Cheek dimples are the result of a muscle in the cheek, the zygomaticus major, splitting in two. Before birth this muscle can split into a superior bundle that is positioned above the corner of the mouth, and an inferior bundle, below the corner of the mouth.
Dimples—indentations on the cheeks—tend to occur in families, and this trait is assumed to be inherited. Dimples are usually considered a dominant genetic trait, which means that one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause dimples.
Most people do not know that dimples are actually genetic defects. Cause of dimple formation is a developmental variation in the facial muscle called the zygomaticus major. This zygomaticus major muscle is involved in the facial expressions and helps the corners of the mouth lift while smiling.
While it is rather common to see individuals with cheek dimples, not everyone has them. Approximately 20-30% of the world's population has dimples, making them less common than desired.
Numerous cultures believe that cheek dimples are a good luck charm that entices people who perceive them as physically attractive, but they are also associated with heroism and innocence, which has been included in literature for many centuries.
Dimples occurring on both cheeks are more common than that occurring only one cheek.
"Fat in the area may remodel over time which may make dimples appear more, or less, apparent as the face ages and remodels," said Elledge. "Hence some people will 'lose' their dimples as they age, while in others, they may become more pronounced."
The rarest type of dimple is the unilateral cheek dimple where a person has a dimple on one cheek only. Dimples can also occur in other parts of the body. The most common is the bilateral back dimples.
Psychological facts about dimples
Dimples indicate beauty, happiness, and luck. A psychological fact about dimples is that people with dimples find them lucky, charming, and blessed which is converted into their behavior too. You would generally find them more confident although exceptions are there.
While dimples are sometimes referred to as a congenital disability, the science doesn't back this with no evident health risks accompanying dimples.
There are even surgeries and other ways that people use to try to get dimples. It is a very desirable feature to have. But what a lot of people actually don't know is this: Dimples are actually a deformity, an abnormality, or birth defect. Dimples are caused by the facial muscle called Zygomaticus Major.
Dimples are sometimes caused due to the presence of excessive fat on your face. These dimples are not permanent and will disappear once the excess fat is gone. Such dimples are not a good indicator of health and can be eliminated with proper diet and exercise.
A combination of exercise, diet and treatments can reduce the appearance of cellulite. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved several treatments for cellulite, including Cellfina®, Cellulaze® and Qwo®. These can improve the appearance of dimples on your skin.
Actor John Travolta has a prominent dimple in his chin. Other actors with a cleft chin include Cary Grant, Kirk Douglas, Jude Law, Ben Affleck and Russell Crowe, who often covers his with a scruffy beard. Chin dimples seem to be more common in men than women, although actress Eva Longoria sports a delicate one.
However, the adoration received in the present for the dimples can quickly turn tables when one ages. With loss of volume in the cheeks, dimples turn into wrinkles and distinct lines that run down around the mouth; drastically changing its once adorable appearance.
Yes. So if you have a set of cute dimples, you might want to thank your parents. Dimples are actually caused by shorter muscles around the mouth that result in a small dent in the flesh when one smiles.
Dimples are actually an infrequent occurrence, enough so to even get their own scientific name! Dimples, not just on cheeks, are scientifically known as gelatin. Only 20 to 30 percent of the world's population have dimples, whether on the cheek or otherwise, making them incredibly rare and dimples a desirable trait.
Cheek dimples are often associated with youth and beauty and are seen as an attractive quality in a person's face, making the smile more cheerful.
How common are sacral dimples? Approximately 3% to 8% of babies are born with a sacral dimple.
Dimples on a woman make her extra attractive and very cute. Studies show that 90% of men get attracted to women who have these little dents in their cheeks.