By Dr. Shailesh Vadodaria
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
MACS Clinic
Unit 3, Wilmington Close, Watford, WD18 0AF
Dedicated Dimple Creation Website: www.dimplecreation.co.uk
Congratulations on Your Dimple Creation Procedure
Dimple creation surgery is one of the most frequently performed facial aesthetic procedures at MACS Clinic and has been a particular area of interest for Dr. Shailesh Vadodaria for over 17 years. During this time, thousands of patients from the United Kingdom, Europe, and overseas have undergone successful cheek dimple creation surgery under his care.
This guide has been developed to help you understand what to expect following surgery and how to achieve the best possible outcome.
Immediately After Surgery
Dimple creation surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic as a day-case procedure.
The local anaesthetic may remain effective for several hours after surgery. During this period, your cheeks and the inside of your mouth may feel numb.
Important
Until the numbness has completely resolved:
* Avoid very hot drinks and food.
* Avoid extremely cold food and drinks.
* Avoid chewing on the operated side.
* Take extra care not to bite the inside of your cheek.
This helps prevent accidental burns, cold injury, or trauma to the treated area.
What Is Normal After Dimple Surgery?
Most patients experience:
* Mild swelling of the cheeks.
* Slight tenderness.
* A feeling of tightness when smiling.
* Mild bruising (occasionally).
* Temporary asymmetry due to swelling.
* Persistent dimples visible even without smiling.
The initial swelling is caused by both the surgery itself and the local anaesthetic solution used during the procedure.
Typical Timeline
First 24–48 Hours
* Maximum swelling usually occurs.
* Dimples appear deep and prominent.
1 Week
* Swelling significantly improves.
* Most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities.
6 Weeks
* Ongoing scar maturation.
* Dimples begin behaving more naturally.
3–6 Months
* Final softening and maturation of the internal scar.
* Dimples become increasingly dynamic and natural-looking.
Persistent Dimples After Surgery
Many patients become concerned because their dimples are visible continuously during the early healing period.
This is entirely expected.
Immediately following surgery, the dimples are usually present:
* At rest.
* During speech.
* During smiling.
* During facial movement.
This persistent appearance may last:
* 10 days
* 6 weeks
* Occasionally 3–6 months
As healing progresses, the scar relaxes and the dimples gradually become more dynamic, appearing primarily during smiling and facial expression.
Every patient heals differently, and there is significant individual variation.
Antibiotics
To reduce the risk of infection, patients are usually prescribed a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic for:
7 Days
Please complete the full prescribed course unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Oral Hygiene
As the procedure is performed through the inside of the cheek, meticulous oral hygiene is extremely important.
We recommend:
Antiseptic Mouthwash
* Use after meals.
* Use after drinks other than water.
* Continue for 7–10 days.
Good oral hygiene significantly reduces the risk of infection and promotes uncomplicated healing.
Pain Relief
Dimple creation surgery is generally associated with very little pain.
If required, patients may take:
Simple Pain Relief
* Paracetamol
* Ibuprofen (if medically suitable)
Stronger Pain Relief
Some patients may be prescribed:
* Paracetamol 500 mg with Codeine 10 mg
Always use medications exactly as prescribed and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Skin Care
The external skin is not usually incised during dimple creation surgery.
Nevertheless, good skin care is important.
We Recommend
* Washing the face regularly.
* Cleansing after meals where practical.
* Keeping the skin clean and dry.
* Avoiding unnecessary touching of the treated area.
Antimicrobial Spray
Patients are advised to use:
Clinisept® Antimicrobial Skin Spray
Applied externally according to the instructions provided by the clinic.
Dressings and Social Cover
Some patients prefer to conceal the treated area during the first few days.
Options include:
* Skin-coloured Micropore™ tape.
* Small flesh-coloured adhesive dressings.
These may be used if approved by your treating surgeon.
Makeup
Makeup should not be applied immediately after surgery.
After approximately one week, and only after clearance from your surgeon, makeup may usually be applied to the treated area.
Eating and Drinking
For the first few days:
Recommended
* Soft diet.
* Adequate hydration.
* Gentle chewing.
Avoid
* Excessively spicy foods.
* Very hard foods.
* Sharp foods that may traumatise the cheek lining.
Smoking and Vaping
Smoking and vaping can impair healing and increase the risk of infection.
Patients are strongly encouraged to avoid smoking and nicotine products during the healing period.
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Exercise
First Week
* Avoid strenuous exercise.
* Avoid heavy lifting.
* Avoid contact sports.
After One Week
Gradual return to normal activities may be possible, subject to your surgeon’s advice.
Follow-Up Schedule
Routine follow-up is generally arranged:
1 Week
Clinical review or video consultation.
6 Weeks
Assessment of healing and dimple maturation.
Additional Reviews
As required.
Patients are encouraged to contact the clinic whenever they have concerns regarding their recovery.
Revision Surgery
Dimple creation surgery is highly successful; however, healing is not entirely predictable.
Approximately:
7–10% of patients
may require a revision procedure to optimise the final result.
At MACS Clinic:
* The surgeon’s professional fee is waived for revision surgery.
* Hospital and facility fees remain payable in accordance with clinic policy and contractual terms.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Contact a medical professional urgently if you develop:
* Increasing pain rather than improving discomfort.
* Rapidly increasing swelling.
* Significant bleeding.
* Fever.
* Pus discharge.
* Difficulty opening the mouth.
* Difficulty swallowing.
* Facial weakness.
* Any concern that worries you.
Emergency Advice
In an emergency, patients should seek immediate medical attention from:
* NHS Accident & Emergency Department.
* NHS 111.
* Local GP service.
* Out-of-hours medical provider.
Patients may also contact MACS Clinic for advice during normal clinic hours.
Final Thoughts
Cheek dimple creation is one of the most rewarding facial aesthetic procedures, capable of producing a subtle yet attractive enhancement of facial expression.
The early appearance of the dimples can be significantly different from the final result. Patience is essential, as the dimples continue to soften and mature over several weeks and months.
At MACS Clinic, our team remains available throughout your recovery journey and is committed to providing safe, ethical, and comprehensive aftercare to every patient.
Contact MACS Clinic
- Phone: 020 7078 4378
- WhatsApp: 07792 648 726
- Email: enquiries@macsclinic.co.uk
- Website: www.macsclinic.co.uk
- BOOK a FREE Video Consultation: https://calendly.com/macsclinic/free-video-consultation?month=2025-01
