January 13, 2026

Cheek Piercing (Dimple Piercing): Myths, Pain, Healing, Procedures, Pros and Cons, Jewelry, Aftercare

Cheek piercings have gained popularity in recent years, but they can be challenging to maintain. While some piercers may advise against them, properly healed and maintained piercings can enhance your smile and boost your confidence.

Learn more about cheek piercings and whether they are the right look for you.

What Are Cheek Piercings (Dimple Piercings)?

A cheek piercing, also called a dimple piercing, involves placing jewelry like labret studs through the cheek tissue to highlight or mimic natural dimples. Many prefer symmetrical cheek piercings, but some choose to have a single piercing on just one side.

Variant: Cheek Dermal Piercing

A popular variant of cheek piercings is a cheek dermal piercing, also called a cheek microdermal piercing or a cheek surface piercing.

A cheek dermal piercing is a simpler type of piercing, consisting of a single hole on the skin's surface without extending into the mouth.

The difference is that a cheek dermal piercing is done with a microdermal or a dermal anchor, instead of a labret stud.

Do Cheek Piercings Give You Dimples?

Cheek piercings don't create natural dimples but can leave permanent indentations that resemble them. Additionally, the jewelry slightly depresses the cheek tissue, creating a physical indentation similar to a dimple.

However, it's important to consider that there is no guarantee that everyone will develop scar tissue that looks like symmetrical dimples. Removing jewelry permanently can leave irregular scars, hyperpigmentation, or no indentation at all.

What's Special About These Piercings?

Cheek piercings provide a unique look and make a bold statement. They can mimic the appearance of dimples for those who want them, and may even create indentations after the jewelry is removed.

Cheek piercings are risky due to their proximity to vital facial anatomy, including parotid glands and nerves. If improperly placed, they can damage these structures. Even with proper placement, risks include gum or tooth damage and infection.

How Much Is a Cheek Piercing?

Cheek piercings typically range from $50 to $100 each, excluding jewelry, with prices varying by location and piercer experience. Cheek piercings often require multiple downsizes, so expect to spend more on jewelry. Additionally, you'll need saline spray and other aftercare products.

Do Cheek Piercings Hurt?

Most people rank their pain between a 4 and 6 on a scale of one to 10. Much of the discomfort comes from getting two piercings at once.

Cheek Piercing Healing Time

Healing from cheek piercings can be uncomfortable, making it hard to eat, chew, and talk. It may take months to over a year for complete healing. This timeline varies from person to person.

For the first 12 weeks, it is very important to follow the aftercare procedures closely. This will help reduce your risk of complications.

Cheek Piercing Healing Process

The healing process for cheek piercings is lengthy, and they are more prone to flare-ups than other types of piercings. Swelling may return months after the procedure. Here's what to expect during healing.

Initial swelling: Expect significant swelling for weeks 1 to 4. Extra-long barbells (about an inch or longer) will be used to prevent the jewelry from being swallowed by the surrounding tissue.
First downsize: Between weeks 2 and 4, as swelling decreases, return to your piercer to swap for shorter bars. Keeping a bar that's too long increases your risk of biting your jewelry, which can cause tooth damage.
Multiple downsizes: Your cheeks are "high movement areas," so you may need several sizes over the next few months as the tissue settles. The sizes will depend on your cheek tissue and swelling.
"Crusties" and discharge: Clear or white discharge that dries into "crusties" is normal. However, yellow or green pus, foul odors, or extreme redness may indicate an infection.

How Do Cheek Piercings Work?

A cheek piercing is done by passing a needle through the soft tissue of your cheek into your oral cavity. Due to the high risk of damaging internal structures in your mouth, it requires precision and experience.

Before the procedure starts, your body piercer will look at your mouth and locate the parotid ducts. These ducts produce saliva in your mouth. If damaged during the procedure, they can't be repaired. Your piercer will then mark where your piercings will go.

Afterwards, you will rinse your mouth with an oral rinse. You can also request a topical anesthetic. Once your skin is cleaned, the piercer will use a hollow needle to pierce your cheek, usually from outside in (but sometimes from inside out). If the piercer chooses to pierce from the outside, they may use a barrier inside your mouth to protect your tongue from the needle.

The initial jewelry, which is often a long barbell, will be inserted immediately after the piercing.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Cheek Piercings?

Cheek piercings provide a unique appearance and can accentuate your smile. While many appreciate this look, there are potential risks to consider.

Pros

Cheek piercings are appealing and can mimic dimples (or enhance existing ones).
They can brighten up your face and enhance your smile.
Because they're uncommon, they can help you stand out from the crowd.

