Dimple Piercing: Your Complete Guide to Cheek Piercings

Thinking about getting a dimple piercing? Also known as cheek piercings, these eye-catching facial modifications create the appearance of permanent dimples on your face.Whether you call them dimple piercings, cheek piercings, or dermal cheek piercings, they're becoming increasingly popular for their unique look.

This guide covers everything from the piercing process to healing times, jewelry options, and daily care routines. Let's explore what makes this facial modification special and help you decide if it's the right choice for you.

Who Should Consider Dimple Piercings

Cheek piercings work well for different types of people looking to express themselves through body art.

Ideal candidates include:

• People who want a distinctive facial feature that stands out
• Those who naturally have dimples and want to emphasize them
• Individuals comfortable with a longer healing process (8-12 weeks minimum)
• People who can commit to diligent aftercare routines
• Those prepared for potential permanent scarring
• Individuals with good oral hygiene habits

Consider carefully if you:

• Smoke regularly (nicotine impedes healing)
• Have sensitive teeth or gum concerns
• Work in environments where facial piercings aren't accepted
• Tend to fidget with piercings during healing
• Have concerns about facial scarring

How to Choose the Right Cheek Piercing Setup

Making informed decisions before getting pierced helps ensure you're happy with the results.

Placement Options

Single vs. Bilateral: Most people get both cheeks pierced for symmetry, but you can start with one side. The standard placement sits where natural dimples form—on the lower cheek above the mouth area.

Dermal vs. Surface: A dermal piercing uses a single anchor point, while surface piercings have entry and exit points. Your professional piercer can assess your facial structure and recommend the best approach.

Gauge and Jewelry Size

Standard dimple piercings use 14G or 16G needles. Initial jewelry typically measures 7/16" to one inch in length to accommodate swelling during the healing phase.

Material Considerations

Professional Selection Matters

Choose a piercer with specific cheek piercing experience. Ask about their sterilization procedures, portfolio of healed cheek piercings, and aftercare protocols. The parotid gland runs through this area, making professional expertise crucial.

Dimple Piercings vs. Other Facial Modifications

Understanding how cheek piercings compare to alternatives helps clarify your choice.

Dimple Piercing:

• Healing: 8-12 weeks minimum
• Visibility: Very prominent, hard to hide
• Risk level: Moderate (proximity to parotid gland)
• Scar potential: High likelihood of permanent marks
• Best for: Those wanting bold facial features

Nose Piercing (Nostril):

• Healing: 4-6 months
• Visibility: Noticeable but common
• Risk level: Low
• Scar potential: Minimal with proper care
• Best for: First-time facial piercings

Lip Piercing (Labret):

• Healing: 6-8 weeks
• Visibility: Prominent
• Risk level: Low to moderate
• Scar potential: Moderate
• Best for: Oral piercing beginners

Eyebrow Piercing:

• Healing: 6-8 weeks
• Visibility: Very noticeable
• Risk level: Moderate (rejection risk)
• Scar potential: Moderate
• Best for: Those wanting upper-face modification

Septum Piercing:

• Healing: 6-8 weeks
• Visibility: Can be flipped up to hide
• Risk level: Low
• Scar potential: Minimal
• Best for: Those needing flexibility

Step-by-Step: What Happens During Your Piercing

Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and helps you prepare mentally.

Consultation and Marking

Your piercer examines your facial structure and marks the exact placement. They'll check for symmetry if you're getting both sides done. This is your chance to request adjustments before anything becomes permanent.

Sterilization

The piercer cleans the marked area thoroughly with antiseptic solution. They'll also sanitize their hands and prepare sterile equipment including the needle and initial jewelry.

The Piercing Process

Using a hollow 14G or 16G needle, the piercer creates the channel through your cheek tissue. This happens quickly—usually within seconds per side. You'll feel pressure and a sharp sensation, but it passes rapidly.

Jewelry Insertion

The piercer immediately inserts a labret stud or straight barbell. Initial jewelry is longer than what you'll wear after healing to accommodate swelling.

