Dimple Creation Surgery in Seoul: How Dimpleplasty Works
The short answer
Dimple creation surgery in Seoul makes a cheek or chin dimple through a small incision inside the mouth, typically costing about ₩500K–2.5M in 2026. It takes about 30–45 minutes under local anesthesia, leaves no visible skin scar, and most people return to normal activity within 1–2 days. The dimple shows at rest at first, then mainly when you smile after several weeks.
Key facts
- Typical price in Seoul: about ₩500K–2.5M (one or two dimples, 2026)
- Also called: dimpleplasty
- Procedure time: about 30–45 minutes
- Anesthesia: local
- Incision: inside the mouth, no external scar
- Back to normal activity: about 1–2 days
- Suggested stay in Seoul: about 5–7 days
How a dimple is made
A natural dimple appears where a small band of cheek muscle attaches to the underside of the skin. When you smile, the muscle pulls that point inward and a hollow forms. Dimpleplasty recreates this link at a spot you choose with your surgeon, most often on the cheek and occasionally on the chin.
Working through a tiny cut on the inside of the cheek, the surgeon removes a very small core of tissue and places a stitch that ties the deep layer of the skin to the muscle below. Because the work is done from inside the mouth, there is no scar on your face.
Who chooses dimple creation
- People who would like a cheek dimple when they smile
- Those with one natural dimple who want a matching one
- Patients wanting a soft accent to a broad or flat smile
- Some who prefer a subtle chin dimple
It is sometimes combined with a corner lip lift or philtrum reduction to refine the overall look of the smile.
How the procedure works
Marking the spot
Placement decides whether the dimple looks natural. With you smiling and at rest, the surgeon marks the point, commonly where a line down from the outer corner of the eye meets a line out from the corner of the mouth. You should see and approve the mark in a mirror.
The incision
After numbing, a small incision is made inside the cheek opposite the mark. A tiny piece of muscle and fat is removed to create a channel.
Two main stitch methods
- Dissolving suture: the attachment is held while scar tissue forms; the dimple may become softer over time.
- Permanent or long-lasting suture: aims for a more lasting dimple, with a slightly higher chance of a fixed dimple at rest.
How the dimple settles over 12 months
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Dimple clearly visible even at rest; mild swelling |
| Weeks 3–8 | Dimple softens and shows mostly when you smile |
| Months 3–12 | Final depth; some dimples become shallower |
Recovery timeline
Discomfort is usually mild. You rinse your mouth after meals and stick to soft food for a few days, and the inner stitch dissolves on its own. Most people are back at work or sightseeing within 1–2 days, and flying is generally fine soon after. Ask for a check before you leave Seoul so your surgeon can confirm healing inside the mouth.
Is it right for you?
Dimpleplasty suits you if you have moderate cheek fullness, good oral health and realistic expectations that the dimple may change in depth over time. Another option may suit you better if your cheeks are very thin, since a dimple may look like a hollow, or if you would be unhappy with a dimple that fades. Ask the surgeon about reversal if you change your mind.
Risks to discuss
- Uneven depth or position between two dimples
- A dimple that stays visible at rest
- A dimple that fades more than expected
- Infection or swelling inside the cheek
- Rare injury to a duct or facial nerve branch
Dimple creation cost in Seoul
One dimple typically sits around ₩500K–1.2M and a pair around ₩1M–2.5M, depending on technique and the surgeon’s experience. Ask whether revision is included if the dimple fades within a set period.
Dimple creation vs. corner lip lift
A dimple adds a point of shadow on the cheek when you smile. A corner lip lift turns up the outer corners of the mouth so your resting expression looks friendlier. They answer different concerns, and some patients choose both. For other smile refinements, see gummy smile surgery.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Is dimple surgery permanent?
It can be long-lasting, but some dimples become shallower over time, especially with dissolving stitches. Ask your surgeon which method they use.
Will I have a scar on my face?
No. The incision is inside the mouth, so there is no external scar.
How long until the dimple looks natural?
The dimple shows at rest for the first weeks and usually appears mainly when you smile after about 1–2 months.
Can a dimple be reversed?
In many cases the stitch can be released, but ask your surgeon before booking how reversal would work.
Can I travel straight after dimpleplasty?
Usually yes, after a day or two. Keep up mouth rinses and soft foods during your trip.
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