Dimples are those small, natural indentations that appear on the cheeks—especially when someone smiles. Their origin is a fascinating combination of genetics and facial anatomy.
Why Do Some People Have Dimples?
Cheek dimples are usually caused by a variation in the structure of the zygomaticus major, a muscle involved in smiling. In people with dimples, this muscle may have a slightly different attachment or structure. When they smile, the skin is pulled inward at that point, creating the familiar indentation.
Are Dimples Genetic?
Dimples often run in families, which suggests a genetic component. However, the simple idea that dimples are always caused by a single dominant gene is an oversimplification. Facial anatomy involves multiple genetic and developmental factors, so dimples don’t follow a perfectly predictable inheritance pattern.
Why Are Dimples More Noticeable When Smiling?
When the facial muscles contract during a smile, the altered muscle structure pulls on the overlying skin. This makes the indentation much more visible. Some people’s dimples are barely noticeable when their face is relaxed but become prominent when they smile.
Can Dimples Disappear?
Yes. Dimples can become less noticeable with age or changes in facial structure and body composition. In some people, they remain prominent throughout life.
The Bottom Line
Those charming little cheek marks aren’t simply “holes” in the skin. They’re generally the result of natural differences in facial muscle and connective-tissue anatomy, influenced partly by genetics. So, when someone flashes a smile and their dimples appear, they’re showing off a unique feature of their facial structure.