The “dimples of Venus” (also known as Venus dimples, back dimples, or Apollo holes in men) are the two small, symmetrical indentations located on the lower back, just above the crease of the buttocks.
Here is a detailed breakdown of what they are:
1. The Anatomy
They are located where two specific points of the pelvis meet the lower spine. Medically, they are created by a short ligament (the short posterior sacroiliac ligament) that connects the skin to a bony bump on the back of the pelvis called the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). Essentially, the skin is tethered tightly to the bone in those two spots, creating the visible dimples.
2. Why are they called “Dimples of Venus”?
The name comes from Venus, the ancient Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. Because these dimples are often considered aesthetically beautiful and are located near the hips and pelvis (an area associated with femininity and childbirth), they were named in her honor.
(Fun fact: In men, they are sometimes called “Apollo holes” or “Apollo dimples,” named after the Greek/Roman god of male beauty.)
3. What causes them?
They are purely genetic. If you have them, you were born with the underlying bone structure and ligament length required to create the indentations. You cannot get them through exercise, surgery, or weight loss.
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Can exercise make them more visible? Yes, indirectly. Because they are indentations, they are hidden by body fat. If a person genetically has the dimples but gains weight, the fat will fill in the holes and make them disappear. If they lose body fat and build muscle in the lower back, the dimples will become much more pronounced.
4. Venus Dimples vs. Sacral Dimples
People often confuse the two, but they are entirely different:
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Venus Dimples: Always appear in pairs (two holes), located higher up on the lower back, over the hip bones.
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Sacral Dimple: Usually appears as a single indentation, located much lower, directly in the crease where the buttocks meet. A sacral dimple is present at birth and, in very rare cases, can be a sign of an underlying spinal issue, whereas Venus dimples are completely harmless.
5. Are they “holes”?
They aren’t actual holes or tunnels going into the body. They are just surface-level indentations in the skin and fat, similar to how cheek dimples work on the face. They are completely benign, cause no pain, and have no impact on your physical health or spinal strength.