A science-based look at the "Dimples of Venus" and what they can—and can't—tell you about your body.
Have you ever noticed two small, symmetrical indentations just above your hips on the lower back? Maybe you've had them your whole life, or perhaps you recently spotted them in the mirror and wondered what they are.
These indentations are commonly known as Dimples of Venus, and while they've often been associated with beauty and attractiveness, they're actually a normal anatomical feature. Despite the many myths circulating online, these dimples are not a sign of superior health, athletic ability, or any hidden medical condition.
Let's take a closer look at what science tells us about these distinctive lower-back dimples.
What Are the Dimples of Venus?
The Dimples of Venus are small indentations found on either side of the lower back, just above the buttocks. Their medical name is lumbar dimples or fovea lumbales laterales.
These dimples appear near the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), a prominent part of the pelvic bone that healthcare professionals often use as a landmark during physical examinations.
Unlike muscles or fat deposits, these dimples form because connective tissue attaches the skin directly to the underlying pelvis. Where this attachment is tighter, the skin is gently pulled inward, creating the familiar indentations.
They are simply a variation of normal human anatomy.
Why Do Some People Have Them?
Whether or not you have Dimples of Venus depends on several natural factors.
Genetics
Genetics plays the biggest role. Some people inherit connective tissue patterns that create these dimples, while others do not. Like attached earlobes or cheek dimples, they're simply one of many inherited physical traits.
Body Composition
The dimples often become more noticeable in people with lower levels of body fat. If additional soft tissue covers the area, the dimples may appear less defined—even though the underlying anatomy remains unchanged.
Connective Tissue
The strength and position of the ligaments and fascia connecting the skin to the pelvis vary from person to person. These differences influence how deep or visible the dimples appear.
Posture and Muscle Tone
Standing upright with good posture or having well-developed gluteal muscles can sometimes make the dimples more visible by changing the contour of the lower back.
Are They a Sign of Good Health?
Many internet articles suggest that Dimples of Venus indicate excellent circulation, fertility, or overall physical fitness.
Current medical evidence does not support these claims.
These dimples are not considered a reliable indicator of health, reproductive ability, metabolism, or athletic performance. They're simply a structural feature that some people naturally have.
That said, people with lower body fat may display the dimples more clearly, which sometimes leads to the mistaken belief that they are directly linked to fitness.
In reality, healthy people may have them, and healthy people may not.
Dimples of Venus vs. Sacral Dimples
These two features are often confused, but they are quite different.
Dimples of Venus:
- Located on both sides of the lower back.
- Usually symmetrical.
- Normal anatomical variation.
- Common in adults.
Sacral Dimples:
- Typically a single indentation located directly above the crease between the buttocks.
- Present at birth.
- Usually harmless, but in some newborns they may require medical evaluation if associated with other skin changes or neurological findings.
Knowing the difference is important because the two structures have different clinical significance.
Can You Develop Them Later in Life?
The connective tissue responsible for these dimples is generally present from birth.
However, changes in body weight, muscle development, and body composition can make them more or less visible over time.
For example:
- Losing body fat may reveal previously hidden dimples.
- Building the gluteal muscles can accentuate the lower back contours.
- Weight gain may reduce their visibility.
These changes don't mean the anatomy itself has changed—only that it's become easier or harder to see.
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