5.0(14)
Op. Dr. Murat Yaman
Plastic & Aesthetic SurgeryVerified
- 11+years exp.
- 5,000+surgeries
- 6Treatments
Turkish · English
From€2,890
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Facial Surgery
Dimple creation surgery
What dimple creation surgery (dimpleplasty) involves, how the intra-oral stitch anchors the cheek muscle to create natural indentations, realistic before-and-after expectations, who is a suitable candidate, approximate costs in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany, what healing feels like, potential complications and how to choose an experienced facial plastic surgeon.
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Verified surgeons for Dimple Creation Surgery
4 doctors Compare doctors, ratings and prices — ask any of them for a free quote.
Prof. Dr. Ayhan Numanoğlu
Plastic & Aesthetic SurgeryVerified
- 56+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
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Dr. Erdem Tezel
Plastic & Aesthetic SurgeryVerified
- 37+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
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Prof. Dr. Özhan Çelebiler
Plastic & Aesthetic SurgeryVerified
- 44+years exp.
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Dimple creation surgery in Turkey: what it is and how it works
Dimple creation surgery (also called dimpleplasty) is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that forms artificial indentations on the cheeks or chin. Natural dimples occur when a slight gap or variation in the cheek muscle (the buccinator or zygomaticus major) tethers the overlying skin, pulling it inward when smiling. Dimple creation surgery replicates this natural mechanism through a small incision inside the mouth, passing a suture through the buccinator muscle to anchor the cheek dermis. Because all steps take place inside the oral cavity, there are no external incisions and no visible facial scars.
Dimpleplasty can be performed on one cheek to balance an existing natural dimple or on both cheeks for bilateral symmetry. Clinics in Turkey offer the procedure as a standalone day-case treatment or alongside wider aesthetic care; see our guide to plastic surgery treatments in Turkey. For patients considering dimple creation surgery Turkey offers experienced facial surgeons, modern surgical facilities, and structured outpatient care. This guide explains how dimpleplasty works, what evidence says about permanence, typical costs in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany, recovery milestones, and how to choose an experienced surgeon.
How does dimple creation surgery work step by step?
Dimple creation is an outpatient procedure lasting 20 to 45 minutes under local anaesthesia. While you sit upright, the surgeon asks you to smile and marks the dimple position. A standard anatomical point sits where a horizontal line from the mouth corner meets a vertical line from the outer eye corner, though the precise spot is confirmed with you in the mirror. The operation involves five steps:
- Local anaesthesia: Dilute local numbing fluid is injected into the cheek lining; general anaesthesia is rarely required.
- Intra-oral incision: A 3–4 mm incision is made inside the cheek, carefully avoiding Stensen's duct (the salivary gland opening near the upper molars).
- Tissue preparation: In fuller cheeks, the surgeon removes a tiny core of buccinator muscle or fat to create space for an inward fold.
- Suture anchoring: An absorbable or non-absorbable stitch passes through the muscle to catch the underside of the cheek dermis, cinching it inward.
- Closure: The internal puncture is closed with dissolving stitches that disappear within one to two weeks.
Does dimple creation surgery work, and is it permanent?
Dimple creation surgery reliably creates a facial indentation, but the healing process involves distinct phases. For the first two to six weeks, the dimple is static, meaning it shows both when your face is relaxed and when you smile. As internal swelling subsides and internal scar tissue (fibrosis) forms between the dermis and muscle, the tether softens. After two to three months, the dimple becomes dynamic, appearing naturally only when facial muscles contract during a smile.
Regarding permanence, clinical studies show that most patients retain their dimples indefinitely once fibrous adhesion forms. However, in roughly 5% to 10% of cases, the suture loosens prematurely before solid scarring forms, causing the dimple to fade or disappear. If this happens, a minor revision can re-anchor the stitch. Qualified surgeons explain this openly and do not promise unconditional permanence.
Dimple creation surgery cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The cost of dimple creation surgery depends on whether one or both cheeks are treated, the surgeon's experience, and whether local anaesthesia or sedation is chosen. Private clinics in Turkey offer competitive rates compared with the UK and Western Europe due to lower facility overheads and operational expenses.
