If You Have These Two "Dimples" on Your Lower Back, Here's What They Actually Mean
Sofia MarinA Compassionate, Science-Backed Guide to "Dimples of Venus" — Separating Myth from Anatomy
You've probably seen them—those two small indentations just above the buttocks, symmetrical and almost perfectly placed. Some people have them naturally. Others notice them for the first time and wonder: What are those? Why do I have them?
They're often called "dimples of Venus," a name that sounds poetic and mysterious. But what do they actually mean—medically, genetically, and culturally? And are they a sign of anything significant?
This article isn't about aesthetics or judgment. It's about understanding. It's about giving you honest, evidence-informed information so you can appreciate your body with curiosity—not confusion.
Let's explore the truth behind those little lower back dimples—with clarity, compassion, and science.
📋 Lower Back Dimples: Quick Reference Guide
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Common Names | Dimples of Venus, back dimples, sacral dimples (medical term), butt dimples |
Medical Term | Fossae lumbales laterales (lateral lumbar fossae) |
What They Are | Natural anatomical indentations where skin attaches to pelvic bone |
Cause | Genetic trait; ligament attachment + body composition |
Health Significance | ✅ Usually benign; ❗ Rare congenital sacral dimples may need evaluation |
Who Has Them | ~20–30% of people; slightly more common in women; varies by ethnicity |
Bottom Line | Usually a harmless, inherited trait—like dimples on cheeks or a widow's peak |
💡 Key insight: Most lower back dimples are simply anatomy, not destiny. They're a neutral physical trait—like eye color or ear shape.
❤️ Why Understanding This Matters
Body features we don't understand can spark anxiety. Is this normal? Should I be concerned? Does it mean something about my health or fertility?
For many people, discovering these dimples raises questions. And in a world where bodies are often scrutinized, having accurate information is a form of self-care.
Common Concerns—Answered Upfront
Concern | Reality |
|---|---|
"Are these dimples a sign of a health problem?" | ❌ Almost never. They're a normal anatomical variation in the vast majority of cases. |
"Do they mean I'm more fertile or attractive?" | ❌ No scientific evidence supports this. Cultural associations exist, but biology doesn't work that way. |
"Can I get them or make them more visible?" | ⚠️ They're genetic. Lower body fat or muscle development may make them more visible, but you can't create them if you don't have the underlying anatomy. |
"Should I worry if they appear suddenly?" | ⚠️ True dimples of Venus are present from birth/young adulthood. New indentations, asymmetry, or changes warrant medical evaluation. |
🩺 Expert insight: Dr. Jennifer Wider, board-certified OB-GYN, notes: "Dimples of Venus are simply where the skin attaches to the pelvis. They're a normal variant—like having a birthmark or freckles."
🔬 Medically Speaking: What Causes Lower Back Dimples?
In most cases, these dimples are completely normal anatomical variations.