Dimpleplasty, commonly known as dimple creation surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to replicate the facial indentations that naturally appear on some individuals. These natural depressions are genetically determined, resulting from a minor variation in the structure of the buccinator muscle in the cheek, where the skin adheres more tightly to the underlying tissue. The surgical procedure mimics this natural adhesion, providing a long-lasting aesthetic change for those who desire cheek indentations that appear when smiling. Understanding the financial commitment for this elective surgery requires a close look at the typical price range and the variables that cause the cost to fluctuate.
Understanding the Cost Range for Dimpleplasty
The price for dimpleplasty procedures in the United States generally falls within a range accounting for various levels of service and geographic locations. Patients can expect the total cost to range from approximately $1,500 to $4,000. This figure is often a bundled price covering the surgeon’s fee, which is usually the most significant portion of the expense. The total cost is directly affected by the number of dimples requested; a bilateral procedure (two dimples) costs more than a unilateral procedure (a single dimple). Opting for two dimples generally places the cost in the mid to upper part of the estimated bracket.
Key Factors That Determine the Final Price
The wide variation in cost is determined by several factors related to the provider and location.
Geographic Location
The geographic location of the surgical practice is a primary variable. Clinics situated in major metropolitan areas with a high cost of living, such as New York or Los Angeles, often charge higher prices than those in smaller cities or suburban regions.
Surgeon Expertise and Facility Fees
Surgeon expertise plays a substantial role in the final bill. A board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience may charge a higher fee than a less established practitioner. The facility where the surgery takes place also adds to the expense, as procedures performed in a private, accredited surgical suite often have lower facility fees than those requiring a hospital operating room.
Anesthesia and Case Complexity
While dimpleplasty is typically performed using local anesthesia, the type of sedation used affects the price. Local anesthesia is the most common and least expensive option. If the patient requests or requires intravenous sedation, an anesthesiologist’s fee will be included, increasing the total financial outlay. The complexity of the individual case, such as the patient’s facial structure or the need for a revision procedure, can also necessitate a higher charge.
What the Dimple Creation Procedure Involves
The procedure is minimally invasive and typically completed in less than an hour. The process begins with the surgeon marking the desired location of the dimples, followed by the administration of a local anesthetic to numb the area. The patient remains awake throughout the procedure.
The surgeon makes a small incision on the inside of the cheek through the buccal mucosa, ensuring there is no visible external scar. Through this internal opening, a small amount of tissue, including a portion of the buccinator muscle, is carefully removed. This action creates a controlled defect in the muscle layer beneath the skin.
A dissolvable suture is then passed through the inside of the cheek to connect the underside of the skin to the deeper tissue. When tied, this suture creates an adhesion that pulls the skin inward, forming the dimple. This technique replicates the natural anatomical structure that causes a dimple to appear when the patient smiles.
Recovery, Results, and Hidden Expenses
The initial recovery period is relatively brief, with most patients returning to normal activities within one to two days. Immediately following the procedure, patients commonly experience mild swelling and soreness, manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Surgeons often recommend a soft or liquid diet for the first few days to protect the internal incision site as it heals.
The long-term results transition over several weeks. Initially, the dimple may be present even when the face is at rest, but as internal swelling subsides, the indentation typically appears only during facial movement, such as smiling.
Hidden Expenses
Beyond the quoted surgical fee, patients should budget for secondary expenses not included in the initial price. These hidden costs often include prescription medications, such as antibiotics and stronger pain relievers, as well as specialized mouthwash for post-operative oral hygiene. Follow-up visits with the surgeon to monitor healing are also a consideration. While some practices bundle these, others may charge a separate fee for each post-operative appointment, particularly if a minor revision is needed.