If you have ever noticed two small indentations on the lower back, right above the buttocks, you may have wondered what they mean. Commonly known as “Venus dimples” in women and “Apollo dimples” in men, these little holes have fascinated both scientists and the general public for centuries. While some see them as purely aesthetic, others believe they are a sign of good health, beauty, or even genetic luck. But the real question is: why do only some people have them?
The Role of Anatomy
Back dimples form where the skin is tethered to underlying structures by a short ligament. They are located directly over the sacroiliac joints—the area where the pelvis connects with the spine. Unlike muscle tone or fat distribution, these indentations are not something you can simply “work out” to achieve. Instead, they are a result of body structure and how your skin attaches to deeper tissues. In other words, whether or not you have them is mostly decided before you are even born.
Genetics and Inheritance
One of the main reasons only certain people develop back dimples is genetics. These dimples are considered an inherited trait, meaning if one or both parents have them, there is a higher chance their children will, too. Scientists explain that the placement of ligaments, as well as skeletal alignment, can vary from person to person. For some, this variation naturally results in the visible indentations. For others, the ligaments are positioned differently, so no dimples appear.
Body Shape and Fat Distribution
While genetics play the biggest role, body composition can influence how noticeable the dimples look. People with a leaner build or lower body fat percentage tend to show the dimples more clearly. On the other hand, someone who has the dimples genetically but carries more fat in the lower back area may not see them as prominently. This is why athletes or dancers, who often have lower body fat, may appear to have more defined back dimples.
Health Myths and Reality
There are many myths surrounding these little back holes. Some believe they are a sign of “better circulation” or “enhanced fertility.” Others think they make physical activity easier or even increase sexual pleasure. While these claims sound appealing, most of them are not backed by strong scientific evidence. What we do know is that these dimples do not negatively affect health. They are simply a neutral anatomical feature that varies from person to person.
A Symbol of Beauty Across Cultures
Even though they serve no clear medical function, back dimples have been admired for centuries. In art and sculpture, especially during the Renaissance, artists often highlighted these indentations as symbols of feminine beauty. Today, they are sometimes considered attractive because they draw attention to the curves of the lower back and hips. Their rarity also makes them stand out, adding to the fascination.
Can You Create Them?
Because of their popularity, many people ask whether it is possible to “get” back dimples through exercise. Unfortunately, since they are not muscles but the result of ligament placement, no workout can create them if your anatomy doesn’t allow it. However, strengthening the core and lowering body fat may make existing dimples appear more defined.
Conclusion
Only some people have back dimples because they are primarily determined by genetics and anatomy, not lifestyle or exercise. While they have no proven health benefits, they are often admired as a sign of beauty and uniqueness. If you have them, it simply means your body structure favors their appearance. And if you don’t, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong—your body just expresses its uniqueness in different ways.