The table below outlines approximate price ranges for bilateral cheek dimpleplasty across four countries. These are general market estimates rather than fixed clinic quotes.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €800 – €2,200 |
| United Kingdom | €1,500 – €3,500 |
| United States | €1,800 – €4,500 |
| Germany | €1,400 – €3,200 |
When evaluating the dimple creation surgery price, consider what changes the total figure: unilateral versus bilateral treatment, whether muscle core excision is needed, and package inclusions. Medical travel packages in Turkey typically include the surgeon's fee, local anaesthesia, medication, antiseptic mouthwash, follow-up checks, and airport transfers. Always request a written quote detailing all inclusions.
Cheek dimpleplasty versus chin dimple creation: comparing techniques
While bilateral cheek dimples are most common, surgeons also create unilateral dimples or central chin clefts. Technique variations depend on cheek thickness and tissue anatomy.
| Technique | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Suture-only cheek dimpleplasty | Thinner cheeks, subtle indentation, quick recovery | Higher rate of suture loosening or early fading |
| Excisional cheek dimpleplasty | Fuller cheeks; deeper, more defined dimples | Longer initial static phase where dimple shows at rest |
| Mentalis chin dimple creation | Creating or deepening a central cleft on the chin | More noticeable post-op swelling; firmer tissue to anchor |
Choosing the right technique depends on your facial anatomy. Patients seeking overall lower facial definition sometimes evaluate chin or cheek procedures alongside contouring options such as a jaw implant to achieve balanced proportions.
Who is a good candidate for dimple creation surgery?
Good candidates are healthy adults with good oral hygiene who want natural smile indentations and understand the recovery stages. Suitable candidates typically have:
- Healthy oral mucosa without active gum disease, mouth ulcers, or oral infections.
- Realistic expectations regarding facial symmetry, understanding that natural faces are rarely identical on both sides.
- Firm skin with adequate elasticity that folds smoothly during facial expressions.
- Willingness to avoid smoking and alcohol during initial tissue healing.
Dimple creation is less suitable for patients with heavy midface skin laxity, where an artificial tether can create unnatural creasing or accentuate nasolabial folds. Patients experiencing significant tissue descent often find midface rejuvenation or a facelift more appropriate. Uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, or active oral lesions also preclude surgery until medically resolved.
Dimple creation surgery before and after: what results to expect
Before-and-after photographs offer helpful guidance, but it is essential to understand when photos were taken. Photos taken during the first month show a static dimple that remains indented even when the face is relaxed. This is a normal healing stage, not the final appearance.
Photographs taken at three to six months display the true outcome: a softened indentation that appears when smiling and remains inconspicuous at rest. However, photographs cannot show real facial movement, nor can they guarantee identical depth in every individual. Be cautious of galleries showing only immediate post-operative results, as fresh sutures appear deeper and tighter than settled results.
Your trip to Turkey and dimple creation surgery recovery
Because dimple creation is an outpatient procedure, most international patients stay in Turkey for two to three nights. This allows time for consultation and surgery on day one, rest on day two, and a final check on day three before flying home.
Recovery follows a clear timeline:
- Days 1 to 3: Mild swelling, soreness, and cheek tightness are expected. Eat soft, lukewarm foods (soups, yoghurts, mash) and rinse with antiseptic mouthwash after meals. Avoid chewing near incision sites.
- Days 4 to 7: Swelling subsides noticeably. Most patients return to desk work and daily routines within three to five days. Intra-oral stitches begin dissolving.
- Weeks 2 to 4: Bruising resolves. The dimple remains visible at rest but softens steadily. Light exercise can resume after two weeks.
- Months 2 to 3: Internal scar tissue matures. The dimple transitions to a dynamic state, appearing naturally when you smile.
Risks and complications of dimple creation surgery
When performed by a qualified facial surgeon, dimple creation has a predictable safety profile, but every surgical procedure involves potential risks. Recognized professional bodies, including the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), identify the following complications:
- Infection: The mouth harbours bacteria. Poor oral hygiene can lead to local infection or suture abscess, requiring antibiotics.
- Suture detachment or fading: If the stitch releases before scar tissue matures, the dimple may fade partially or disappear, requiring a revision.
