Cheek dimple surgery: A review of techniques and complications

Abstract

The cheek dimple is one of the characteristics of an attractive face. Cheek dimples can exist naturally in a person or have been caused by surgery. This article aims is to review the literature on the anatomical features, the cause of cheek dimples, surgical techniques for cheek dimples, and complications associated with this surgery. The authors performed a literature review that focused on cheek dimple surgery. PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched through March 2022. There were multiple techniques described for cheek dimples surgery. The basic principle of cheek dimple creation is to create an adhesion between the buccinator muscle and dermis. The essential point in all methods is the accuracy in the site of mucosal incision; so that no damage is done to the Stensen's duct. Most complications associated with cheek dimple surgery are minor, easily controlled, and can be avoided by attention to surgical technique and understanding the regional anatomy.