When you smile, unique indentations may appear in your upper cheeks. These facial features are a natural variation in human anatomy, linked to the intricate network of muscles and soft tissues beneath the skin that move and contract during facial expressions. Understanding these underlying structures provides insight into why these indentations emerge with a smile.
The Anatomy Behind Facial Indents
The primary muscle involved in creating smile-related indentations in the cheek area is the zygomaticus major. This muscle originates from the cheekbone, known as the zygomatic bone, and extends downward to connect near the corners of the mouth. When you smile, the zygomaticus major contracts, pulling the corners of your mouth upwards and outwards. This action is fundamental to forming a smile.
In some individuals, the zygomaticus major muscle divides into two distinct bundles before its insertion point. This anatomical split, sometimes called a bifid zygomaticus major, means one part attaches at the mouth’s corner, while another might attach to the skin slightly above or below. As the muscle contracts during a smile, the skin overlying this division pulls inward, creating the visible indentation. This muscular variation commonly explains these facial features.
Beyond muscle variations, facial fat pads also influence the appearance of these dents. The buccal fat pad, for instance, is an encapsulated mass of fat located deep within the cheek, positioned between various facial muscles. Its specific shape and interaction with the overlying skin and muscles can contribute to the indentations that appear when the face moves. The precise interplay between muscle attachments and soft tissue volume determines the exact location and depth of these smile-induced indents.
Differentiating Facial Indentations
Facial indentations, while generally referred to as “dimples,” can vary significantly in their appearance and precise location. Classic dimples are often located lower on the cheek, typically near the corners of the mouth, and are most commonly associated with the bifid zygomaticus major muscle pulling the skin inward when smiling. This muscular anomaly creates a distinct, often rounded, depression. The presence of these traditional dimples is widely considered to be a genetic trait, frequently passed down through families.
Upper cheek dents, however, appear slightly higher on the cheek, sometimes closer to the nose or cheekbone area, when a person smiles. While stemming from variations in facial muscle and tissue, their exact formation may involve subtle differences in muscle attachment points or how the skin interacts with underlying structures. Research suggests multiple genetic variants, not just a single gene, contribute to dimple development, leading to diverse manifestations. Genetic predispositions and individual facial anatomy shape the specific type and location of these smile-induced indentations.
Are Upper Cheek Dents a Concern?
Upper cheek dents that appear when you smile are a normal and benign anatomical variation. They are not indicative of any underlying health issues or medical concerns. These indentations result from the unique way facial muscles and surrounding soft tissues interact with the skin during expression.
Many people have these features. Like other subtle facial differences, such as a different nose shape or eye color, they are part of the natural diversity in human facial anatomy. Therefore, if you notice these dents when you smile, there is no need for concern or medical intervention.