Cons

They are riskier piercings due to their proximity to important facial structures.
A misplaced piercing can damage the parotid duct or facial nerves, causing continuous saliva leakage or partial facial paralysis.
The flat-back disc (or ball) can rub against teeth and gums, causing chipping, enamel wear, and gum recession.
The healing process is long and requires vigilant aftercare, including multiple jewelry downsizes.
Mouth piercings require regular cleaning to avoid infection. Rinse your mouth after every meal to prevent food particles from accumulating around the piercing.

Cheek Piercings V.S. Cheek Dahlia Piercing

A Dahlia piercing, also known as a Joker piercing, is a pair of piercings that sit at the corners of the mouth. They are also sometimes referred to as joker piercings due to their location.

Flat disc-back labret studs are the best jewelry option for Dahlia piercings as they provide more stability. The typical gauge and length of jewelry used are 16G/1.2mm (14G/1.6mm is available too) and 12mm.

Significant swelling is associated with Dahlia piercings. However, to account for the swelling, your piercer may use a longer length to ensure there's enough room.

Cheek Piercing Jewelry: Types and Sizes

Labret studs are a common jewelry choice for dimple piercings. Their flat-back design sits flush against the mouth, reducing irritation to gums and teeth. They will initially be around 1 inch (24mm) in length to leave room for swelling.

A cheek piercing is much more stable when done using a 12-gauge (2.0mm) to 14-gauge (1.6mm) needle. Using a smaller gauge may raise the risk of irritation bumps, and drainage issues.

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Straight barbells are another common jewelry choice for cheek piercings. The recommended starting gauge should be 12G (2.0 mm) or 14G (1.6mm) and around 1" (24mm) in length.

Curved barbells are designed for areas with natural curves, like eyebrows, and are not suitable for standard cheek piercings.

Microdermals are an alternative to standard cheek piercings and may reduce the risk of deep-tissue damage. However, they are not permanent and may leave scars upon removal. Dermal piercing jewelry ranges from 12 to 16 gauge.

Metals Recommended for Cheek Piercing

The best materials to select for your cheek piercing or dimple piercing are implant-grade titanium, 14-karat or 18-karat gold, and surgical stainless steel.

1. Implant-Grade Titanium: About $20-$40

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Titanium piercing jewelry is strongly recommended. Titanium is a corrosion-resistant, shiny metal prized for its low weight and strength. It has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is hypoallergenic, lightweight, nickel-free, and won’t tarnish.

To be detailed, titanium is hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. It’s often recommended for those who are allergic to brass, nickel, and other metals common in jewelry.

Its high density-to-strength ratio means your jewelry is very durable. A lower density also makes titanium lightweight, a big plus for many users. Finally, the metal comes in many colors because you can anodize it.

2. 14-Karat and 18-Karat Gold: About $40-$200

14-karat and 18-karat gold ear piercing jewelry can offer an elevated look. This metal will not rust or tarnish. It is also easy to decorate and shape. The added alloys in 18k and especially 14k make them more durable than 24k gold pieces.

One downside to gold jewelry is the price tag, which is expensive. Another concern will be that the metal is soft, making it susceptible to bends, breaks, and gouges. Also, consider if you have allergies, such as an allergy to gold.

3. Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel: About $5-$30

If you opt for stainless steel, you should opt for surgical-grade steel. It often contributes to a smooth healing process and is extremely durable. However, even surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities.

Talk through all material options with your piercer to figure out what’s best for you and your skin.

Risks Associated With Cheek Piercings

Cheek piercings come with a fair amount of risk. Here's a look at major risks associated with cheek piercings, and what to do if you encounter them.

Cheek Piercing Swelling

Some swelling is typical with cheek piercings. You can use cold compresses and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling. However, if you are experiencing excessive swelling or the jewelry is embedded in your cheek, see your piercer or a doctor.

Cheek Piercing Infection

Symptoms include thick yellow (or green) pus, foul odor, heat, or red streaks radiating from the site. Consult your doctor or piercer if you notice signs of an infection. While mild irritation may respond to additional saline soaks, true infections require antibiotics.

Cheek Piercing Scar

Cheek piercings nearly always leave some form of scarring behind. While the scars may be dimple-like indentations, there is no guarantee that this is always the case. Your scars may fade over time, but indentations often remain visible.

Nerve damage

Nerve damage can lead to permanent numbness, loss of taste, and difficulty moving facial muscles. If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor. You may need to remove your jewelry to prevent further injury, but existing damage might be permanent.

Think Twice Before You Pierce

Cheek piercings, also called dimple piercings, can look great, but it's important to choose a professional piercer with a successful track record in this specific type of body modification. With proper aftercare, they can be a great way to showcase your style and enhance your beautiful smile.