What Causes Dimples?

TL;DR

Dimples are caused by a variation in the zygomaticus major muscle, but they can also be influenced by genetics, age, and environmental factors.

Transcript

Dimples! We tend to think of them as cute or attractive… I mean, can you picture Joseph Gordon Levitt without them?! But considering how coveted these facial features can be, we know surprisingly little about them. Cheek dimples aren’t exactly at the top of many researchers’ priority lists, which I suppose is how it should be. But we’re not even q... Read More

Key Insights

• 💪 Cheek dimples are caused by a variation in the zygomaticus major muscle, which splits into two and attaches differently.
• ❓ Dimples can be inherited, but the genetics behind them are not well understood, and multiple genes may be involved.
• 🤕 Environmental factors, such as age and fat content in the face, can also influence the presence of dimples.
• ⌛ Dimples can appear and disappear over time, with some individuals only developing them in adulthood or during childhood.
• ❓ Plastic surgery can create dimples, but the procedure is not always permanent.
• 👯 Dimples are a common facial feature, with studies suggesting that 10 to 40 percent of people have them.
• 👨‍🔬 More research is needed to fully understand the genetics and development of dimples.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do dimples form?

Dimples form when the zygomaticus major muscle splits into two and attaches to different spots, causing the skin to buckle when the muscle contracts.

Q: Are dimples inherited?

The inheritance of dimples is not well understood. Some studies suggest that it is a dominant trait controlled by one gene, while others indicate that multiple genes and environmental factors play a role.

Q: Can dimples appear and disappear over time?

Yes, dimples can come and go over time. Some people only develop dimples in adulthood, while others have them only during childhood.

Q: Can dimples be created through surgery?

Yes, plastic surgeons can create dimples through a procedure that attaches skin to the buccinator muscle. However, this technique is not always permanent.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Cheek dimples are common, with studies showing that anywhere between 10 and 40 percent of people have them.

• Dimples are caused by a variation in the zygomaticus major muscle, which splits into two and attaches to different spots, causing the skin to buckle when the muscle contracts.

• The inheritance of dimples is not well understood, with conflicting studies suggesting both dominant and multifactorial genetics.