Final Check and Instructions

Your piercer confirms placement, checks jewelry security, and provides detailed aftercare instructions. Take photos or notes—you'll reference this information daily during healing.

Pain Levels and What to Expect

Everyone experiences pain differently, but most people rate cheek piercings at 4-6 out of 10 on the pain scale.

The initial needle penetration feels sharp but brief. Afterward, you'll experience throbbing and tenderness for several days. Swelling typically peaks around day 3-5, then gradually subsides over the following weeks.

Managing discomfort:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed (avoid aspirin, which thins blood)
• Apply ice packs externally for 10-15 minutes at a time
• Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling
• Avoid touching or playing with the jewelry
• Stick to soft, cool foods during the first week

Healing Timeline and Aftercare Essentials

Proper care determines whether your piercing heals smoothly or develops complications.

Expected Healing Stages

Week 1-2: Maximum swelling, tenderness, and redness. Clear or slightly yellow discharge is normal. Avoid spicy foods and alcohol.

Week 3-4: Swelling decreases noticeably. The piercing may still feel tender when touched or during eating.

Week 5-8: External healing progresses. The site looks better, but internal tissue is still developing.

Week 9-12: Most people can downsize jewelry. Complete healing varies—some people need 4-6 months.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Morning and night (2x daily):

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap
2. Spray the piercing site with sterile saline solution or sea salt mixture
3. Let it sit for 30-60 seconds to loosen any crusties
4. Gently remove debris with clean gauze (never cotton balls—fibers stick)
5. Pat dry with disposable paper towels

After eating:

• Rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash or salt water
• This prevents food particles from irritating the internal opening
• Continue this practice for the full healing period

What to Avoid

• Touching the piercing with unwashed hands
• Rotating or moving the jewelry (this damages forming tissue)
• Swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water
• Applying makeup, lotions, or face products directly on the piercing
• Kissing or oral contact during initial healing
• Changing jewelry before complete healing

Jewelry Options After Healing

Once your piercing heals completely, you can explore different styles.

Labret studs remain the most popular choice. They feature a flat disc on the inside of your cheek and a decorative top on the outside. Options include:

• Simple metal balls (titanium, gold, steel)
• Gemstones (cubic zirconia, genuine stones)
• Opal or pearl accents
• Flat-top designs for minimal profile

Straight barbells work well if you want a barbell look on both sides. These come in various lengths and end designs, from basic balls to decorative shapes.

Clear retainers help when you need to make piercings less visible for work or formal events. These won't completely hide the piercing but make it far less noticeable.

Downsizing Your Jewelry

Around 8-12 weeks post-piercing, you'll likely need to downsize from your initial long bar to a shorter one. Keeping oversized jewelry increases the chance of catching it on things or damaging your teeth and gums.

Schedule a visit with your piercer—they'll assess healing progress and fit you with appropriately sized jewelry. This step is crucial for long-term comfort and oral health.

Potential Risks and Complications

Being aware of possible issues helps you respond quickly if problems arise.

Infection signs:

• Excessive swelling that worsens after the first week
• Pus (thick, green or yellow discharge)
• Intense pain that increases rather than decreases
• Fever or feeling generally unwell
• Red streaks extending from the piercing site

If you notice these symptoms, contact your piercer and consider seeing a healthcare provider. Don't remove the jewelry yourself—this can trap infection inside.

Rejection and migration happen when your body pushes the jewelry out. Signs include the jewelry sitting closer to the surface over time or the piercing channel becoming shallower.

Scarring is almost guaranteed with cheek piercings. Even after complete healing, if you remove the jewelry, you'll likely have visible dimple-like indentations or scars. Some people consider this a feature, while others may want to avoid permanent marking.

Tooth and gum damage can occur if jewelry rubs constantly against the inside of your mouth. The internal disc should sit comfortably without excessive contact. Report any concerns to your piercer immediately.

Nerve damage is rare but possible, given the piercing's proximity to facial nerves and the parotid gland. This underscores why choosing an experienced, reputable piercer is non-negotiable.

Lifestyle Adjustments During Healing

Your daily routine will need some temporary modifications.

