Relationships May 12, 2017
You won't believe how advantageous dimples can be...
When you hear the phrase “dimples,” what images pop into your mind? A cute girl with indents in her cheeks when she smiles? The newest trend of back dimples? What about cleft chins?
Whether you’re a fan of dimples or not, you’ve probably wondered what causes dimples or why some people have them and others don’t. Here’s everything you need to know about dimples!
First of all, you need to realize that there are multiple types of dimples. Facial dimples can occur in the cheeks or on the chin, the latter of which is known as a cleft. Back dimples, or two indentations just above your bottom, have also grown in popularity.
The cause of chin dimples is easier to pin down. Right now, most scientists agree that clefts occur when the chin doesn’t fuse correctly when the embryo is forming. Figuring out what causes the indentations in your cheeks, though, is more complicated.
Cheek dimples used to be considered a dominant trait. Now, however, more scientists consider them a genetic abnormality. In particular, dimples occur when a bifid (or double) zygomaticus major muscle exists. The muscle is connected to the cheek; when a person smiles, the muscle flexes, causing the dimple to appear deeper and more obvious to the naked eye. If both parents have dimples, the child will likely inherit them.
It’s also important to realize that babies’ dimples may or may not be true dimples. Most infants have cheek indentations because of the excess fat in their cheeks. As they grow older and lose their baby fat, though, uninherited dimples will disappear.
So, does having dimples give you an advantage in any part of your life? Maybe. Although evolutionists aren’t entirely sure why dimples originally developed, they have a few ideas.
For instance, dimples may have been nature’s way of making extra-adorable babies…and therefore encouraging parents to care for their offspring. I mean, how can you not love a baby with super chubby cheeks?
One group of scientists has even suggested that dimples “could be of added value in making an expression noticeable, or in providing information about the intensity of the expression.” Basically? They’re people’s secret weapon to communicate better.
And you only need to consider a few celebrities – from Jennifer Garner to Ariana Grande to Shirley Temple – to realize that dimples are often associated with beauty, youth, and innocence nowadays. If you have back dimples, you can add “sexy” to the list. Some believe that women with back dimples can orgasm easier. Why? The indentations promote good circulation around your pelvis area, which can help with climaxing.
Who knew dimples came with so many benefits?
If dimples are so awesome, is there any research on how to get dimples if you don’t already have them? The truth is, plenty of people have tried to artificially develop dimples before. In fact, the Dimple Machine was invented in 1931 and featured headgear that promised to craft a “fine set of dimples.” And, of course, you only have to google “how to get dimples” to find plenty of YouTube videos on the topic.
However, you’re either born with dimples…or you’re not. True, you can invest in cheek piercings that “fake” dimples by indenting the skin with a small piece of metal. And, in 2012, plastic surgeons revealed a new technique for creating dimples by “tethering” a small area of skin to the facial muscles. (Can you say, “Ow?!?”)
If you want an easy way to magically have the cheeks of Shirley Temple, though, that isn’t possible. (At least, not yet). On the flip side, the same can be said for people who want to remove this quirky facial feature. Plastic surgeons say that, even with a facelift, cheek dimples won’t disappear.
So what should you (hopefully now) know about dimples? Basically, they’re irregular genetic traits that you either have…or you don’t. Sure, they may come with their share of benefits. However, if you don’t have dimples, don’t worry!
After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder…and your smile (or your chin…or your back) is perfect as it is, dimples or not.
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