You’ve probably seen them—two small, symmetrical indentations just above the buttocks. Some people have them naturally, while others notice them for the first time and wonder: What are they? 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 significant in any way?
Let’s take a closer look.
What Are They Called?
These indentations go by several names:
- Dimples of Venus – A poetic term inspired by Roman mythology, where Venus was the goddess of beauty, love, and fertility
- Back dimples – A simple, descriptive name
- Sacral dimples – A medical term (though it can also refer to a different condition—see below)
- Butt dimples – A more casual, colloquial term
The term “Dimples of Venus” reflects the long-standing idea that these features are aesthetically pleasing and associated with beauty.
Medically Speaking: What Causes Them?
In most cases, these dimples are completely normal anatomical variations.
They form where a short ligament connects the skin to the posterior superior iliac spine—a part of the pelvic bone you can feel as two small protrusions on your lower back. Depending on how your body stores fat and builds muscle, these attachment points may appear as visible indentations.
Key facts:
- They are genetic – You inherit them from your parents
- They’re more visible in people with lower body fat
- They are harmless and not linked to any health issues
Important Distinction: Normal vs. Medical Sacral Dimples
Not all dimples in the lower back area are the same.
Normal Back Dimples (Dimples of Venus)
- Located symmetrically above the buttocks
- Present from birth
- No other symptoms
- Skin appears normal, just indented
Sacral Dimples That May Need Medical Evaluation
- Located lower, within the crease between the buttocks
- May include a tuft of hair, discoloration, or a skin tag
- Sometimes associated with other physical signs
- In rare cases, linked to underlying spinal issues
If your dimples are higher up, symmetrical, and without other symptoms, they are almost certainly normal.
Cultural and Historical Meanings
Throughout history, these dimples have carried symbolic meaning:
- Beauty – Often seen as an attractive physical feature
- Health – Traditionally (though not scientifically), associated with vitality or fertility
- Fitness – Today, often linked to a toned physique and low body fat
- Erotic appeal – Considered a subtle, attractive feature due to their location
Can You Get Them If You Don’t Have Them?
Short answer: No.
Back dimples are determined by your anatomy—specifically how your skin connects to your pelvic bones. This is genetic, not something you can create through exercise.
However, you can make them more visible if you already have them by:
- Reducing body fat
- Building gluteal muscles
- Improving posture
If the structure isn’t there, no workout will create them.
Common Myths
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| They mean you’re flexible | No—purely structural |
| They indicate good circulation | No scientific evidence |
| You can get them through exercise | No—you’re either born with them or not |
| They signal fertility | No medical basis |
| They’re a defect | No—they’re completely normal |
Why Some People Have Them and Others Don’t
Like other genetic traits (such as earlobe type or tongue rolling), back dimples vary from person to person.
- More common in women, but men can have them
- More visible with lower body fat
- Often hereditary
The Bottom Line
Those two small dimples on your lower back are a normal, harmless, genetic feature. They don’t indicate any medical condition and don’t require any treatment.
If anything, they’re simply a natural variation—one that many cultures have long considered a mark of beauty.
