Dimples are often seen as symbols of beauty, charm, and youthful appeal. While some people are naturally blessed with them, others opt for cosmetic procedures to achieve that same attractive look. With advancements in aesthetic treatments, Dimple creation in Islamabad has become one of the most sought-after minor cosmetic surgeries. It is a quick, safe, and minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia to create natural-looking dimples.
Although dimple creation surgery is considered safe, it is still a surgical procedure — and, like any surgery, it comes with potential side effects. Fortunately, most of these side effects are mild, temporary, and easily manageable with proper care. In this blog, we will explore the common side effects of dimple creation and provide useful tips on how to prevent or minimize them for a smooth recovery.
Understanding the Dimple Creation Procedure
Before discussing side effects, it’s helpful to understand what the surgery involves. Dimple creation (also called dimpleplasty) is a minor outpatient procedure that typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision inside the cheek to create a connection between the facial skin and the underlying muscle.
When you smile, the muscle contracts, pulling the skin inward and forming a dimple. Since the incision is made inside the mouth, there are no visible scars, and the results appear natural once healing is complete.
While the surgery is relatively simple, its success and safety depend on factors such as the surgeon’s expertise, sterilization standards, and post-operative care.
Common Side Effects After Dimple Creation
Dimple creation is a safe and low-risk procedure when performed by an experienced professional. However, it is normal to experience mild and temporary side effects as your body heals. Let’s take a closer look at the most common ones.
1. Swelling and Bruising
Swelling and bruising are the most common side effects after any facial procedure, including dimple surgery. This occurs because the tissues inside the cheek are temporarily disturbed during the process.
How to avoid or reduce it:
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Apply cold compresses to the affected area for the first 24–48 hours.
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Keep your head elevated while sleeping to minimize fluid buildup.
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Avoid salty foods, as they can worsen swelling.
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Follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions and avoid touching the area unnecessarily.
Swelling typically begins to subside within a few days, and most people notice a significant improvement after one week.
2. Mild Pain or Discomfort
Since the surgery is performed under local anesthesia, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. However, mild soreness or discomfort can appear once the anesthesia wears off. This is part of the healing process and usually resolves within a few days.
How to manage it:
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Take prescribed pain relievers or over-the-counter medications (as approved by your doctor).
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Avoid spicy or acidic foods that could irritate the incision inside your mouth.
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Maintain a soft-food diet (such as soups, smoothies, and mashed foods) for the first few days.
Pain is generally minimal and short-lived when proper aftercare is followed.
3. Temporary Dimples (Even Without Smiling)
Immediately after surgery, your dimples might appear visible even when you’re not smiling. This happens because the sutures temporarily tether the skin to the underlying muscle.
Don’t worry — this is normal. As your tissue heals and adjusts, the dimples gradually begin to appear only when you smile. This transition typically occurs over 2 to 3 weeks.
How to handle it:
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Be patient and allow your face to heal naturally.
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Avoid massaging or manipulating the area, as this can affect healing and symmetry.
4. Minor Bleeding or Fluid Discharge
A small amount of bleeding or fluid discharge may occur in the first 24 hours. This is completely normal and should not cause concern unless it becomes excessive.
How to prevent it:
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Avoid brushing your inner cheeks aggressively.
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Do not consume hot beverages for at least 24 hours.
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Rinse your mouth gently with an antiseptic mouthwash or saltwater solution to keep the incision clean.
If bleeding persists beyond the first day, contact your surgeon for further evaluation.
5. Risk of Infection
Since the incision is made inside the mouth, bacteria can potentially cause an infection if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Signs of infection include redness, pain, swelling, or discharge with an unpleasant odor.
How to prevent infection:
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Follow all post-operative cleaning instructions carefully.
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Use prescribed antibiotics or antibacterial mouthwash as directed.
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Avoid smoking or alcohol, as they can slow down healing and increase infection risk.
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Keep your hands away from your face and avoid touching the surgical site.
With proper care, infections are extremely rare and easily preventable.
6. Asymmetry in Dimples
Some patients might notice that one dimple appears deeper or slightly different than the other. This can happen due to natural facial muscle differences, uneven healing, or incorrect placement during surgery.
How to avoid it:
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Choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who understands facial anatomy.
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Attend all your follow-up appointments to allow your surgeon to monitor healing.
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Avoid unnecessary facial manipulation or massaging the cheeks during recovery.
If asymmetry persists, minor adjustments can usually correct it.
7. Temporary Numbness
You might feel slight numbness or tingling in the cheeks after surgery. This happens because the facial nerves are temporarily affected during the procedure.
How to manage it:
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Numbness typically resolves within a few days to a week as the tissues recover.
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Avoid pressing or massaging the cheeks to allow nerves to heal naturally.
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Report any prolonged numbness to your surgeon for assessment.
8. Scarring (Rare)
Since the incision is made inside the mouth, visible scarring is not an issue. However, improper healing or infection can occasionally cause internal scar tissue formation, leading to irregular dimples.
Prevention tips:
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Keep the incision area clean and free from irritation.
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Follow your surgeon’s oral hygiene recommendations strictly.
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Attend your follow-up visits to monitor healing progress.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Recovery
To minimize side effects and promote faster healing after dimple creation surgery, here are some professional tips:
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Follow your surgeon’s instructions: These are tailored to your specific needs and essential for safe recovery.
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Eat soft, nutritious foods: Avoid chewing hard or sticky items that can irritate the incision.
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Avoid smoking and alcohol: Both can delay healing and increase infection risk.
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Maintain proper oral hygiene: Use a prescribed mouthwash to keep your mouth bacteria-free.
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Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support tissue healing.
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Get enough rest: Allow your body time to recover and heal naturally.
When to Contact Your Surgeon
While mild side effects are normal, you should immediately contact your surgeon if you experience:
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Persistent pain or swelling after one week
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Fever or pus discharge from the surgical area
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Uneven or lopsided dimples
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Continuous bleeding
Timely communication helps prevent complications and ensures optimal healing.
Conclusion
Dimple creation surgery is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective way to enhance your smile. While mild side effects such as swelling, bruising, or soreness are common, they are temporary and easily manageable with proper aftercare and guidance from your cosmetic surgeon.
By following recovery tips and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can ensure a smooth healing process and enjoy long-lasting, natural-looking results.
If you’re considering Dimple creation in Islamabad, always choose an experienced surgeon and a reputable clinic for your procedure. At Dynamic Aesthetic Clinic, highly trained professionals use advanced techniques and strict hygiene protocols to ensure both safety and beautiful, natural results. From consultation to recovery, you’ll receive expert care every step of the way.
