Dimple isn’t simple! Bengalureans shelling out up to Rs 60,000 to carve that perfect smile

BENGALURU: City-based plastic surgeons have reported a steady rise in women actively seeking artificial dimples, reviving a beauty trend that had peaked more than a decade ago. Most enquiries come from women aged between 20 and 40, who are willing to spend anywhere between Rs 45,000 and Rs 60,000 to add a permanent marker of charm to their smile.

If the dimple dream of the early 2010s was shaped by Bollywood's poster girl Preity Zinta, the current wave is driven by stars such as Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone, and Sandalwood favourite Rachita Ram. "Interest resurfaced over the last few years, especially among young women," said Dr Raghvendra K, consultant plastic surgeon at TriLife Hospital. "Most patients are influenced by the appearance of Bollywood actresses," he added.


The appeal is not merely cosmetic. According to Dr Venkatesh MS, HOD and consultant, department of plastic surgery, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, dimples also carry a cultural meaning.

Dr Surendra VHH, dermatologist at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, said he sees 3-4 patients every month, enquiring about artificial cheek dimples — the majority being women in the 20-40 age bracket. "It is a procedure done under local anaesthesia and takes 1-2 hours."

The surge in interest notwithstanding, doctors caution that dimple creation, like any other surgical procedure, comes with its own share of risks. These range from temporary numbness, tightness, bruising, and soreness to more serious complications such as oral infections.

"Since the incision is made from inside the oral cavity, there is a risk of infection, especially if oral hygiene is not maintained well after the procedure," Dr Raghvendra cautioned. He added that, in rare cases, the dimple may remain permanently visible, even though it is meant to appear only while smiling.

"It is important to know that no cosmetic procedure can completely transform one's look to resemble another individual. Therefore, it is crucial to assess whether the patient has realistic goals — only those with realistic expectations will be satisfied with the results," Dr Venkatesh explained.