Many people notice small dimples or indentations in the lower back area, often just above the crease between the buttocks. These little indentations are commonly known as “Venus dimples” in women and sometimes as “Apollo dimples” in men. While they may seem like a simple quirk of anatomy, these dimples have fascinated cultures for centuries, often being linked to beauty, health, and even sexuality.
Medically, Venus dimples form due to the way skin and connective tissue interact with the pelvic bones. Specifically, they appear where the posterior superior iliac spine—part of the pelvic bone—meets the skin. Because this area has little muscle, the skin pulls inward, creating these shallow indentations. They are entirely natural and largely determined by genetics, so no amount of exercise or lifestyle change will create them if they aren’t naturally present. In fact, the visibility of these dimples can be influenced by body fat levels and muscle tone, but their presence itself is inherited.
These dimples have been called “Venus” after the Roman goddess of beauty because they have been admired as a sign of attractiveness for centuries. The male counterpart is named for Apollo, the Greek god representing strength and athleticism. Some medical observations suggest that individuals with pronounced Venus or Apollo dimples may have better blood circulation around the pelvic area. This enhanced circulation is believed to contribute to improved sexual function and potentially more intense sensation, which might explain why these dimples have been associated with sensuality and vitality.
Research also notes that highly visible Venus dimples often indicate lower body fat and good physical fitness. Thus, they have become subtle markers of health, vitality, and an active lifestyle. However, not having these dimples does not mean poor health—it’s simply one of many natural variations in human anatomy. Genetics plays the biggest role, but factors like muscle development and body composition can influence how prominent these dimples look.
Importantly, these dimples cannot be created or enhanced artificially through exercise or diet. While losing weight might make them more noticeable, if a person does not have the genetic predisposition, they will not appear. This natural trait remains unique to individuals, adding to the wonder of human biological diversity.
Culturally, Venus and Apollo dimples have long held symbolic meaning. For women, they represent beauty and allure, while for men, they convey strength and masculinity. This symbolism has persisted into today’s fitness and wellness cultures, where visible dimples are sometimes celebrated as signs of physical fitness and good health.
In the end, these small indentations are just one of many fascinating ways our bodies display the combined influences of genetics and lifestyle. Their beauty and cultural significance reflect human fascination with subtle physical traits, but having them—or not having them—does not define a person’s health, beauty, or worth. They remain simply a striking feature of human anatomy that many find intriguing.
