Dimple creation surgery in Istanbul

What is dimple creation?

Dimple creation is a small surgical procedure that creates a dimple in one or both cheeks. Natural dimples are caused by a link between a cheek muscle and the skin above it. The procedure recreates this link in a controlled way.

The work is done entirely through the inside of the mouth, so there is no scar on the face. Many patients choose it alongside other facial treatments or on its own as a short procedure.

Who is it for?

Dimple creation suits healthy adults who would like dimples and have good oral health. People with very full cheeks or thick facial skin should discuss expectations, because the dimple may look softer.

• Wish for one or two cheek dimples
• Good oral and general health
• Non-smokers or willing to pause smoking
• Realistic expectations about shape and depth

How the procedure is done

First you and the surgeon mark the exact position of the dimple while you smile in front of a mirror. The inside of the cheek is then numbed with local anaesthesia.

The surgeon makes a small incision inside the mouth, removes a tiny amount of tissue and places a dissolvable stitch that joins the muscle to the underside of the skin. The procedure is complete in under an hour and you return to your hotel the same day.

Metropolmed's own surgical team performs the operation in Istanbul, and a personal coordinator stays with you from your first message to your 12-month follow-up. Your hotel, VIP transfers and a medical interpreter are arranged before you land in Istanbul.

Choosing the position of your dimple

The position of the dimple is the most important part of the result. Most surgeons place it on an imaginary line down from the outer corner of the eye, level with the corner of the mouth, where natural dimples often appear.

You will look in a mirror and smile so the surgeon can see where a dimple naturally fits. The mark is adjusted until you are happy before anything is done. Patients can choose one dimple or two, and the depth can be slightly varied to suit the face.

Recovery and results

Mild swelling and soreness inside the cheek are normal for a few days. You use an antiseptic mouthwash and eat soft food for about a week.

At first the dimple is visible even when your face is relaxed. This is expected. Over 4-8 weeks it softens and becomes most visible when you smile. Most patients return to work within 1-2 days.

Risks and safety

Risks are low but include infection inside the mouth, swelling, asymmetry between two dimples, a dimple that is shallower than hoped or that fades over time, and, rarely, the need to adjust or reverse the stitch.

A doctor assesses your cheeks and oral health in person and marks the position with you to make sure the dimple suits your smile.

Recovery timeline

1. Day 1Return to hotel, soft diet and mouthwash.
2. Day 2-3Swelling easing, fly home if well.
3. Week 1Normal eating, inside of cheek healing.
4. Week 2-4Dimple at rest begins to soften.
5. Week 4-8Final dimple visible mainly when smiling.

Frequently asked questions