Many people notice two small, symmetrical indentations on the lower back just above the buttocks and wonder what they mean. These natural marks are commonly known as Venus dimples (or dimples of Venus), and they have captured attention both for their aesthetic appeal and the curiosity they spark about human anatomy. While some people have them clearly defined and others not at all, their presence is simply a normal anatomical detail reflecting the unique way each body is structured. These dimples are often linked culturally to beauty, but their significance extends beyond appearance alone. They are a reminder that human bodies are built with subtle variations, many of which are genetically determined and not linked to health or function in obvious ways.

Anatomically, Venus dimples form at very specific points where the skin is naturally tethered to underlying connective tissue over the pelvic bones. Medically they’re referred to as fossae lumbales laterales, meaning lateral lumbar indentations, and are located symmetrically over the sacroiliac joints, where the sacrum meets the ilium of the pelvis. This indentation arises because a short ligament connects the skin to the posterior superior iliac spine — a bony prominence on the pelvis — pulling the skin inward to create a shallow dimple. Since the structure depends on ligament and bone positions shaped by genetics, these dimples cannot be created or removed through exercise or diet. They are present at birth but may become more or less visible over time depending on changes in body fat and composition.

From a biological and health perspective, Venus dimples are benign and carry no direct medical meaning. They are not a sign of disease, a marker of fertility, nor do they reliably indicate physical fitness, circulation quality, or vitality. Although they lie near regions involved in blood flow and skeletal alignment, no scientific evidence shows that their presence guarantees better circulation, reduced pain, or enhanced physical function. Some research has explored subtle anatomical correlations — for example, one study found that people with dimples may have differences in pelvic incidence angle and facet joint orientation — but this did not translate into less back pain or a clear health advantage.  Historically and culturally, the name “Venus dimples” comes from Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty, reflecting a long-standing aesthetic association rather than a biological one.

It’s important to emphasize that not everyone has Venus dimples, and their absence is not a sign of poor health or structural imbalance. Whether someone has them is determined by genetics — specifically whether the connective tissue configuration that creates the indentation is present — and this trait can skip generations or vary even among close relatives. Some people have the underlying ligament but the dimples are obscured by a higher layer of subcutaneous fat, while others may have leaner anatomy that makes the indentations more visible. Changes in body composition can affect visibility, but they do not cause or eliminate the feature itself; it must already be part of the individual’s genetic blueprint. This understanding can be reassuring, especially for older adults who become more attuned to bodily changes and may worry about their implications.

Although physical fitness in general can accentuate the appearance of natural contours in the body, maintaining good posture, muscle tone, and healthy body composition affects overall comfort and mobility much more than any specific superficial feature. Activities like walking, stretching, core strengthening, and balanced nutrition contribute to posture, circulation, and joint health — factors that truly influence daily comfort and function as people age. However, even someone with excellent health habits might never have visible Venus dimples, and conversely, someone with them might not have specific fitness advantages because of them. True health is multidimensional and depends on consistent habits — balanced diet, regular movement, stress management, and preventive care — rather than isolated physical traits.

Culturally and historically, body features like dimples have often been linked to concepts of beauty, youthfulness, and harmony. While these associations are subjective and vary widely across societies, they reflect how humans have long found meaning in physical variation. The story of the Venus dimples reminds us that beauty and uniqueness are woven into our anatomy by genetics and development, not by standards of ideal form. Especially for older adults, understanding that such features are harmless and natural can foster a more compassionate and curious perspective toward the body. They are simply one of many subtle anatomical details that make each person distinct — a quiet reflection of hereditary patterns rather than a sign of health or illness. Observing the body with curiosity rather than judgment, and caring for it with respect and gentle attention, supports both physical and emotional well-being throughout life.