Unilateral dimple
One dimple may suit a naturally asymmetrical smile or a patient who prefers a less formal, less mirrored appearance.
M.Ch. Plastic Surgery · Nagpur
Dimple Creation Surgery in Nagpur — Planned Around Your Natural Smile
Dimpleplasty is a small facial procedure, but the planning is not trivial. Position, depth, one cheek versus both cheeks, cheek thickness, smile movement and the possibility of a visible resting indentation all need to be discussed before surgery.
Surdham Complex, Dhantoli, Nagpur
21+ YearsSurgical practice
M.Ch.Plastic Surgery
IAAPSProfessional membership
PersonalConsultation and surgical planning
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- What is this page about?
- Dimple creation surgery, also called dimpleplasty, for adults considering one or two surgically created cheek dimples in Nagpur.
- Who provides the service?
- Dr. Pawan Shahane, M.Ch. Plastic Surgery, personally leads consultation, facial assessment, surgical planning and follow-up at Mayflower Clinic.
- Where is the clinic?
- Mayflower Clinic, Surdham Complex, Dhantoli, Nagpur — 440012, Maharashtra, India.
- What is the usual process?
- Smile assessment and marking → local anaesthesia → small incision inside the mouth → controlled internal attachment → same-day observation and follow-up.
- How is cost decided?
- Cost is individualized according to one or two cheeks, anatomy, technique, anaesthesia/facility needs, medicines, tests when needed and follow-up. A written estimate follows consultation.
- What should results be expected to do?
- The dimple is usually deeper early and may show at rest. It often softens with healing, but depth, symmetry, resting visibility and long-term persistence cannot be guaranteed.
A dimple should move with the smile—not look like a fixed puncture.
“The most important decision is not simply whether to create a dimple. It is where to place it, how deep to make it, and whether one or two dimples will suit the patient’s actual smile dynamics.”Dr. Pawan Shahane, M.Ch. Plastic Surgery · Founder, Mayflower Clinic, Nagpur
Understanding dimpleplasty
What dimple creation surgery can—and cannot—do
Natural cheek dimples are dynamic indentations produced by the relationship between skin and underlying facial tissues during expression. Dimple creation surgery attempts to reproduce a similar tether through an incision placed inside the mouth.
The goal is a modest indentation that complements the smile. It is not a method for lifting the cheek, slimming the face, changing dental alignment or correcting major facial asymmetry. A person with a broad smile, thick cheek tissue, pre-existing asymmetry or strong smile lines may need a different placement or may be advised that the requested appearance is not predictable.
Immediately after surgery, the dimple may look much deeper than expected and may remain visible when the face is relaxed. Swelling and early scar attachment can exaggerate the indentation. The appearance usually evolves during healing, but it may soften, remain conspicuous, fade or become unequal.
Concerns this procedure may address
- Creating a single cheek dimple on a selected side.
- Creating bilateral cheek dimples with planned, not mechanically identical, placement.
- Restoring definition to a previously faint dimple in selected cases.
- Discussing revision of a dimple that is too deep, too shallow, displaced or asymmetrical.
Important limitation: Complete reversal is not always predictable because dimpleplasty intentionally creates internal scar attachment. Conservative planning before the first procedure is preferable to aggressive depth.
Smile-based placement
One dimple, two dimples and the question of symmetry
Illustration only: final placement follows individual smile movement, cheek fullness and facial asymmetry.
Bilateral dimples
Two dimples are planned independently. Exact mirror-image placement may not look natural when the two sides of the face move differently.
Position
Assessment considers the mouth corner, smile line, cheek prominence, dental show and the point of natural inward movement.
Depth
A conservative dimple may soften or fade; an aggressive dimple may remain visible at rest. The trade-off should be discussed before surgery.
Patient selection
Who may be suitable—and when surgery should wait
Realistic expectations
You understand that depth, symmetry, visibility at rest and long-term persistence vary, and that a surgically created dimple may not behave exactly like a natural dimple.
Stable facial anatomy
Facial growth is complete, smile pattern is stable and the proposed position can be assessed during expression.
Healthy oral tissues
There is no active mouth ulcer, dental infection, facial skin infection or untreated inflammatory condition near the surgical area.
Medical fitness
Diabetes, blood pressure, clotting risk and medicines are reviewed and controlled before an elective procedure.
