What Are Shoulder Dimples & Are They Dangerous?

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Plus, learn whether these dimples are considered attractive

Co-authored by Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: December 24, 2025 Fact Checked

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• What are shoulder dimples?
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• Shoulder Dimple Causes
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• Are they dangerous?
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• Are they attractive?

|Show more |Show less

Dimples come in all shapes and sizes—and not just on the face! Shoulder dimples appear as two, often symmetrical indentations on the back of both shoulders. If you’ve got these marks yourself or you know someone who does, keep reading to learn all about these cute little divots, including what they are, what causes them, and whether they’re considered an attractive feature.

Shoulder Dimples Meaning

Shoulder dimples, also known as acromial dimples, are small indentations above each of the shoulder blades. These can be inherited genetically or occur randomly. They’re generally harmless and are often considered attractive, unique features.

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Section 1 of 4:

What are shoulder dimples?

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1. 
   Shoulder dimples are small indentations above the shoulder blades. Also known as acromial dimples, shoulder dimples are little divots in the skin above the shoulder blades. People are usually born with these types of dimples, and they’re generally non-threatening. On rare occasions, they can signal underlying health issues, though, so doctors typically note them to make sure they’re benign.
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Section 2 of 4:

What causes shoulder dimples?

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1. 
   Shoulder dimples may be genetic or occur at random. These kinds of dimples tend to run in families, with one user on Reddit sharing photos of her, her husband, and her two children, who all have the crescent-shaped indentations. However, these divots don’t only run in families, and people can randomly be born with them. Sometimes, they can form as a result of developing embryo tissue pressed against the uterine lining in the womb. Here are other possible causes:

   • Shoulder dimples may also appear as part of certain syndromes, like 18q deletion syndrome and Apert’s syndrome, which is a fusion of the skull bones.
   • Some research suggests that shoulder dimples can be a side effect of maternal cocaine use.

Section 3 of 4:

Are shoulder dimples dangerous?

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1. 
   Shoulder dimples are typically harmless. In most cases, shoulder dimples are nothing to be concerned about. However, if you have underlying issues, such as posterior shoulder dislocation, or a particularly deep dimple that causes pain, see a doctor to make sure everything is okay. A specific type of shoulder dimple, called the "posterior dimple sign," may suggest a structural bone issue.
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Section 4 of 4:

Are shoulder dimples attractive?

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1. 
   In general, shoulder dimples are considered a unique and attractive trait. Similar to cheek dimples, shoulder dimples are often viewed as youthful, adorable, and unexpected little accents on the body. Facial dimples are relatively uncommon, accounting for only 20-30% of the population, but shoulder dimples are even less common, with some research suggesting that only 14% of the population has acromial dimples. This adds to their uniqueness and charm!

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