The Anatomy of a Dimple
To understand why dimples might change with age, it's essential to first understand their origin. A dimple, or fovea buccalis, is a small, visible indentation in the fleshy part of the cheek. They are believed to be caused by a variation in the structure of the zygomaticus major muscle, which is the main muscle responsible for pulling the corners of your mouth upwards into a smile. In most people, this muscle forms a single band from the cheekbone to the mouth's corner. In individuals with dimples, it's believed the muscle divides into two distinct bundles, or is shorter than average, causing the skin to pull inward when smiling.
Key Factors That Influence Dimple Longevity
Several biological and lifestyle factors contribute to whether your dimples fade, change, or become more pronounced as you grow older.
Loss of Facial Fat
As a baby, many infants have dimples due to the accumulation of baby fat in their cheeks. As they grow, they lose this facial fat, and the dimples often disappear. This process continues into adulthood, as facial fat naturally diminishes with age. Subcutaneous fat provides the plumpness in the cheeks that can either accentuate a dimple or fill it in, so its loss is a significant contributor to the fading of dimples.
Changes in Skin Elasticity
Collagen and elastin are two critical proteins that provide the skin with its structure and youthful elasticity. As we age, the body's production of these proteins slows down, causing the skin to lose its firmness. For some individuals, this can soften the distinct pull of the zygomaticus major muscle on the skin, making the dimple less noticeable. However, for others, the loss of elasticity and skin firmness can make underlying facial structures, and thus dimples, more prominent.
Muscle Changes and Remodeling
The facial muscles, including the zygomaticus major, can undergo changes over time. As the facial muscles stretch and lengthen with age, the muscle variation that causes the dimple may become less pronounced. This can cause the dimple to soften or disappear entirely. However, the exact way this happens can be unpredictable and varies from person to person.
Genetics and Their Role
While dimples are often cited as a dominant genetic trait, the inheritance pattern is not always straightforward. Some researchers describe them as an "irregular dominant genetic trait," meaning their appearance is influenced by multiple genes, not just one. This can explain why dimples appear in some generations but skip others within the same family. A genetically inherited dimple is less likely to disappear completely, though it may change its appearance over time.
The Spectrum of Dimple Changes
It is helpful to visualize how dimples can evolve over the course of a lifetime. The following table compares how dimples typically appear during different life stages.
| Feature | Infancy / Childhood | Adolescence | Adulthood | Later Adulthood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Often very prominent due to baby fat. | May be less noticeable as baby fat is lost. | Appearance stabilizes, may soften. | Can soften further due to volume loss, or become more prominent due to decreased elasticity. |
| Primary Cause | Cheeks plump with fat, pulling skin tight over muscle. | Transition from facial fat to muscle and skeletal structure. | The muscle variation and skin elasticity define the dimple. | Aging-related fat loss, muscle changes, and skin laxity. |
| Likelihood of Fading | High likelihood of fading as facial fat is lost. | Moderate, as facial structure matures. | Stable, but changes may begin to occur in late adulthood. | Possible fading or increased visibility depending on individual factors. |
What You Can Do
For those who love their dimples and want to keep them visible, while it is impossible to prevent natural facial changes entirely, certain habits can help maintain overall skin health and slow the signs of aging that affect dimple appearance.
- Maintain a Consistent Weight: Significant weight fluctuations can drastically change facial fat distribution, impacting the visibility of dimples.
- Practice Good Skincare: A regimen that includes sun protection, moisturizing, and collagen-boosting ingredients like retinol can help maintain skin elasticity.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining plump, healthy skin.
- Consider Facial Exercises: While not scientifically proven to create new dimples, some facial exercises may help tone underlying muscles, though results can vary.
Conclusion
So, can dimples go away with age? The answer is a bit more complex than a simple yes or no. While some dimples, particularly those present in infancy due to baby fat, may fade, genetically inherited dimples are more likely to soften or change in appearance over time rather than disappear completely. The interplay of facial fat loss, declining skin elasticity, and muscle remodeling all contribute to the evolving appearance of dimples. For those interested in deeper cosmetic solutions for maintaining facial volume, consulting a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can provide options, but for most, embracing the natural changes that come with age is part of a healthy aging perspective. For more information on genetics and facial features, a resource like the NIH's MedlinePlus offers additional insights into how traits like dimples are inherited.
