Analysis of the clinical and aesthetic results of facial dimple creation surgery

BACKGROUND: Dimples on the cheeks can make the smile look more cheerful and attractive. Therefore, some people who do not have dimples may choose to undergo dimple creation surgery. Although dimple surgery is quite common, those desiring this procedure often lack information about it. Therefore, we conducted the present study to share our surgical tips and clinical experiences regarding safe dimple creation surgery. METHODS: This study included 2,048 patients who underwent dimple creation surgery at our plastic surgery clinic between April 2010 and June 2014. These patients were selected from those who displayed no scarring from injury or tumor removal in the central face during the presurgical evaluation. Medical records were used to identify the age and sex of each patient, the location of dimple creation, any postoperative complications, reoperation, and the reason for reoperation. RESULTS: Of the 2,048 patients, 159 (7.7%) underwent reoperation. The reason for reoperation was undercorrection in 78 cases (49.0%), disappearance of the dimple in 62 cases (38.9%), and overcorrection in nine cases (5.6%). Five patients (3.1%) had their stitches removed to eliminate the created dimple because they changed their minds, and five patients (3.1%) had their stitches removed because of infection. No patients reported complications after reoperation, and no other complications, such as hyperpigmentation or foreign body reaction, were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Safe surgery with minimal complications and satisfying cosmetic results can be achieved via accurate knowledge of the relevant anatomy and its relationship with dimples, as well as appropriate surgical methodology.