Dimpleplasty in the UK costs between about £1,150 and £3,000 at the three London clinics named below that publish a price (checked on 15 October 2026), with one dimple at the lower end and a pair at the higher end. It costs less than most facial surgery because it is short, done under local anaesthesia and needs no hospital stay.
This page explains what sits behind that figure, what the surgery involves and what to think about before committing. Prof. Hindocha plans the position of each dimple around the individual smile, which is why a firm price is given after consultation rather than from a list.
What Affects the Price
The main variable is whether you are having one dimple or two. Two dimples take longer and use more sutures, although the two clinics below that price each side separately charge less for both than twice the single price.
Other factors are the surgeon’s experience, the location of the clinic, the type of anaesthesia and whether the procedure is combined with something else in the same visit. Follow-up appointments may or may not be included, so it is worth asking.
Typical Price Ranges in the UK
As general market context and not a quote from Prof. Hindocha, these are the prices three named London clinics publish for themselves, checked on 15 October 2026. They run from £1,150 (one side at MACS Clinic) to £3,000 (the top of 152 Harley Street’s range, which does not separate one dimple from two). Your own figure depends on the points above and is set after an in-person consultation.
| Clinic | One dimple | Both cheeks |
|---|---|---|
| Centre for Surgery | £1,400 to £1,800 | £1,800 to £2,500 |
| MACS Clinic | From £1,150 | From £1,750 |
| 152 Harley Street | £1,500 to £3,000 (one or both) | £1,500 to £3,000 (one or both) |
Some clinics list only a starting price or ask you to request a quote, and prices can change, so treat these as a rough guide only. A figure that is far below the usual range is worth questioning, in particular who is operating and where.
What the Surgery Involves
The dimple position is marked on the cheek beforehand, with your agreement, while you are smiling. A small incision is then made inside the mouth, so there is no scar on the outside of the face.
A suture is passed through the inner cheek and anchored to the muscle beneath, which pulls the surface in and forms the dimple. The procedure takes around an hour, and you go home the same day with no hospital stay and no drains. Full details are on the dimpleplasty page.
Recovery and What to Expect
Recovery is measured in days rather than weeks. Most people return to light work within a few days, and swelling and tenderness usually settle over one to two weeks.
The dimple can be visible even when your face is relaxed during the early healing phase. This is normal and it gradually becomes a smile-activated dimple. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes in its overview of dimple surgery that the result can look quite artificial for the first four to six weeks while the tissue relaxes.
| Stage | What You Can Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Some swelling and tenderness, soft foods advised |
| Days 2 to 5 | Swelling easing, light activity and many daily tasks resume |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Tenderness resolves and the dimple starts to look more natural |
| Week 3 onwards | Healing largely complete, dimple appears when you smile |
Permanence and Risks
Dimpleplasty is intended to last and is not easily reversed. Revision is technically possible but complex, so the decision is worth making slowly, and the position should be agreed in advance rather than rushed on the day.
Like any procedure it carries risks, including infection, bruising, asymmetry and a dimple that sits in a position or at a depth you do not like. Good planning around your facial anatomy and your natural smile is the best way to reduce the chance of disappointment.
Is It Available on the NHS
No. Creating dimples is a purely cosmetic choice, so it is not funded by the NHS, and you should plan to pay privately.
For wider context on how private surgery is priced and what quotes can leave out, the page on understanding the cost of private plastic surgery in the UK is a useful companion.
Who Makes a Good Candidate
Dimpleplasty suits healthy adults who would like a dimple created, or who want to balance dimples that are uneven. You should have realistic expectations about how a dimple looks at rest compared with when you smile, and be a non-smoker or willing to stop beforehand.
If you are weighing it up against other facial work, the costs of procedures such as ear pinning or nose reshaping show how this one compares, and the full range sits under face and neck surgery.
Dimple Creation With Prof Hindocha
Every consultation includes a detailed discussion of where the dimple should sit, how your smile moves and what is realistic for your face. Nothing is finalised until you are comfortable with the plan, and aftercare guidance starts from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dimple surgery cost in the UK?
At Centre for Surgery, MACS Clinic and 152 Harley Street, published prices run from £1,150 to £3,000 (checked on 15 October 2026), depending mainly on whether one or both cheeks are treated. Prof. Hindocha gives a written, itemised quote after consultation.
Is dimple creation permanent?
It is intended to last, but no surgical result can be guaranteed and the face keeps ageing. Revision is possible but complex, so the position should be carefully agreed before surgery.
Does dimpleplasty leave a visible scar?
No. The incision is made inside the mouth, so there is no scar on the outside of the cheek.
How long does dimple surgery take?
Around an hour, under local anaesthesia or sedation, and you go home the same day.
How long is recovery after dimpleplasty?
Most people return to light work within a few days, and swelling usually settles over one to two weeks. The dimple may look more obvious at rest for the first few weeks.
Can I get dimpleplasty on the NHS?
No. It is a cosmetic procedure and is not funded by the NHS, so it is paid for privately.
If you would like a clear, personal figure rather than a range, book a consultation with Prof. Hindocha and the cost will be set out once your plan is agreed.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Price ranges are general market context, not a quote. Individual results vary, and suitability for any procedure can only be confirmed following an in-person consultation with a qualified, registered clinician.
