Dimple Surgery Sydney
Introduction
The procedure for creating dimples is actually quite simple and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. During surgery the skin and the cheek muscle are connected so that when the muscle contracts, it pulls the skin inwards to form a dimple, in exactly the same way as a natural dimple.
Surgical procedure (Dimple Reconstruction)
To create cheek dimples a thin circle of skin is removed from the inside of the cheek. This is done by cutting out a portion of the mucosa (inner cheek skin), the sub-mucosal fat and the cheek muscle using a punch biopsy instrument.
This area of missing tissue is then stitched together using an absorbable suture. The stitch goes through the cheek muscle on one side of the circle of missing tissue, then through the dermis layer of the skin and back through the cheek muscle on the other side of the circle. A surgical knot is tied, and a dimple is created, even when not smiling.
Within a week or two, as the suture absorbs, the cheek will flatten out and the dimple will disappear (when not smiling). However, as scarring occurs inside the cheek, the muscle will connect to the skin and create a dimple when you smile.
Hospital Admission
Out Patient procedure. No admission necessary.
Duration of operation
One to three hours
Anaesthetic
Local anaesthesia
Pre Operative Care
Before surgery please inform your surgeon of any allergies, all medical conditions, and medication you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription). You should also not smoke for 2 weeks before surgery as smoking can affect your reaction to the anaesthetic and slow down the healing process. Patients who suffer from hypertension must inform the surgeon before surgery. To eliminate the chance of post-op. bleeding you should avoid aspirin and any medication containing aspirin or brufen for two weeks before surgery.
Post Operative Care
You may return to normal activities straight after the procedure.
In the first few months, you should regularly rinse your mouth with Betadine oral antiseptic solution or Bactidol (chlorhexidine) solution, and the surgeon may prescribe antibiotics.
Sydney Cheek Dimple Surgery Costs
| Procedure | Price Estimate | Conditions / Comments |
|---|
| Insertion of Cheek Implants | $9,900-$15,990 | This price includes surgeon fee, implants cost (Silicone or Medpor implants) anaesthetic fee 6 weeks follow up. Additional hospital fees apply. |
| Insertion of chin implant | $8,900-$13,990 | This price includes surgeon fee, implants cost (Silicone, GoreTex or Medpor implants ) anaesthetic fee & 6 weeks follow up. Additional hospital fees apply. |
| Genioplasty | $13,990 | This price covers the surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee, & follow up. It assumes top hospital cover with a private fund. If fund cover does not apply in your situation, plan for additional hospital fees. |
| Buccal Fat Pad Removal (both sides) | $4,990 | This price includes surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee, & 6 weeks follow up. Hospital fees are additional. |
| Dimple Surgery | $2,500 single $4,500 both sides |
Out patient procedure using local anaesthetic. Hospital fees are additional cost. |
Frequently Asked Questions : Dimple Surgery
Dimple surgery is a highly precise outpatient procedure performed entirely from inside the mouth. Dr Barnouti makes a tiny, controlled incision in the inner cheek mucosa (the lining of the cheek) to access the buccinator muscle. A small dissolvable suture is then passed through the inside of the cheek to bind the underside of the skin to the underlying muscle tissue. This creates a permanent internal anchor point that mimics natural anatomy.
In line with our clinic’s current surgical fee structure, pricing for a dimpleplasty is starting from $2,500 for a single cheek dimple, and starting from $4,500 for both sides. This fee covers the specialist surgeon’s fee, local anaesthetic, and all post-operative follow-up appointments for six weeks. Please note that additional hospital or clinical facility fees may apply. A definitive, itemised quote will be provided after your clinical consultation.
No. Because the entire procedure is conducted through the internal lining of your cheek (the buccal mucosa), there are absolutely no external incisions made on the surface of your skin. This means you will have no visible external scars on your face.
Yes, a surgical dimpleplasty is designed to provide permanent results. Initially, the newly created dimple will be visible even when your face is at rest; this is a normal part of the early healing phase. Over a period of several weeks to a few months, the internal suture dissolves, leaving natural scar tissue to maintain the bond. Once fully healed, the dimple will behave like a natural one—appearing predominantly when you smile or speak, and smoothing out when your face is relaxed.
Because it is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anaesthetic, recovery is generally swift:
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Initial Swelling: Mild swelling and bruising inside the cheek are normal and typically subside within 3 to 7 days.
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Return to Work: Most patients feel completely comfortable returning to work or studies within 1 to 2 days.
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Oral Hygiene: You will be prescribed a special antiseptic mouthwash to use after meals for the first week to ensure the internal incisions stay clean and free from infection.
Yes. Under the strict cosmetic safety guidelines enforced by AHPRA and the Medical Board of Australia, all patients must provide a valid referral from an independent General Practitioner (GP) before booking a clinical evaluation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Additionally, a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period is legally required following your consultation before your surgery can be formally scheduled.
Page Content Clinically Reviewed by Dr Barnouti
Dr. Barnouti (MED: 0001192783) is a Board-Certified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 25 years of experience performing advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), a member of ASAPS, and serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of NSW.
Dr. Barnouti operates out of leading, fully accredited Sydney hospitals with a strict focus on patient safety.
Dr. Barnouti (MED: 0001192783)