Dimple Surgery in Istanbul
Dimple surgery, or dimpleplasty, creates natural-looking cheek dimples that appear when you smile. Dr. Semih Yıldız plans the position of each dimple to suit your face and smile.
AT A GLANCE
Anaesthesia: Local
Operation time: 30–45 minutes
Hospital stay: Same day
Stay in Istanbul: About 2–3 days
Back to work: 1–2 days
Final result: 1–3 months
What is dimple surgery?
Dimple surgery, also called dimpleplasty or dimple creation, creates a small, permanent connection between the cheek muscle and the inner skin of the cheek. When you smile, the muscle pulls this point inwards and a dimple appears.
The procedure is performed entirely from inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars on the face.
Who is a good candidate?
- Healthy adults who would like dimples when they smile
- People who want to deepen a faint natural dimple
- Patients with healthy teeth and gums
- Anyone with realistic expectations about the size and look of the dimples
Dimples are planned on one or both cheeks, depending on your preference and facial anatomy.
Dimple surgery technique
The position and depth of the dimple are chosen to match the natural lines of your smile.
Marking the dimple
The ideal dimple point is marked while you smile, usually on a line down from the outer corner of the eye.
Creating the dimple
Through a tiny incision inside the cheek, a small amount of tissue is removed and a dissolvable stitch links the muscle to the skin to form the dimple.
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Our international certificates and memberships that validate our quality and expertise.
How the operation is performed
- Planning: your photos and goals are reviewed and the dimple position is agreed before the day of the procedure.
- Marking: the dimple points are marked on the cheeks while you smile.
- Anaesthesia: the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and usually takes 30–45 minutes.
- Creating the dimple: a tiny incision is made inside the cheek and a stitch shapes the dimple.
- Closing: the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches.
- Aftercare: you go to your hotel on the same day.
Recovery timeline
First 2–3 days: Mild swelling and tightness. The dimples are visible even at rest at first; soft food and careful mouth hygiene are recommended.
Around day 2–3: A check-up is completed and most patients are cleared to fly home.
Days 1–2: Most patients return to desk work.
Weeks 2–4: The dimples gradually soften and become less visible at rest.
Months 1–3: The final result appears, with dimples that show mainly when you smile.
How to prepare
- Stop smoking and nicotine products at least 4 weeks before and after surgery.
- Tell us about all medicines and supplements; blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and some herbal products may need to be paused.
- Treat any gum or tooth infection before the procedure.
- Send clear front photos of your face, relaxed and smiling, for the online assessment.
- Plan about 2–3 days in Istanbul.
Risks and possible complications
Every procedure carries risk. Possible complications of dimple surgery include:
- Swelling or bruising
- Infection
- Asymmetry between the dimples
- Dimples that fade over time
- Dimples that remain visible at rest for longer than expected
- The need for revision
Benefits, limitations and alternatives are discussed in detail during your consultation and informed consent.
Your dimple surgery journey in Istanbul
Before you travel
Share your photos and medical history for an online consultation. You receive a personalised plan and a written quotation before booking.
Procedure day
After a face-to-face consultation with Dr. Semih Yıldız, the dimple points are marked and the procedure is performed on the same day.
Recovery in Istanbul
You recover at your hotel and return for a check-up before your flight home.
Back home
Follow-up continues remotely through photos and video calls, so your progress is monitored after you return home.
Dimple surgery cost in Istanbul
Dimple surgery prices in Turkey start from €770 under local anaesthesia; general anaesthesia adds up to €700. To get Dr. Semih Yıldız’s personal price, request a free online assessment. You receive a written quotation with clear package details.
The surgery price includes hospital fees, anaesthesia, implants where required for the procedure, follow-up checks, medications and any required compression garments. Hotel accommodation and transfers are not included.
Frequently asked questions
How much does dimple surgery in Istanbul cost?
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In Turkey, dimple surgery prices start from €770 under local anaesthesia; general anaesthesia adds up to €700. To get Dr. Semih Yıldız’s personal price, request a free online assessment.
Will I have visible scars?
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No. The procedure is performed from inside the mouth, so there are no scars on the face.
Are the dimples permanent?
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Dimple surgery is designed to be permanent, but the dimples may become shallower over time.
Will the dimples show when I am not smiling?
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In the first weeks the dimples may be visible at rest. They soften over 1–3 months and then mainly appear when you smile.
How long should I stay in Istanbul?
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Most international patients stay about 2–3 days.
Can I have one dimple or two?
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Both are possible. The decision depends on your preference and facial symmetry.
This page provides general information and does not replace a medical examination.
Related guides
Dimple placement: where, one or two, and will it show at rest?
Dimple surgery recovery: swelling, eating and when it settles