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Are facial dimples determined by genetics?
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Traits

Are facial dimples determined by genetics?

Facial dimples often appear to run in families and are commonly described as a dominant trait, yet scientific proof of a specific inherited gene is lacking.

Overview

Dimples are indentations on the cheeks that become visible especially when a person smiles. They are considered an anomaly of the muscle that creates a dent in the cheek.

Genetic Considerations

Dimples tend to occur in families, leading many to assume they are inherited. They are usually described as a dominant genetic trait, meaning that a single copy of an altered gene in each cell would be sufficient to produce dimples. However, some researchers point out that there is no definitive proof that dimples are inherited, and little research has identified the specific gene or genes involved.

Development and Persistence

Several patterns of appearance are reported:

  • Some individuals have dimples on both cheeks; others have a dimple on only one cheek.
  • Babies may show dimples caused by baby fat; these often disappear as the fat is lost with age.
  • Other children are born without dimples but may develop them later in childhood.
  • In some people dimples persist only until adolescence or young adulthood, while in others they remain a lifelong trait.

Family Patterns

Dimples with a similar appearance can be observed across multiple generations. For example, a family was noted where siblings, their father, uncles, grandfather, and great‑grandfather all displayed similar dimples on both cheeks. Conversely, some families show dimples in a child without the trait appearing in earlier generations.

Resources for Further Exploration

The Genetic Science Learning Center at the University of Utah provides material on observable human characteristics. The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database also contains information about facial dimples.

Related Topics in Genetics and Human Traits

  • Are fingerprints determined by genetics?
  • Is eye color determined by genetics?
  • Is intelligence determined by genetics?
  • Is handedness determined by genetics?
  • Is the probability of having twins determined by genetics?
  • Is hair texture determined by genetics?
  • Is hair color determined by genetics?
  • Is height determined by genetics?
  • Are moles determined by genetics?
  • Are facial dimples determined by genetics?
  • Is athletic performance determined by genetics?
  • Is longevity determined by genetics?
  • Is temperament determined by genetics?

Frequently Asked Questions

Surgical dimple creation (dimpleplasty) involves a small incision and suturing of the cheek muscle to the skin to form a permanent indentation. Risks include infection, scarring, asymmetry, nerve injury, and unsatisfactory cosmetic results. The procedure is elective, so it should be performed by a board‑certified plastic surgeon after a thorough discussion of expectations and potential complications.
The pattern of one‑sided versus two‑sided dimples does not map cleanly onto classic dominant or recessive inheritance. It likely reflects variable expression of the same underlying muscle variation. A single copy of the genetic factor may produce dimples on one or both cheeks, and other modifiers (developmental, hormonal) can influence laterality. Therefore, the presence of a unilateral dimple does not prove a recessive pattern.
Dimples often appear to run in families, but because no specific gene has been identified, predictions are probabilistic rather than certain. If one parent has dimples, there is roughly a 50% chance the child may inherit them, but the trait can also appear spontaneously or skip generations. Genetic counseling can discuss family patterns, but there is no definitive test to confirm inheritance before birth.
Dimples are created by a variation in the structure of the cheek‑muscle (zygomaticus major) and overlying skin. In many infants, excess facial fat masks the dimple, which may become visible as the fat thins. Conversely, as facial muscles and skin change with age, the indentation can become less pronounced or disappear, especially if the underlying muscle variation is subtle.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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