Indian Dimples: A Guide to This Rare Facial Dimple

Double board-certified dermatologist Ellen Turner, MD explains what this unique facial feature is & whether it’s attractive

Co-authored by Ellen Turner, MD and Jennifer Vasquez, BA, MA

Last Updated: June 16, 2026 Fact Checked

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What They Are

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Common or Rare?

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Attractiveness

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How to Get Indian Dimples

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Video

There are different kinds of face dimples, and Indian dimples are one type. While some are more common than others, Indian dimples are considered to be rather unique. With so much curiosity surrounding them, we’re here to share what they are. We’re explaining what they look like, how rare they are, and what makes them attractive with insights from a dermatologist.

Indian Dimples, Explained!

Double board-certified dermatologist Ellen Turner, MD says Indian dimples are dimpling along the smile lines. The indentations are located between the top of the cheek and the bottom of the hollow of the eye. They’re considered rarer than lower-cheek dimples and seen by some as a sign of beauty and good luck.

Section 1 of 4:

What are Indian dimples?

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Indian dimples are small depressions on the upper cheek. Dr. Turner notes that Indian dimples are dimpling along the smile lines.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Ellen Turner, MD
Double Board-Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview} They’re located right above the cheekbone or under the eye. They’re also referred to as mid-cheek grooves or malar grooves and form when soft tissue in the cheek is bound to underlying ligaments. This causes the dimpling effect in this part of the face when smiling.
- Facial dimples, in general, are caused by an anomaly in the zygomaticus major muscle, which controls facial expressions. Normally, this muscle is a single band, but in people with dimples, the muscle splits into two parts. The space in between the muscle creates the dimple.^{[2]
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- It’s not clear where the name “Indian dimples” originated. These dimples are also referred to as “whisker dimples” and “upper cheek dimples.” Whether or not you have Indian dimples doesn't appear to be tied to cultural or ethnic identity.
Meet the wikiHow Expert

Ellen Turner, MD is a double board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Dermatology Office, specializing in medical, cosmetic, surgical, and laser procedures.
Some studies show that facial dimples are an inherited trait. If one parent has dimples, there’s a possibility this trait can be passed down to one or more of their children. However, there’s no conclusive evidence that any type of dimple is inherited. More research needs to be done on which genes are responsible for forming dimples.^{[3]
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Section 2 of 4:

How common are Indian dimples?

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Indian dimples are considered rare. There’s no exact number on how many people have Indian dimples. However, it’s believed an estimated 20% to 30% of the world’s population have cheek dimples. The number of individuals with Indian dimples is believed to be even smaller.^{[4]
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- Discussion threads on Reddit and Quora seem to show that many people view Indian dimples as a more rare physical trait.
- Dahlia dimples are different. While also quite rare, Dahlia dimples occur on the corners of the mouth.

Section 3 of 4:

Are Indian dimples attractive?

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Indian dimples are considered a desirable trait by many. In certain cultures, facial dimples are associated with good luck, fertility, or youthfulness. In China, some believe people with dimples will be prosperous in their careers.^{[5]
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Research source} Dr. Turner adds that Indian dimples “are definitely considered a positive aesthetic feature associated with warmth, empathy, and attractiveness.”^{[6]
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Expert Source

Ellen Turner, MD
Double Board-Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview} Overall, cheek dimples are often seen as a sign of beauty.
- There’s a misconception that these indentations are a result of aging or sagging skin. However, that’s not the case with Indian dimples. They occur naturally and people of any age can have them.
It’s believed having upper cheek dimples signifies sensitivity and a calm demeanor. Those with Indian dimples might have better composure and the ability to form deeper bonds with others. It’s also said individuals with these type of dimples can be great at nurturing and listening.^{[7]
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Section 4 of 4:

How to Get Indian Dimples

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Use contouring and highlighting techniques. Experimenting with shadows and depth in the upper cheek area may give the illusion of an Indian dimple. For instance, you can use a brow or eyeliner pencil to lightly mark the areas where you want the upper cheek dimple, and blend this out with a brush for a natural finish.^{[8]
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- If you already have Indian dimples, make them stand out with eyeshadow. Pick a shade that’s one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Apply it lightly to the dimple area with a small makeup brush, and blend.
Certain facial yoga workouts may help with bringing out dimples by strengthening your cheek muscles. One face exercise involves sucking in your cheeks. Hold the position for a few seconds, then let go. Repeat this a few times a day.^{[9]
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Try cosmetic procedures. “There are simple surgical procedures which can be performed from inside the mouth to give the appearance of Indian dimpling if someone does not have this attribute naturally,” explains Dr. Turner.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Ellen Turner, MD
Double Board-Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview} Dimpleplasty is a more invasive procedure where an incision is made inside the mouth where the dimple will be placed. A stitch is threaded in and out of the skin to tether the muscle and create the dimpling effect.^{[11]
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- Dr. Turner notes that over time, Indian dimples created through surgery become less obvious and may have to be repeated if a patient desires their continued appearance.^{[12]
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- Injections specialist Jessica Lu says Botox can be a way to make dimples more prominent for someone who already has them.^{[13]
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