| A TINY TOUCH, A TIMELESS CHARM – DIMPLEPLASTY AIM and Objective: Cheek dimples are considered to be due to double or bifid zygomaticus major muscle. We have used a simple sling method to create dimples. Methods: The location of the dimple is the intersection of a perpendicular line dropped from the external canthus and the horizontal line drawn laterally from cupid’s bow. Under sterile conditions, 2ml 2% lignocaine with adrenaline is injected at the marked point. A linear incision of 0.5-1cm is made on the mucosal side of the proposed dimple site with a no.11 blade. The depth of the incision is made such that it divides the muscle and reaches the subdermal plane. Then an 18 gauge needle is passed through the skin piercing through this incised mucosal plane. The needle is then threaded with a 1-0 PDS suture which is carefully withdrawn backwards in the same path upto to the dermal plane and then redirected vertically or horizontally based on the type of dimple desired piercing the mucosa again creating a second entry point. The suture at the second entry point is caught hold off with an artery forceps and the needle is slowly removed. The two ends of the suture are tied at the mucosal side and buried inside. The procedure is repeated similarly on the other side. Post op antibiotics, analgesics and oral hygiene is advised. Results: Of the three patients(Female -2; Male -1) where the procedure was done, one of them came back after 4 days due to excessive pain at the surgical site on one side and the suture was removed immediately. The other two patients were satisfied with results with a follow period of 6 months and 2 months. Conclusion: The above method is a simple, minimally invasive procedure yet showing satisfactory outcome. |
