The Dimples of Venus are symmetrical indentations that appear on the lower back of some individuals. Scientifically known as fossae lumbales laterales (lateral lumbar indentations), these depressions are a naturally occurring anatomical feature. They are a benign structural characteristic of the lower torso that appears at birth and holds no medical significance.
Anatomical Structure and Location
The Dimples of Venus present as a pair of shallow indentations situated just above the buttocks. They are positioned directly over the sacroiliac joints, where the sacrum connects to the ilium (a large bone of the pelvis). This location places them lateral to the spine, on either side of the midline.
The depression is formed because the skin in this area is tethered down to the underlying skeletal structures. This tethering occurs at the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), a bony projection at the back of the pelvis. The visual appearance is a direct result of this firm connection between the dermis and the deeper bone and fascia. The indentations become more noticeable when the surrounding tissue is less bulky, allowing the fixed point to pull the skin inward.
Genetic and Structural Causes
The presence of the Dimples of Venus is a structural outcome determined by the body’s connective tissues. The dimple is created by a short, tight fibrous ligament that stretches between the skin and the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). This ligament anchors the skin directly to the bone, causing the depression.
The specific length and tension of this fibrous connection are largely influenced by inherited genetic factors. The trait is widely believed to be genetically predetermined, meaning a person either possesses this short ligament structure or they do not. Since the feature is not a result of muscle tone, it cannot be created or altered through physical training or targeted exercise.
Health Myths and Aesthetic Context
The Dimples of Venus are frequently surrounded by popular misconceptions regarding health. One common belief is that these indentations indicate superior blood circulation or heightened sexual health. Medical consensus confirms they are purely structural features with no known physiological impact on health, circulation, or sexual function.
The dimples are not an indicator of fitness level or body weight, though they may become more visible in individuals with a lower percentage of body fat. Reducing body fat decreases the amount of subcutaneous tissue, making the fixed point of the skin-to-bone ligament more prominent. They are present in both sexes; when observed in men, they are sometimes called the “Dimples of Apollo.” The informal name, Dimples of Venus, reflects a cultural perception of the feature as aesthetically pleasing.