Have you ever noticed two small indentations on the lower back, just above the buttocks? Often called back dimples, Venus dimples, or dimples of Venus, these small marks are a natural anatomical feature found in many people.
They are usually harmless and are often considered a distinctive physical characteristic. But what causes them to appear? Do they indicate good circulation, athletic fitness, or something special about a person's health?
The answer lies in human anatomy, genetics, and the way soft tissues connect around the pelvis.
What Are Lower Back Dimples?
Lower back dimples are two small depressions that typically appear symmetrically on either side of the spine, near the back of the pelvis.
Their medical and anatomical location is close to the posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS), which are bony landmarks on the back of the pelvic bones.
The dimples form where the skin and underlying connective tissues are attached near these structures. Because the surrounding tissues may sit slightly higher, the attachment points can create small visible indentations.
They are sometimes called Venus dimples, a name inspired by Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty. The term is commonly used for women, while the same feature in men is sometimes called Apollo dimples. Anatomically, however, the feature is essentially the same.
1. Genetics Play an Important Role
One of the main reasons people have visible lower back dimples is their natural anatomy, which is influenced partly by genetics.
The shape of the pelvis, the arrangement of connective tissues, and the distribution of fat beneath the skin all influence whether these indentations are noticeable.
Some people have clearly defined dimples, while others have subtle indentations that are difficult to see. Many people do not have visible dimples at all.
Their presence is not a reliable indicator of overall health, and their absence does not mean anything is wrong.
Although genetics contribute to body structure, the appearance of these dimples is not determined by a single established gene.
2. Body Fat Can Affect How Visible They Are
The amount and distribution of fat beneath the skin can influence how prominent lower back dimples appear.
People with less subcutaneous fat in the lower back may have more noticeable indentations because the underlying anatomical landmarks are easier to see.
However, visible dimples are not exclusive to people with low body fat. People with different body types can have them, depending on their anatomy and tissue distribution.
It is also important to understand that the appearance of these dimples cannot reliably determine a person's body fat percentage or fitness level.
3. They Are Related to Pelvic Anatomy
The dimples occur near the posterior superior iliac spines, which are part of the pelvis.
These bony landmarks provide attachment points for ligaments and connective tissues. Variations in the shape of the pelvis and the way tissues connect to the skin can contribute to the visible depressions.
This is why the dimples tend to appear in a similar location from person to person.
They are not holes in the bones, and they do not indicate that something is missing or damaged beneath the skin.
4. Do Back Dimples Mean You Are Fit?
Lower back dimples are sometimes associated with athletic physiques because they may be more noticeable when the underlying pelvic landmarks are clearly defined.
However, having back dimples does not prove that someone is physically fit, and not having them does not indicate poor fitness.
Fitness is better assessed through factors such as cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, mobility, and overall physical function.
Exercise can change muscle development and body composition, potentially affecting how visible the dimples appear. However, exercises cannot specifically create the anatomical attachments responsible for naturally occurring dimples.
5. Can Exercise Make Them More Visible?
Exercise may influence the appearance of lower back dimples indirectly by changing muscle development and body composition.
Strength training, regular physical activity, and changes in body fat can make certain anatomical features more noticeable. Nevertheless, the visibility of the dimples depends largely on individual anatomy.
Exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and core-strengthening movements can improve strength and posture, but they do not directly create Venus dimples.
If your goal is to improve lower back strength, focus on safe, progressive exercises rather than trying to achieve a particular appearance.
6. Are Lower Back Dimples a Sign of Good Circulation?
A common misconception is that lower back dimples indicate particularly good blood circulation.
There is no reliable medical evidence that these indentations serve as a measure of circulation or cardiovascular health.
They are primarily an anatomical feature associated with the pelvis and surrounding soft tissues. Their presence does not show how efficiently blood moves through the body.
If you are concerned about circulation because of symptoms such as persistent leg swelling, pain, numbness, or changes in skin color, consult a healthcare professional rather than relying on the appearance of your back.
7. Are They Different in Men and Women?
Lower back dimples can occur in people of any sex.
The term Venus dimples is traditionally associated with women, while Apollo dimples is sometimes used for men. These are popular names rather than different medical conditions.
Differences in pelvic shape, fat distribution, and muscle development can influence how prominent the dimples look, but there is no strict rule about who can have them.
Some people have deep, clearly defined indentations, while others have very subtle ones.
8. Can You Develop Them Later in Life?
Yes, the appearance of lower back dimples can change over time.
Weight changes, aging, muscle development, and changes in the tissues beneath the skin may make existing indentations more or less visible.
For example, someone who loses body fat may notice that their dimples become more pronounced. Another person may find that the indentations become less noticeable as their body composition changes.
However, naturally occurring dimples are not the same as new skin depressions caused by injury, scarring, or other conditions.
If a new indentation develops suddenly, particularly with pain, swelling, skin discoloration, or other unusual symptoms, seek medical advice.
9. Do Lower Back Dimples Have Any Medical Significance?
In most cases, the typical paired dimples near the back of the pelvis are a normal anatomical variation and do not require treatment.
However, it is important to distinguish them from other types of dimples or pits on the back.
For example, a sacral dimple is usually a small indentation located in the midline near the tailbone, rather than two symmetrical indentations over the pelvic bones. Many sacral dimples are harmless, but certain features—such as a deep or unusually large indentation, a nearby patch of hair, a skin tag, or an unusual skin discoloration—may warrant medical assessment, particularly in infants.
The location, appearance, and associated symptoms help determine whether an indentation is a normal anatomical feature or something that needs further evaluation.
10. Should You Try to Get Back Dimples?
There is no medical reason to develop lower back dimples, and their appearance is not a reliable measure of health or attractiveness.
Exercise can improve muscle strength and posture, while balanced nutrition can support overall health. However, neither guarantees that these indentations will become visible.
Avoid extreme dieting or excessive exercise in an attempt to make them appear. These approaches can harm your health without producing the desired result.
If your dimples are naturally visible, there is generally no reason to do anything about them. If you do not have them, there is also no reason for concern.
Final Thoughts
The two small indentations on the lower back are usually a normal anatomical feature located near the back of the pelvic bones. Their appearance is influenced by genetics, pelvic structure, connective tissues, and the distribution of fat beneath the skin.
Although they are sometimes associated with fitness or beauty, they do not prove that someone is healthier, stronger, or has better circulation.
In most cases, these dimples are simply one of the many natural variations in human anatomy. Understanding what they are can help separate common myths from the facts—and reassure you that bodies do not need to share the same features to be healthy.