Cheek piercing: A facial piercing through the cheek tissue to create a dimple-like appearance.

This style involves piercing the cheek, often creating symmetrical indentations. It carries risks of nerve damage and infection, leading some to prefer microdermal implants as a safer alternative with lower long-term complications.

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Healing time ranges from six months to one year.
Microdermal implants avoid passing through the entire cheek.
Thailand hosts rituals where mediums pierce their cheeks.
Flat-backed jewelry reduces risk of tooth damage.
Lymph fluid leakage can cause an unpleasant odor.

What it is

A cheek piercing is a type of body modification where jewelry passes through the cheek tissue. The most common form creates two symmetrical holes on either side of the face, designed to look like or enhance natural dimples. This procedure can penetrate into the mouth cavity. An alternative method uses microdermal implants, which sit under the skin rather than going all the way through. These implants are placed in the specific area intended for the dimple effect.

History and origin

Permanent cheek piercing appears to be a modern development. However, ritualistic versions have existed in various cultures worldwide. A notable example occurs during annual vegetarian festivals in Phuket, Thailand. During these events, participants known as mediums pierce their cheeks with various objects while in an altered state of consciousness.

What it means

In everyday contexts, this adornment is worn primarily for aesthetic reasons to create a dimpled look. In religious or cultural settings, it holds spiritual significance. For instance, in Thai festivals, the act is part of a ritual practice involving mediums who undergo the piercing as a form of devotion or trance experience.

The science

The procedure carries medical risks, including potential nerve damage. The piercing site may leak lymph fluid, which resembles saliva and can cause an unpleasant odor. Microdermal implants offer a different biological interaction. They do not penetrate the cheek completely, reducing the risk of tooth or gum damage compared to full piercings.

A drawing made by EveryFaceShape from what this page says. It is a diagram, not a picture of the real face guide.

Styling and care

Jewelry choices significantly impact safety and healing. Standard barbells are often used to prevent cheek tissue from growing over the back piece. Flat-backed labret studs provide comfort and reduce tooth damage but can become embedded if the bar is too short during healing. Jewelry length must accommodate initial swelling before being shortened after healing is complete.

In culture

While contemporary fashion drives the trend for cosmetic dimple piercings, the practice has deep roots in specific cultural rituals. The festivals in Phuket demonstrate how this physical modification serves a communal and spiritual purpose, distinct from its modern use as a personal style choice.

Questions people ask about Cheek piercing

What are the main health risks associated with cheek piercings?

Risks include nerve damage and the leakage of lymph fluid, which can smell unpleasant. There is also a chance of infection. Full piercings carry a higher risk of damaging teeth and gums compared to microdermal alternatives.

How does a microdermal implant differ from a standard cheek piercing?

Microdermals sit under the skin rather than penetrating through to the mouth. This reduces the risk of tooth damage and infection. They may leave a slight scar but generally heal to become almost unnoticeable over time.

What type of jewelry is recommended for cheek piercings?

Barbells are commonly used to prevent tissue growth over the backing. Flat-backed labret studs are preferred for comfort and to protect teeth. The jewelry must be long enough initially to allow for swelling before being shortened.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Cheek piercing", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFaceShape rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.

Cheek piercing