apply unnecessary pressure on your cheeks during recovery. Doing so can disturb the newly formed tissue connection and affect the final results.
3. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Because the incision is made inside the mouth, keeping your mouth clean is crucial. Brush gently, rinse with mouthwash, and avoid spicy or hard foods that can irritate the wound.
4. Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet
A nutritious diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein helps your body repair tissues effectively. Staying hydrated also promotes skin elasticity and supports lasting results.
5. Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Regular follow-up visits allow your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns early on. Skipping follow-ups may delay the detection of issues that could affect the longevity of your dimples.
6. Protect Your Skin from Aging
Over time, factors like sun exposure and poor skincare habits can affect skin elasticity. Using sunscreen and maintaining a consistent skincare routine can help your dimples stay defined for longer.
Can Faded Dimples Be Restored?
Yes — if your dimples fade or disappear after several years, it’s often possible to restore them through a revision dimpleplasty. This minor touch-up procedure reestablishes the bond between the skin and muscle.
Revision procedures are typically faster and require less recovery time than the initial surgery. A consultation with a qualified surgeon will help determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for dimple restoration.
Signs Your Dimples Might Be Fading
It’s normal for dimples to change slightly during the healing process, but if you notice these signs after several months, your dimples may be fading:
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The dimples appear shallower or less defined.
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They no longer appear consistently when smiling.
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The area feels uneven or lacks indentation.
If this occurs, don’t panic — consult your surgeon to evaluate the issue. In most cases, the solution is simple and non-invasive.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Lasting Results
To ensure that your dimple creation results last, choosing an experienced and board-certified cosmetic surgeon is critical. An expert understands facial anatomy and can position the dimples accurately for both aesthetics and durability.
In Islamabad, several clinics offer dimple creation services, but not all provide the same level of precision, safety, and care. Always verify the surgeon’s experience, reviews, and before-and-after photos before making a decision.
Conclusion
While dimple creation surgery generally provides long-lasting results, various factors — including healing, care, and aging — can influence their permanence. For most individuals, the dimples last for many years and fade only minimally, if at all. Proper aftercare, good lifestyle habits, and choosing the right surgeon are the keys to maintaining your desired look.
At Dynamic Aesthetic Clinic, our expert cosmetic surgeons specialize in facial enhancement procedures using advanced, sterile, and minimally invasive techniques. We are committed to providing natural-looking, long-lasting results with exceptional safety and patient satisfaction. Schedule your consultation today to rediscover your confident and charming smile.