In the age of social media and viral trends, the quest for beauty standards often takes unusual and sometimes dangerous paths. One such trend gaining popularity on platforms like TikTok involves creating fake dimples, a distinctive and often hereditary facial feature.
While the allure of having this charming indentation is tempting, experts are warning that the technique employed to achieve it could potentially cause permanent nerve damage and scarring.
Natural dimples are relatively rare, gracing only about 20% to 30% of the world’s population, according to Allure Plastic Surgery. They typically form when a facial muscle, the zygomaticus major, splits in two. However, this rarity has sparked a surge in interest, with people on TikTok attempting to create fake dimples using a device known as the “dimple maker.”
The “dimple maker” is a tool resembling a cherry, equipped with a curved wire and pearl-like balls on the ends. Users pinch the inner and outer sides of their cheeks to simulate natural dimples. On TikTok, the hashtag #dimplemakers has gained immense popularity, amassing 60.9 million views, and the product is selling rapidly on Etsy shops due to high demand.
The concept of dimple-making tools isn’t new and predates the TikTok trend. In fact, the original tool was introduced in 1936 by inventor E. Isabella Gilbert, from Rochester, New York, promising to “make a fine set” of dimples when used. While these devices can produce faux dimples, it’s crucial to understand that the results are likely temporary. Compared to surgical methods, such as dimpleplasty, dimple makers are less invasive. However, they may still pose risks to those who use them.
The duration of the dimple’s appearance depends on various factors, including the tightness of the clamp and the amount of fat in the user’s cheeks. Dr. Jonathan Kaplan, a plastic surgeon with Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, California, has advised caution. If the device is worn too tightly or for an extended period, it can obstruct blood flow to the compressed area on the cheek, potentially resulting in the death of fat tissue.
Furthermore, overuse of the dimple maker can lead to the formation of a hard lump on the inside of the cheek or leave a scar where skin cells have died. Dr. Alan Matarasso, the board vice president of development for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, emphasized the gravity of the situation, comparing it to a wet match that, once soaked enough, is irreversibly damaged.
Kaplan, however, believes that most users wouldn’t be able to tolerate the pain of these injuries for a prolonged period, making permanent damage less likely. The allure of achieving the perfect dimple often overshadows the potential risks associated with DIY methods.
Matarasso warned against home remedies and fads, especially those affecting the face, as any complications can have irreversible consequences. The desire for dimples, though driven by social media trends and the quest for unconventional beauty, should be approached with caution.
While dimple-making tools may seem harmless, the potential for permanent nerve damage, scarring, and other complications is a real concern. Seeking professional advice and considering the long-term implications of such beauty trends is essential to safeguard one’s health and well-being. The pursuit of beauty should never come at the cost of one’s safety and long-term health.
Reference
New York Post, “Smiling influencers love the ‘dimple maker’ — but it could cause permanent damage” https://nypost.com/2023/10/18/smiling-influencers-love-the-dimple-maker-but-it-could-cause-permanent-damage/.
