Venus dimples, also known as dimples of Venus or back dimples, are small indentations on the lower back, just above the buttocks near the waistline.
Credit: CL derm
These naturally occurring features have fascinated people for centuries and are often viewed as a sign of attractiveness.
But what are they really? Here’s what causes them, how they differ from other dimples on the back, and what they don’t mean for your health.
What Are Venus Dimples?
Venus dimples are a pair of symmetrical indentations located where the pelvis and sacrum meet, right above the buttocks.
Anatomically, they mark the area where a part of the pelvic bone, called the posterior superior iliac spine, lies closest to the skin.
Because of their position, these dimples are most noticeable when the lower back is exposed—such as in swimwear—or when someone leans slightly forward.
What Causes Venus Dimples?
Not everyone has Venus dimples, and that comes down to a combination of anatomy, genetics, and body composition:
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Anatomical structure:
Venus dimples form where a short ligament or natural tether connects the skin to the underlying bone. This creates a small inward pull on the skin, resulting in the visible indentation. -
Genetics:
They are often associated with a dominant genetic trait, meaning they can run in families. If one or both parents have them, there’s a higher chance their children might as well. -
Muscle and fat distribution:
Lower body fat and more defined musculature in the lower back can make these dimples more visible, but they can appear at many different body types.
Importantly, Venus dimples do not provide any known health benefit or cause any harm. They are simply a cosmetic feature that some people have and others don’t.
Credit: LIRP
Venus Dimples vs. Sacral Dimples
It’s helpful to distinguish Venus dimples from sacral dimples, as they are not the same thing.
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Venus dimples
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Located higher on the lower back, near the waistline
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Symmetrical, one on each side
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Considered benign and purely cosmetic
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Sacral dimples
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Usually found lower down, near the tailbone or just above the crease of the buttocks
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Often appear as a single dimple
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In some cases, especially in infants, they can be associated with underlying spinal abnormalities such as spina bifida occulta
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Sacral dimples may sometimes be accompanied by other skin changes, such as a small tuft of hair, skin tag, or discoloration.
In those situations, a healthcare provider may recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to rule out any underlying issues.
Common Myths About Venus Dimples
A few persistent myths surround Venus dimples:
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Myth: They indicate better health or increased sexual pleasure.
There is no scientific evidence that Venus dimples are linked to superior health, fertility, or sexual function. They are simply an anatomical variation. -
Myth: Everyone has them, they’re just “hidden.”
Not everyone has Venus dimples. Their presence depends on individual anatomy and genetics, and they are genuinely absent in many people—not just obscured.
What Are “Apollo Holes”?
When similar dimples appear on men, some people refer to them as “Apollo holes.” This is simply a different name for the same anatomical feature, chosen to sound more “masculine.”
They appear in the same location and form for the same reasons as Venus dimples on women.
The Bottom Line
Venus dimples are harmless, naturally occurring indentations on the lower back caused by the underlying relationship between skin, bone, and connective tissue, influenced by genetics and body composition.
They do not signal better health or performance, nor do they pose any medical risk.
Understanding the difference between Venus dimples and sacral dimples is important: the former are purely cosmetic, while the latter can occasionally be a marker of underlying spinal issues and may warrant medical evaluation.
Whether called Venus dimples or Apollo holes, these small indentations are simply one of many normal variations in human anatomy.