- Asymmetry: Differences in muscle movement or scar formation can lead to slight variations in depth or position between sides.
- Prolonged static dimple: In rare cases, strong internal scarring keeps the dimple visible at rest for longer than expected.
- Salivary duct injury: Damage to Stensen's duct is a recognized anatomical risk if incisions are placed too high or too far back.
- Nerve injury: Temporary weakness or numbness of the buccal nerve branch can affect cheek sensation, though permanent injury is rare.
How to choose a surgeon and hospital, and red flags
Because dimple creation involves precise intra-oral dissection near facial nerves and salivary ducts, choosing a qualified specialist is vital. Look for a surgeon registered in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery with the Turkish Ministry of Health, or a facial plastic specialist affiliated with recognized bodies like ISAPS. The clinic should operate under clinical standards with strict sterile protocols.
Red flags include practitioners offering dimpleplasty in non-medical salons or piercing shops, clinics promising zero risk or unconditional permanence, quotes without itemised inclusions, and lack of written aftercare instructions. You can review how it works on our platform and submit photos for a free quote to receive a direct assessment from verified Turkish specialists.
Questions to ask your surgeon before booking dimple creation
Before confirming your procedure, discuss these practical questions during your consultation:
- What are your qualifications and how many dimple creation procedures have you performed?
- Which surgical approach (suture-only or muscle excision) best suits my cheek thickness?
- How do you identify the dimple position and protect the parotid salivary duct?
- What suture material will you use, and do the stitches dissolve naturally?
- What is your revision policy if the suture loosens and the dimple fades prematurely?
- What specific oral hygiene routine and mouthwash do you recommend after surgery?
- Who provides medical support if I have questions once I return home?
Hospitals with Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
Dimple creation surgery, or dimpleplasty, is a minor outpatient procedure that creates natural-looking indentations on the cheeks or chin. A surgeon operates entirely inside the mouth, using an internal stitch to tether the cheek muscle to the underside of the skin without creating external scars.
In most patients, the procedure produces a permanent dynamic dimple once internal healing and tissue adhesion (fibrosis) mature after two to three months. However, in roughly 5% to 10% of cases, the internal suture loosens prematurely, which can cause the dimple to fade and require a minor revision.
Bilateral dimple creation surgery in Turkey typically costs between €800 and €2,200, compared with €1,500 to €3,500 in the UK and up to €4,500 in the US. The price varies depending on whether one or both cheeks are treated, the technique used, and package inclusions such as transfers.
During the first four to eight weeks, the dimple remains visible continuously, both at rest and in motion. Once swelling subsides and scar tissue softens, before-and-after results show a natural indentation that appears only when smiling or laughing, leaving the cheek smooth when facial muscles are relaxed.
Initial swelling and soreness peak during the first three days and settle within a week, allowing most people to return to desk work in three to five days. The dimple softens from static to dynamic over two to three months as internal tissue remodelling completes.
During the operation, local anaesthetic numbs the cheek tissue so that you feel pressure rather than sharp pain. Afterwards, most patients experience mild soreness, swelling, and tightness for several days, which is manageable with routine painkillers and soft foods.
Reversing a dimpleplasty is technically possible in the early weeks by releasing the internal suture, but becomes more difficult once permanent scar tissue binds the dermis to the muscle. A surgeon can sometimes perform internal scar release or fat grafting, though reversing the indentation completely is technically challenging.
Common side effects include temporary swelling, bruising, and cheek tightness. Less common complications include suture detachment causing dimple loss, mild asymmetry, oral infection, prolonged static dimpling at rest, and rare injury to the parotid salivary duct or local sensory nerve branches.
Yes. Before surgery, you sit upright with the surgeon to mark the exact position while smiling in a mirror. The surgeon advises on natural anatomical landmarks, but you confirm the preferred spot. Depth depends on cheek thickness and whether suture-only or muscle-excision technique is chosen.
Most patients stay in Turkey for two to three nights. This schedule accommodates your pre-operative assessment and procedure on day one, rest on day two, and an in-person follow-up examination with the surgeon on day three before flying home safely.
Patient stories