Learn about the different types of dimples, including Dahlia dimples

For as much as we find dimples cute or attractive, we actually don’t know a whole lot about them or why they form! Most researchers and scientists say they’re genetic, and cheek dimples are usually the result of a muscle that splits before birth. We’ll tell you more about what dimples are, what causes them, the different types of facial and body dimples, and answer your burning questions about this rare and adorable trait.

Longitudinal dimples

Static dimples

Bilateral cheek dimples

Dimple pairs

Cleft chins

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This is the most common kind of dimple. It looks like a vertical impression on the cheek and is most visible when smiling.[1] These are different than the lines made by your mouth and cheek when smiling, and they usually show up a little bit to the side of this line.

Transverse or horizontal dimples These are just like longitudinal dimples but appear horizontally rather than vertically as a result of how the zygomaticus major split.

Static & dynamic dimples Most dimples only appear, or become much more visible, when a person is smiling. These are called dynamic dimples since they change with facial movement. Static dimples, though, are always visible, even when the face is resting.[2] Usually, static dimples are created through surgery, but they may also be natural.