Cheek piercing

Cheek piercing (also known as a dimple) is a facial body piercing through the cheek. The most common variation of the cheek piercing penetrates the facial tissue into the oral cavity. The usual placement is symmetrical on either side of the face, either penetrating (and enhancing) or imitating dimples.

The piercing can cause nerve damage and may leak or secrete lymph fluid, which has a saliva-like texture and can create an unpleasant odor. An alternative is microdermal implants, placed in the intended dimple location. This method avoids drawbacks of full cheek piercings. Though microdermals do have a slightly larger chance to leave a scar than a piercing, they will heal eventually and be almost unnoticeable. The rate of infection is also lower in the long run. Because the piercing does not penetrate the cheek completely, there is little to no chance of tooth or gum damage. Microdermals are like a 'one hole' piercing, where the 'foot' of the jewelry sits below the skin and the decorative jewel or flat disc is above the skin.