Got a chin dimple? Here’s the weird reason why

Usually a genetic trait, a cleft chin or chin dimple is the Y-shaped dimple in the middle of your chin.

Got a chin dimple? Here’s the weird reason why
© Getty/ Arturo Holmes
Got a chin dimple? Here’s the weird reason why

The human body is mysteriously fascinating in its form and function. Diastema (the gap between your front teeth) and dimples are some of the common fascinations of the human body. Another is chin dimple which a good percentage of the population have.

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Chin dimple

While cheek dimples are considered a sign of beauty, not everyone with a chin dimple think themselves lucky to be blessed with a chin dimple. In fact, some people undergo surgery to remove it. Regardless of the aesthetics of it, you should know some basic facts about the peculiar dent in your chin.

According to Healthline, chin dimples are genetic and typically form before birth and occur when the two sides of the lower jaw do not completely fuse together during the development of a foetus. An article in Scoop Whoop explains the phenomenon as:

For those born with it, the jaw develops as two separate halves on a foetus and when there is slight deviation in alignment during the fusing of the two halves it results in cleft chin.
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Getty/ Robert Daly

Like it or not

Although not harmful, some people go to lengths to have their chin indentation removed or reduced in size. Healthline explains what that might entail.

Both are usually done with a chin implant that’s designed to fill in the dimple. You’ll likely have swelling in your chin immediately after surgery, which can make it hard to see your new chin. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks to months for the final results to appear.

While some people do not care for it, others pay to have a chin dimple surgically ‘inserted’ which does not involve using implants. Instead, some of the soft tissue below the skin where the dimple should be placed will be removed through liposuction or a traditional surgical method.

Sources used:

Healthline: Cleft Chin Surgery

McGill University: Why Do We Have Dimples?

Scoop Whoop: Why Do Some People Have Chin Dimples? Here’s The Answer

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