Diet changes: Stick to soft, non-spicy foods for the first week. Avoid crunchy items that require extensive chewing. Hot beverages and alcohol can increase swelling and irritation.

Smoking considerations: Nicotine constricts blood vessels and dramatically slows healing. If you can't quit entirely, reduce consumption as much as possible during the healing phase.

Sleep positioning: Try sleeping on your back or use a travel pillow to avoid putting pressure on your cheeks. This prevents irritation and reduces morning swelling.

Oral hygiene: Brush teeth gently, being careful around the internal jewelry. Use alcohol-free mouthwash after meals. Consider getting a soft-bristle toothbrush specifically for the healing period.

Exercise caution: Avoid contact sports or activities where your face could get hit. Sweat isn't problematic, but make sure to clean piercings immediately after working out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sex for 1 hour normal?

Yes — long sessions are completely normal for many couples. Some enjoy extended foreplay, slower rhythm, breaks between activities, or tantric-style touching that naturally stretches a sexual experience to 45–60 minutes or longer. Others prefer shorter, more intense encounters lasting only a few minutes. What counts as “normal” widely differs, and relationship quality is not measured by duration. A one-hour session can be wonderful if both partners are comfortable and enjoying themselves, just as a ten-minute one can be equally satisfying.

Is 20 minutes too long for sex?

Not at all. Many couples find that fifteen to twenty-five minutes of combined foreplay and intercourse hits the sweet spot. It allows enough build-up for arousal and lubrication while still feeling spontaneous. Some bodies take longer to warm up, and others reach orgasm quickly. The goal isn’t matching a specific timeline but finding a rhythm that feels natural for your partnership. If you’re both engaged, present, and enjoying the experience, then the timing is exactly right.

What are the 4 C’s of sex?

Therapists often use the four C’s—consent, communication, connection, and comfort—as a simple framework for enjoyable, safe sexual exploration. Consent ensures all activities are mutually wanted. Communication opens the door to desires, boundaries, and feedback. Connection refers to emotional presence, trust, and intimacy during the moment. Comfort includes physical relaxation, emotional safety, and a pace that feels good for both partners. When these four elements are present, new ideas become much easier and more pleasurable to explore.

What are dimple piercings called officially?

The technical term is "cheek piercing," though people also use "dimple piercing" or "dermal cheek piercing." All three names refer to the same modification—a piercing placed on the lower cheek where natural dimples would form.

Do dimple piercings leave permanent scars?

Yes, cheek piercings typically leave permanent marks even after removal. The scar tissue creates indentations that may resemble natural dimples, though appearance varies by individual. Consider this before committing, as the marks will likely remain for life.

How much does a cheek piercing typically cost?

Prices range from $40-$100 per piercing, depending on your location and the piercer's experience level. Higher-end studios in major cities may charge more. This cost usually includes initial jewelry but not the tip for your piercer.

Can I get a dimple piercing if I already have a nose ring?

Absolutely. Having a nose piercing doesn't interfere with getting cheek piercings. The two sit in different facial areas and don't impact each other's healing or placement.

Will cheek piercings damage my teeth permanently?

Properly placed and sized jewelry shouldn't cause permanent damage. However, oversized or incorrectly positioned jewelry can chip enamel or cause gum recession over time. Regular dental check-ups and prompt downsizing help prevent these issues.

How long before I can change my dimple piercing jewelry?

Wait until complete healing—typically 8-12 weeks minimum, though some people need 4-6 months. Changing jewelry too early can damage healing tissue, introduce bacteria, or cause the piercing to close. Always consult your piercer before swapping jewelry for the first time.

Final Thoughts

Dimple piercings create distinctive facial features that make a bold statement. They require commitment to proper aftercare, patience during the extended healing period, and acceptance of likely permanent scarring.

Choose an experienced professional piercer who specializes in facial modifications. Follow aftercare instructions precisely, and don't hesitate to contact your piercer with concerns during healing.

If you're ready for this unique form of self-expression, take time to research local piercers, ask questions during consultations, and ensure you understand both the process and the long-term implications. The right preparation leads to better outcomes and fewer complications.