The Genetic Cause of Dimples
At the core, dimples are not a sign of aging but a result of a minor anatomical variation in the zygomaticus major, a facial muscle responsible for raising the corners of your mouth when you smile. In most people, this muscle is a single strand that extends from the cheekbone to the mouth. However, in individuals with dimples, the muscle may have a different structure, often splitting into two smaller bundles before attaching to the corner of the mouth.
This division creates a slight indentation in the skin, which becomes more prominent during a smile. It is this underlying muscular structure, not the aging process itself, that is the primary reason for a person having permanent dimples. This trait is widely considered to have a genetic component, although its inheritance pattern is not always straightforward or perfectly predictable.
The Role of Fat and Facial Remodeling
So, why do some people report that they can see new dimples form as they age? The answer lies in the dynamic nature of facial fat. Many infants are born with chubby, 'baby-fat' cheeks, which can either hide existing genetic dimples or create temporary ones that disappear as the child grows and loses that facial fat. Conversely, some individuals with the genetic predisposition for dimples may have them hidden by baby fat in their youth, only for them to emerge or become more prominent as their face thins out later in life.
As we age, facial fat naturally decreases and remodels. This process can make underlying facial structures, including that split zygomaticus major muscle, more visible. The shift in facial fat distribution can alter how the skin stretches over the muscle, bringing previously unseen dimples into view or causing existing ones to deepen. For some, this change can create the illusion that they are developing dimples for the first time.
Skin Elasticity and the Appearance of Dimples
Another major factor in how dimples appear and change over time is skin elasticity. As we get older, the skin begins to lose collagen and elastin, two key proteins that keep it firm and supple. This loss of elasticity can have a dual effect on dimples:
- Increasing Visibility: For those with existing dimples, the surrounding skin may become looser, causing the indentation to appear deeper and more noticeable as it settles around the bifid muscle. This is often observed in later years.
- Decreasing Visibility: In some cases, the skin’s increasing laxity can cause the entire face to sag slightly, which might cause a previously prominent dimple to flatten out or become less distinct.
Because of these changes, the journey of a person's dimples—from their childhood appearance to their visibility in old age—is highly individual and depends on a complex interplay of genetics, weight fluctuation, and the natural progression of aging skin.
How Age-Related Changes Compare to Genetic Dimples
| Feature | Genetic Dimples | Age/Weight-Related Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Bifid zygomaticus major muscle. | Remodeling of facial fat and loss of skin elasticity. |
| Timing | Often present from birth or early childhood. | Appear later in life as facial structure changes. |
| Permanence | Typically permanent, though visibility can change. | Can be temporary, depending on fluctuations in weight and swelling. |
| Health Impact | None; a normal anatomical variation. | No health risks; part of the natural aging process. |
| Treatment | N/A | Can be affected by weight loss/gain or cosmetic procedures. |
| Visibility | Prominent when smiling or speaking. | Can become more or less pronounced as facial features shift. |
Can You Create Dimples Later in Life?
If you don't have natural dimples but wish you did, it's important to understand that aging itself will not create a new genetic dimple. The market, however, does offer options:
- Dimpleplasty: This is a cosmetic surgical procedure that creates a small indentation in the cheek. A stitch is used to tether the skin to the underlying muscle, mimicking the natural anatomical variation that causes dimples. The procedure is relatively quick and can offer a permanent result.
- Facial Exercises and 'Trainers': Some believe that facial exercises or wearing devices can create dimples. Medical experts generally discredit these methods, as they cannot alter the fundamental structure of the zygomaticus major muscle. Any temporary indentation they produce is not a true dimple.
Understanding the Uniqueness of Your Features
Ultimately, the appearance of dimples is a unique aspect of your genetic makeup, not a function of getting older. While you might notice changes in their prominence due to weight loss or the natural aging process affecting skin and fat, the foundational structure is set. Embrace the features you have, and if you have questions about cosmetic procedures, it's best to consult with a qualified professional. For more information on human genetics and inherited traits, you can visit the MedlinePlus website.
In conclusion, the mystery of whether dimples can form later in life is solved not by the calendar, but by the biology beneath our skin. They are a charming reminder of our genetic blueprint, subject to subtle shifts as we move through life's natural changes.
