Dimple surgery—also known as dimpleplasty—is a cosmetic procedure that has gained immense popularity in Pakistan, especially in the capital city. Whether it's for enhancing facial aesthetics or achieving that charming, youthful smile, many people are turning to Dimple creation in Islamabad to achieve their beauty goals. However, one of the most frequently asked questions before undergoing this minimally invasive surgery is: “Will it affect my chewing or speech?”
This concern is valid, considering that the cheeks play a role in various facial functions including eating, speaking, and smiling. In this blog, we will explore the relationship between dimple surgery and the functional aspects of the face to help you understand what to expect during and after the procedure.
Understanding Dimple Creation Surgery
Before diving into the potential effects on chewing and speech, it's important to understand what happens during dimple surgery.
Dimpleplasty is a simple outpatient procedure that involves creating a small depression in the cheek by making an incision inside the mouth and tying a suture to connect the inner cheek muscle to the skin surface. This creates a natural-looking dimple, especially when smiling.
Duration: 20 to 30 minutes
Anesthesia: Local
Recovery: Generally short with mild swelling or bruising
Because the incision is made inside the cheek, many worry about its proximity to important muscles used for mastication (chewing) and articulation (speech).
The Muscles Involved in Chewing and Speech
The cheek area contains multiple muscles that contribute to facial expression and function. The two primary muscles of interest are:
1. Buccinator Muscle
This muscle helps control food within the mouth and is important for chewing.
2. Zygomaticus Major
This muscle pulls the corners of the mouth upward and is often involved in smiling—and is the one most manipulated in dimple creation.
Additionally, other facial muscles coordinate for speech and chewing, so careful handling during surgery is essential.
Does Dimple Surgery Interfere with Chewing?
Generally, no. For most patients, dimple surgery does not interfere with chewing in any meaningful or long-term way.
Here’s Why:
The procedure targets the zygomaticus major, not the buccinator, which is more involved in actual chewing.
The incision is small and placed in a non-critical area of the cheek.
Surgeons avoid deep structures, ensuring the chewing muscles remain intact.
Temporary Sensations:
However, some patients may experience mild discomfort when eating in the first few days post-surgery. This is usually due to:
Swelling near the surgical site
Tightness from the sutures pulling the muscle
Sensitivity to hot or spicy foods
These side effects are temporary and typically resolve within a week.
What About Speech?
Just like with chewing, speech is not affected permanently by dimple creation surgery. However, certain short-term issues may arise:
Temporary Speech Effects:
Mild stiffness in the cheeks due to swelling can cause slight awkwardness in articulation.
Consciousness of the sutures may cause some individuals to speak more carefully, leading to unnatural speech patterns initially.
Soreness inside the mouth may discourage wide mouth movements, which can slightly alter how words are pronounced.
These effects are minor and transient. As the healing progresses and the patient adapts to the feeling of the new dimples, speech returns to normal without any intervention.
Recovery Tips to Minimize Discomfort
Although the chances of serious interference with chewing or speech are low, there are steps you can take to ensure a smooth recovery:
1. Follow a Soft Diet
During the first few days, eating soft foods like yogurt, soups, and smoothies can reduce pressure on the surgical area.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water keeps the mouth clean and aids in tissue repair.
3. Avoid Talking Excessively
Minimize conversation and facial movements for the first 24–48 hours to reduce strain on the cheeks.
4. Use Mouth Rinses
An antiseptic mouthwash helps prevent infection and keeps the incision site clean.
5. Avoid Smoking or Alcohol
These can irritate the mouth and slow healing.
When Should You Worry?
While most patients recover without complications, it’s important to monitor any unusual symptoms. Contact your surgeon if you notice:
Persistent pain or swelling that worsens after a few days
Difficulty in opening your mouth or chewing solid food after a week
Speech disturbances that don’t improve within 7–10 days
Signs of infection like pus, high fever, or foul smell
These could indicate a rare complication such as an infection or improper suture placement.
The Role of Surgeon Expertise
The surgeon’s experience plays a major role in avoiding complications that might affect chewing or speech. An experienced cosmetic surgeon understands the anatomy of the cheek area thoroughly and places the sutures with precision, avoiding functional structures.
Always choose a qualified, board-certified surgeon with a proven track record in facial cosmetic procedures. This ensures the safest outcome with minimal downtime and no long-term issues.
Testimonials from Real Patients
Many individuals who have undergone dimple surgery report no issues with chewing or speech post-surgery. In fact, the vast majority are able to return to normal activities—including eating and speaking—within just a few days.
Here’s what a typical patient might share:
“I was concerned about how it would feel to chew or talk with stitches inside my cheek, but honestly, it wasn’t bad at all. I had mild swelling for about three days and then I was back to normal. The dimple looks amazing, and I have zero regrets!”
Final Thoughts
To summarize: Dimple creation surgery does not affect chewing or speech in any long-term or serious way. While some minor and temporary discomfort can occur, these issues usually resolve within a few days. Choosing an experienced surgeon and following aftercare instructions are key to ensuring a smooth recovery.
Whether you're interested in enhancing your smile with a single dimple or adding a pair for symmetrical beauty, Dimple creation in Islamabad is a safe and effective solution for achieving your aesthetic goals—without compromising your functional abilities.
To learn more or book a personalized consultation, visit Dynamic Clinic, where experts in cosmetic facial surgery are ready to help you look and feel your best with minimal downtime and optimal results.