Have you ever caught a glimpse of two delicate little indentations just above your tailbone—nestled right where your lower back meets your hips? Maybe you spotted them in the mirror after a shower, or your partner gently traced them during a back rub.
These subtle curves have a poetic name: Venus dimples—and they’re more than just a pretty detail.
Named after Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, these dimples have captivated artists, anatomists, and admirers for centuries. You’ll find them subtly highlighted in classical sculptures and Renaissance paintings, often celebrated as markers of grace and vitality.
But beyond aesthetics—what are they, really? And should you care if you have them (or don’t)? Let’s explore—with science, sensitivity, and zero body-shaming.
🌸 What Exactly Are Venus Dimples?
Venus dimples (medically known as dimples of Venus or fossae lumbales laterales) are small, symmetrical indentations on either side of the lower spine, just above the gluteal cleft.
What causes them?
They’re formed by a short fibrous ligament that connects your skin to a bony landmark on your pelvis called the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). When this ligament pulls the skin inward, it creates a natural dip.
It’s purely anatomical—not a muscle, not fat, not a sign of “toned glutes.” And whether you have them or not is almost entirely genetic. If your parents or grandparents had them, there’s a good chance they were passed down to you.
💡 Fun fact: Men have them too! In men, they’re often called Apollo’s dimples (after the god of strength and sun)—and are especially visible in athletic or lean physiques.
🏋️♀️ Can You Get Venus Dimples With Exercise?
