Why Do Only Some People Have These Back Dimples?

Have you ever seen two small indentations on the lower back, right above the buttocks? These tiny marks are often called “Venus dimples” when they appear on women and “Apollo dimples” when seen on men. For centuries, people have been fascinated by them. Some believe they are a sign of beauty, good health, or even sexual attraction. Others simply see them as a natural feature that only a lucky few seem to have.

But what are these dimples really? Why do some people have them while others do not? And do they actually mean anything about health, strength, or fertility? To answer these questions, we need to look at anatomy, genetics, body composition, and history.

What Are Back Dimples?

Back dimples are small indentations in the skin on the lower back. They sit just above the buttocks, directly over the sacroiliac joints—the spot where your pelvis connects to your spine. These dimples are not random. They form because of the way your skin attaches to deeper structures inside the body.

A short ligament tethers the skin to the bones and tissues underneath. If this ligament is placed in a certain position, it pulls the skin inward, creating a little hollow. That hollow becomes the dimple you see from the outside.

Unlike muscles that can be trained or fat that can be lost or gained, back dimples are not something you can “work on” in the gym. They are part of your body’s natural structure, formed before you were even born.

Genetics: The Main Reason

The biggest reason some people have back dimples is genetics. Just like eye color, hair type, or freckles, back dimples are usually inherited. If one or both of your parents have them, there’s a much higher chance you will, too.

Scientists explain that the placement of ligaments and the shape of the pelvis can vary from person to person. For some people, the skin naturally pulls inward at that spot. For others, the ligaments attach differently, and no dimples form.

This is why you cannot simply “create” back dimples with exercise. You either have the anatomical setup for them, or you don’t.

Body Shape and Fat Distribution

While genetics decide whether you can have back dimples at all, your body shape and fat distribution decide how visible they are.

• Lean individuals: If you have a lower body fat percentage, the dimples show more clearly because there is less fat covering the indentations. This is why athletes, gymnasts, or dancers often seem to have very defined back dimples.
• Higher body fat: Someone who genetically has back dimples might not see them if fat is stored in the lower back area. The dimples are still there underneath, but they’re simply hidden.
• Muscle tone: Stronger muscles around the core and lower back don’t create dimples, but they can make the area look firmer and make existing dimples stand out more.

So, body composition does not “make” dimples appear, but it can highlight or hide them.

Health Myths and Beliefs

Back dimples have been surrounded by many myths and claims. Some people believe they are a sign of:

• Better blood circulation
• Higher fertility
• Easier childbirth
• Greater sexual pleasure
• Athletic ability

While these ideas sound interesting, there is no strong scientific evidence to support most of them. Back dimples do not change the way your blood flows or how your reproductive system works. They are simply an anatomical variation.

That being said, because they are rare and often found on people with leaner physiques, they have become connected with the idea of fitness and health. But it’s important to remember: not having them doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you.

Back Dimples in History and Culture

Back dimples have not just been noticed in modern times. Throughout history, they have been symbols of beauty and attraction.

• Renaissance art: During the 15th and 16th centuries, artists like Michelangelo and Botticelli often highlighted Venus dimples in sculptures and paintings. The human body was celebrated in detail, and these dimples were considered part of the perfect form.
• Greek and Roman mythology: The name “Venus dimples” comes from Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. In men, they are sometimes called “Apollo dimples,” after the god Apollo, linked to strength and perfection.
• Modern beauty standards: Today, back dimples are often admired in fashion and fitness culture. Models, athletes, and celebrities who have them sometimes show them off in swimsuits or low-rise clothing.

Different cultures view them differently, but the common thread is that they are often seen as attractive and unique.

The Psychology of Attraction

Why are back dimples considered attractive by many people? Psychologists suggest a few reasons:

1. Symmetry: Humans are naturally drawn to symmetrical features. Dimples appear evenly on both sides of the lower back, which adds balance to the body’s appearance.
2. Rarity: Not everyone has them. When something is rare, it often becomes more desirable.
3. Framing the body: Back dimples draw attention to the curve of the waist and hips, which are areas traditionally linked to fertility and physical attractiveness.
4. Cultural influence: Because art, media, and fashion often highlight them, people are conditioned to see them as special.

So, while dimples don’t have a medical function, they have a strong social and psychological value.

Can You Create Back Dimples?

One of the most common questions is: “Can I get back dimples if I don’t have them?” The short answer is no—not naturally.

Since they are formed by ligament placement, you can’t build them through exercise or diet. However, you can make existing dimples more visible by:

• Lowering body fat percentage through a healthy diet and regular activity.
• Strengthening the core muscles (abs, obliques, and lower back) to give the area more definition.
• Improving posture, which makes the lower back curve more noticeable.

In recent years, some cosmetic procedures have even been created to “fake” back dimples. Plastic surgeons can perform small procedures to mimic the look. But this is rare and not common, since most people view back dimples as a natural trait rather than something to surgically create.

Medical Relevance

While back dimples are mostly a cosmetic and cultural topic, they do have a tiny bit of medical relevance. Doctors sometimes use them as landmarks when examining the sacroiliac joints, which can be affected by conditions like arthritis or injury.

However, beyond serving as a useful point of reference, back dimples do not indicate any disease, risk, or health condition. They are considered medically neutral.

Variations: Not Just on the Back

Dimples can appear in other places too, and each type has its own cultural meaning:

• Cheek dimples: Perhaps the most famous, cheek dimples are caused by variations in the facial muscles. They are often associated with cuteness, charm, or youthfulness.
• Chin dimples (cleft chin): Formed by bone structure, these have been linked to masculinity and strong character in some cultures.
• Lower back dimples: As we’ve discussed, these are admired for beauty and uniqueness.

It’s interesting how the same basic principle—a small indentation caused by structure—can appear in different parts of the body and carry different meanings.

Do Back Dimples Mean You’re Healthier?

Many people online suggest that back dimples are a sign of better health, but let’s break that down:

• Circulation: No scientific proof supports the claim that blood flows better in people with back dimples.
• Fertility: There is no research showing women with Venus dimples are more fertile.
• Strength or athletic ability: Back dimples do not affect muscle strength, flexibility, or stamina.

The reality is simple: back dimples don’t make you healthier or less healthy. They are just a genetic trait, like the shape of your ears or the curve of your smile.

Why Some People Admire Them More Today

In the age of social media, unique physical features often get more attention. Back dimples are sometimes highlighted in fitness photos, swimsuit pictures, and even in workout culture. Because they’re relatively rare, they stand out.

The admiration also ties into the trend of celebrating natural body features. Just like freckles, stretch marks, or curly hair, back dimples have become part of the conversation around body positivity and individuality.

The Bottom Line

Back dimples are small, natural indentations on the lower back caused by ligament placement. They are mostly determined by genetics and anatomy. Body shape can make them more or less visible, but they cannot be created through exercise alone.

They hold no medical advantage or disadvantage, but across cultures and history, they have been viewed as signs of beauty, uniqueness, and attraction.

If you have them, it’s simply part of your genetic makeup. If you don’t, it doesn’t mean anything negative—it just means your body expresses beauty in other ways.