By It may be hard to believe, but dimples are actually a birth defect.
Despite being a genetic disorder, there are no negative effects of having dimples. A dimple (also known as a gelasin) is a small natural indentation in the flesh on a part of the human body, most notably in the cheek or on the chin.
People with dimples have what’s called a “bifid zygomaticus major muscle.” Don’t worry, there won’t be a quiz at the end. Basically, this muscle abnormally divides into two sections and attaches to the cheek.
This fibrous connection causes a dimple to become deeper and more visible when a person smiles, flexing that muscle.
While there is a muscular difference between those with dimples and those without, dimples are pretty much a non-factor when it comes to a person’s health.
Despite being a genetic abnormality, dimples aren’t always passed down from parents to their children.
Dimples indentations on the cheeks tend to occur in families, and this trait is assumed to be inherited. Dimples are usually considered a dominant genetic trait, which means that one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause dimples.
It may be hard to believe, but dimples are actually a birth defect.
However, some researchers say that there is no proof that dimples are inherited. Little research has been done to explore the genetics of dimples and it is not known which gene or genes may be involved.
Although all dimples are technically abnormal, the above explanation is benign. That is, they’re not going to cause you any harm. Dimpling of the skin in other areas of the body, however, can be cause for concern.
According to the dermatological report, unusual dimples in the skin “may be the first sign of a significant development defect or abnormality.” Sometimes, these dimples can be a sign of infection or other serious medical conditions. If you happen to develop dimples out of nowhere, it’s best to consult your doctor.
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