Lower back dimples, often called the “dimples of Venus,” are small indentations located just above the buttocks, near where the spine meets the pelvis. These dimples, scientifically known as fossae lumbales laterales, have long been associated with beauty and allure. Named after Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, they are seen as a symbol of physical attractiveness.
Contrary to popular belief, these dimples are not caused by muscles but by the anatomy of the sacroiliac joint, where the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) connects to the pelvis. The skin attaches to the ligaments in this area, creating the shallow depressions we recognize as dimples.
Interestingly, these dimples are entirely genetic. You’re either born with them or not, and no amount of exercise can create them. However, losing weight or toning the muscles around the area can make them more noticeable. While they are more common in women, men can also have them, often referred to as “Apollo’s dimples,” named after the Roman god of youth and physical beauty.
In popular culture, these dimples are admired for their symmetry and elegance, often seen as a mark of a well-proportioned figure. They add to the natural curve of the lower back, enhancing the overall silhouette. Whether in men or women, they are celebrated as a subtle yet striking feature of physical beauty.
The dimples of Venus remind us that beauty comes in many forms, often shaped by genetics rather than effort. They are a testament to the natural elegance of the human body, appreciated across cultures and generations.