Nicotine planning
Smoking, vaping and nicotine products can affect healing. Disclosure and a surgeon-guided cessation plan may be required.
Reasons to postpone
Active infection, uncontrolled illness, high bleeding risk, poor oral hygiene, unrealistic demands or uncertain motivation may require treatment, delay or a decision not to operate.
Consultation at Mayflower Clinic
What Dr. Shahane evaluates before marking a dimple
- Smile at rest and in motion: front view, oblique view and the difference between a gentle and broad smile.
- Cheek thickness: a thicker cheek may produce a different depth and may limit how naturally the dimple moves.
- Existing asymmetry: mouth-corner height, cheek fullness, dental show and muscle movement often differ between sides.
- Requested style: one or two dimples, subtle or defined, closer to or farther from the mouth corner.
- Medical and dental history: diabetes, bleeding problems, previous facial procedures, medicines, allergies and active oral disease.
- Revision implications: the patient is told that later correction is possible in selected cases but cannot promise complete reversal.
Bring to the consultation
- A list of medicines, supplements and allergies.
- Details of previous facial surgery, fillers, threads or dental procedures.
- Reference photographs only to explain preference—not as a promised result.
- Questions about resting visibility, asymmetry, healing and revision.
Do not rely on a fixed “standard point.” Published anatomical landmarks can guide discussion, but the final mark should be individualized to the patient’s face and smile.
Procedure journey
How dimple creation surgery is planned and performed
1
Before surgery
Medical and smile assessment
Health history, medicines, oral condition, cheek thickness and smile movement are reviewed. Surgery is deferred if infection or medical risk is not controlled.
2
Planning
Marking at rest and while smiling
The proposed site is checked from the front and oblique views. One side may be marked differently from the other to respect natural asymmetry.
3
Anaesthesia
Local numbing and preparation
The cheek and inner-mouth lining are prepared and local anaesthesia is administered. Additional anaesthesia planning depends on the patient and setting.
4
Internal access
Small incision inside the mouth
A limited opening is made through the inner cheek so there is usually no external skin incision. The approach is designed to avoid unnecessary tissue trauma.
5
Dimple formation
Controlled tissue attachment
A suture-based or limited tissue-adjustment method creates a planned attachment between deeper cheek tissue and the skin. Technique is adapted to anatomy and desired depth.
6
Immediate check
Symmetry, depth and oral wound review
The surgeon checks the indentation, bleeding control and the inner-mouth wound. Early depth is not the final appearance because swelling is present.
7
Aftercare
Same-day instructions and scheduled review
The patient receives guidance on mouth care, diet, medicines, swelling, activity and warning signs. Follow-up assesses healing and the evolving dimple.
Recovery timeline
What the first days and weeks may look like
First 72 hours
Swelling, tenderness, cheek tightness and a deeper-than-planned indentation are common. The dimple may be visible continuously, including at rest.
Days 4 to 7
Swelling often begins to reduce. Continue prescribed mouth care and diet instructions. Do not press, massage or repeatedly test the dimple unless advised.
About two weeks
Many patients feel socially comfortable, although firmness, asymmetry and resting indentation can still be present.
Weeks 4 to 8
The internal attachment and surrounding tissues continue to soften. Smile-dependent movement may become clearer.
Following months
The dimple can continue to settle. Final depth and persistence vary; some dimples soften significantly or recur less strongly.
Contact earlier if needed
Increasing pain, fever, pus, rapidly enlarging swelling, persistent bleeding, facial weakness or difficulty opening the mouth require prompt review.
Aftercare
Protecting the inner-cheek wound
- Use prescribed medicines and mouth rinse exactly as directed.
- Choose soft, non-spicy foods during the early healing period.
- Avoid very hot, hard or sharp foods that may irritate the wound.
- Maintain oral hygiene without aggressively brushing or traumatizing the incision site.
- Avoid smoking, vaping and nicotine exposure as instructed.
- Do not massage, pinch or repeatedly press the dimple to “shape” it.
- Attend the scheduled review even if healing appears uncomplicated.
Red flags after dimpleplasty
Seek prompt clinical advice for severe or increasing pain, fever, foul taste or discharge, pus, rapidly increasing swelling, persistent bleeding, marked difficulty opening the mouth, new facial weakness, breathing difficulty or any sudden deterioration.
