Dimpleplasty explained: Cost, risks and results in the UK

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Dimples are one of the few facial features that soften and animate a smile, and for people who weren’t born with them, dimpleplasty offers a way to create them surgically. Usually performed under local anaesthetic, it offers a long-lasting result with minimal downtime. 

While the procedure itself is quick and minimally invasive, most people researching dimpleplasty in London have practical questions that go beyond the technique – namely what it costs, how long the results last, and whether it carries any real risk. 

This guide focuses on exactly those questions. For a full explanation of how the procedure is performed and to see what happens on the day, see our dedicated dimpleplasty treatment page. At 101 Harley Street, dimpleplasty is approached with the same precision and careful planning applied to every facial procedure, so it’s important you understand all of your options clearly before making any decision.

How much does dimpleplasty cost in the UK?

Because dimpleplasty is usually performed under local anaesthetic and takes around 30 to 45 minutes, it is generally less expensive than many other facial surgical procedures.

As a rough guide, dimple surgery cost in the UK usually falls between £1,400 and £2,500. Creating a single dimple (unilateral, often to match an existing natural one) sits at the lower end of that range, while creating dimples on both cheeks (bilateral) sits towards the upper end.

Several factors influence the final price:

  • One cheek or both: Bilateral dimpleplasty involves more surgical time than a single dimple.
  • Surgeon expertise: Dimpleplasty is technically simple but anatomically precise, so an experienced consultant surgeon is a worthwhile investment.
  • The facility: surgery in a properly regulated clinic includes theatre time, aftercare and follow-up appointments.
  • Combining procedures: Dimpleplasty is sometimes performed alongside a lip lift, chin augmentation or other facial surgery, which changes the overall cost.

Because it is a purely cosmetic procedure, dimpleplasty is not funded by the NHS and is not covered by private medical insurance. Many clinics offer finance plans to spread the cost over monthly installments. For current, itemised figures at our clinic, see our pricing page, and remember that your exact quote is confirmed in writing after a face-to-face consultation.

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Is dimple surgery risky?

Dimpleplasty is considered a low-risk, minor procedure, and serious complications are rare when it is carried out by a qualified surgeon. Because the incision is made inside the mouth, there are no external cuts and no visible facial scarring. That said, no surgery is entirely without risk, and it is important to understand what those risks are.

The most common effects are temporary: mild swelling, bruising and tenderness inside the cheek in the first few days. 

Less common considerations include infection (minimised by good oral hygiene and aftercare), slight asymmetry between the two dimples, and the possibility that a dimple softens or fades if the internal attachment loosens over time. Because the results are designed to be long-lasting, it’s important to feel confident that dimpleplasty is the right choice for you before proceeding with treatment.

The single most effective way to reduce risk is to choose your surgeon carefully – ideally one on the GMC Specialist Register and a member of BAAPS or BAPRAS. Small differences in positioning and technique have a large effect on a feature in such a visible part of the face.

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How long does a dimpleplasty last?

For most people, dimpleplasty results are long-lasting and generally considered permanent. During surgery, a small internal stitch is used to tether the cheek muscle, and as the area heals, fibrous scar tissue forms along that point and holds the dimple in place, even after the suture itself dissolves.

That said, the appearance continues to soften naturally. In the first weeks the dimple may be visible even when your face is at rest, before settling so that it appears most naturally when you smile. Over the longer term, factors such as significant weight change and the natural ageing of facial tissue can make a dimple a little less pronounced, though for the majority of patients the result lasts for many years, if not for life.

What to expect from dimpleplasty: at a glance

At a glance

What to expect

Procedure

Creates one or two cheek dimples using a small incision inside the mouth

Anaesthetic

Usually performed under local anaesthetic

Treatment time

Around 30–45 minutes

Downtime

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days

Recovery

Swelling settles over several weeks, with the final appearance developing as healing progresses

Results

Long-lasting, with the dimple becoming more natural as the tissues heal

Scarring

No visible external scar, as the incision is made inside the cheek

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dimpleplasty

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How much does dimple surgery cost in the UK?

Dimpleplasty in the UK typically costs between £1,400 and £2,500. A single dimple is usually less than creating dimples on both cheeks. The final price depends on your surgeon, the clinic and whether the procedure is combined with anything else, and is confirmed at consultation.

How much does dimpleplasty cost?

As a general guide, expect around £1,400 to £1,800 for one cheek and £1,800 to £2,500 for both. Because it is quick and done under local anaesthetic, dimpleplasty is one of the more affordable facial procedures. It is not available on the NHS or through insurance.

How long does a dimpleplasty last?

Dimpleplasty is generally permanent. The internal stitch creates scar tissue that holds the dimple in place long-term. The look settles over the first four to six weeks so the dimple appears mainly when you smile, and results usually last for many years.

Is dimple surgery risky?

Dimpleplasty is a low-risk, minor procedure with rare serious complications. Temporary swelling and tenderness are normal, and infection or asymmetry are uncommon. Choosing an experienced, GMC-registered surgeon is the best way to keep risk to a minimum.

Book your dimpleplasty consultation in London today

If you’re considering dimpleplasty, the first step is a consultation with an experienced facial surgeon. During your appointment, your surgeon will assess your facial proportions, discuss the position and appearance of your ideal dimples, and answer any questions you have about recovery, risks and expected results. 

You’ll also receive a personalised treatment plan and quotation, helping you make an informed decision with confidence.

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Our surgery is located on Harley Street in Marylebone, London, within one of the world’s most prestigious and historic medical districts. Situated at 101 Harley Street, the clinic offers a discreet and refined setting in the heart of Central London, bringing together leading consultants, advanced facilities and personalised care.

We welcome patients from across the world, as well as patients travelling to London from across the UK and internationally for specialist medical, surgical and aesthetic treatments.

Our location benefits from excellent transport connections. Regent’s Park, Oxford Circus and Baker Street Underground stations are all within easy walking distance, while major London rail stations and international airports  including Heathrow, Gatwick and London City provide convenient access for national and international visitors.

Whether you are travelling from within London or further afield, our Harley Street clinic provides a calm, professional environment designed to deliver exceptional care in one of the capital’s most respected medical locations.

 

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