Call the clinic
Risks and limitations
Possible problems that should be discussed before surgery
Early swelling or bruising
Common early changes can temporarily make the dimple look deeper or uneven.
Bleeding or haematoma
Bleeding within the cheek can increase swelling and may require assessment or treatment.
Infection or abscess
The intraoral wound is exposed to mouth bacteria. Infection can become significant and requires prompt treatment.
Asymmetry
Two dimples may heal differently because the two sides of the face are not anatomically identical.
Too deep or visible at rest
An aggressive or persistent tether may produce a fixed-looking indentation rather than a smile-only dimple.
Too shallow, fading or recurrence
The attachment may soften or release, reducing dimple definition and occasionally prompting discussion of revision.
Suture reaction or wound issue
Irritation, extrusion, delayed healing or an uncomfortable internal knot can occur.
Contour irregularity
Firmness, tethering or an unnatural crease may persist beyond the expected swelling period.
Nearby structure injury
Injury to facial nerve branches or other nearby structures is uncommon but can affect facial movement and may require further care.
Dimple surgery cost in Nagpur
Why an exact price is given after examination
Mayflower Clinic does not use a single public “starting price” as a substitute for assessment. The surgical plan differs between one cheek and both cheeks, and the degree of tissue work, facility requirements and follow-up can vary. After consultation, the patient should receive a clear written estimate explaining what is included.
One cheek or both cheeks
The planned number of dimples changes operating time and material use.
The planned number of dimples changes operating time and material use.
Cheek anatomy and technique
Thickness, smile movement, previous surgery and revision needs can change complexity.
Thickness, smile movement, previous surgery and revision needs can change complexity.
Anaesthesia and facility
Most cases use local anaesthesia, but the final setting follows clinical assessment.
Most cases use local anaesthesia, but the final setting follows clinical assessment.
Tests and medicines
Preoperative testing is based on age, health and anaesthesia plan rather than ordered routinely for everyone.
Preoperative testing is based on age, health and anaesthesia plan rather than ordered routinely for everyone.
Follow-up care
The estimate should specify postoperative reviews and standard medicines or dressings.
The estimate should specify postoperative reviews and standard medicines or dressings.
Combined or revision surgery
Adding another procedure or correcting a previous dimple requires separate planning.
Adding another procedure or correcting a previous dimple requires separate planning.
Clinical authority
Why qualification and facial-planning experience matter
Dimpleplasty may be short, but it is still surgery in a mobile anatomical area close to facial nerve branches and oral tissues. A safe consultation should discuss anatomy, infection prevention, asymmetry, resting visibility, reversibility limitations and the possibility of revision—not only the desired photograph.
- MBBS: 2003, Yavatmal
- MS General Surgery: 2007, Government Medical College Nagpur
- M.Ch. Plastic Surgery: 2011, SSG Hospital Baroda
- Fellowship in Aesthetic Surgery
- Fellowship in Cosmetic Laser Surgery
- Ex-Assistant Professor, GMC Nagpur and NKPSIMS
- Member, Indian Medical Association and Indian Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
Detailed patient questions
Frequently asked questions about dimple creation surgery
These visible answers match the FAQ structured data supplied with this page so patients, search engines and language-model crawlers receive the same information.
What is dimple creation surgery?
Dimple creation surgery, or dimpleplasty, is a cosmetic facial procedure that creates a controlled connection between the inner cheek tissues and the overlying skin so an indentation appears, usually during smiling.
Who performs dimple creation surgery at Mayflower Clinic?
The consultation, planning and surgery are personally led by Dr. Pawan Shahane, M.Ch. Plastic Surgery, at Mayflower Clinic in Dhantoli, Nagpur.
How is dimple creation surgery performed?
After marking the proposed position, the cheek is numbed. A small opening is made inside the mouth and a carefully placed suture or limited tissue adjustment creates a controlled skin-to-deeper-tissue attachment. The exact technique is selected after examining cheek thickness, smile movement and symmetry.
Can I choose one dimple or two dimples?
Yes. Unilateral or bilateral dimple creation may be considered. The decision should account for natural facial asymmetry, smile pattern and whether two perfectly identical dimples would look artificial.
How is the position of a cheek dimple selected?
Placement is planned while the face is at rest and while smiling. Dr. Shahane evaluates smile lines, cheek fullness, the mouth corner, facial proportions and the point where an indentation would move naturally with expression.
Is dimple creation surgery done under local anaesthesia?
It is commonly performed under local anaesthesia as a short day-care procedure. Anaesthesia and facility planning are finalized only after medical evaluation.
How long does dimple creation surgery take?
A straightforward procedure often takes about 30 to 60 minutes, although planning, preparation and observation add to the total clinic time. Bilateral surgery or unusual anatomy may take longer.
Will the new dimple be visible even when I am not smiling?
A newly created dimple may initially look deeper and may be visible at rest because of swelling and the fresh internal attachment. It often becomes softer and more expression-dependent during healing, but the final depth and resting visibility vary.
Will there be a visible scar on the cheek?
The surgical access is generally inside the mouth, so an external skin incision is usually not required. Internal healing can still produce firmness, tethering or contour irregularity, and no procedure can be described as scar-free.
What is the usual recovery after dimple creation surgery?
Swelling, tenderness and a tight or deep-looking dimple are common early. Many people resume light routine within a few days, while visible settling may continue for several weeks. Individual recovery depends on anatomy, technique, oral hygiene and healing biology.
What should I eat after dimple creation surgery?
A soft, non-spicy diet and good hydration are commonly advised for the early period. The clinic may recommend gentle mouth rinsing and temporary avoidance of very hot, hard or sharp foods that could irritate the inner-cheek wound.
What are the risks of dimple creation surgery?
Possible risks include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection or abscess, asymmetry, a dimple that is too deep or too shallow, persistent indentation at rest, fading or loss of the dimple, suture reaction, mucosal wound problems, contour irregularity and the possible need for revision. Injury to nearby nerves or structures is uncommon but possible.
Can a surgically created dimple fade or change over time?
Yes. A dimple may soften, become less visible, remain visible at rest or change with facial ageing and weight variation. Results are not guaranteed to be perfectly symmetrical or permanent.
Can dimple creation surgery be reversed or corrected?
Revision may sometimes reduce, deepen or reposition a dimple, but complete reversal is not always predictable because the procedure intentionally creates internal scar attachment. This is why conservative planning is important before the first surgery.
Who may not be suitable for dimple creation surgery?
Suitability may be limited by active oral or facial infection, uncontrolled medical illness, bleeding risk, medicines that affect clotting, smoking or nicotine exposure, poor oral hygiene, problematic scarring history, unrealistic expectations or anatomy that cannot support the requested dimple safely.
What affects the cost of dimple creation surgery in Nagpur?
Cost depends on whether one or both cheeks are treated, the planned technique, cheek anatomy, anaesthesia and facility requirements, medical tests when indicated, medicines, dressings, follow-up and whether any combined procedure is planned. A written estimate is provided after consultation.
Can I get an exact dimple surgery price on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp can be used to arrange a consultation and share general information, but an exact surgical quote should follow an in-person assessment of cheek anatomy, medical history and the intended position and depth.
When should I contact the clinic urgently after dimple creation surgery?
Contact the clinic promptly for rapidly increasing swelling, severe or worsening pain, fever, pus or foul discharge, persistent bleeding, difficulty opening the mouth, facial weakness, breathing difficulty or any symptom that feels unexpected or severe.
Medical references
Selected literature used for this patient-education page
- Lari AR, et al. Anatomical basis of dimple creation — a technique paper.
- El-Sabbagh AH. Simple technique for facial dimple — case series and complications.
- Almaary HF, et al. New landmarks for surgical creation of dimples.
- Chung JM, et al. Clinical and aesthetic results of facial dimple creation.
- Saraf S, et al. Complication of dimple creation — bilateral cheek abscess case report.
References support general education. Technique and suitability are individualized after examination.
Book a Dimple Creation Consultation in Nagpur
A consultation should answer three questions clearly: where the dimple will sit, how it may look at rest and while smiling, and what happens if it heals too deep, too shallow or asymmetrically.
Medical Disclaimer: All surgical procedures carry inherent risks, and individual outcomes vary based on anatomy, skin type, oral health and healing biology. Surgical results are not guaranteed. Formal in-person consultation with Dr. Pawan Shahane is required before any surgical decision. This page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
