Venus Dimples: The Truth Behind the Two Small Hollows on Your Lower Back

Those two small dimples above the hips are not a medical condition—they’re a natural anatomical feature that many people are born with.

Many people have heard the claim that if you have two small holes or dimples on your lower back, it “means something special” about your health, beauty, or physical condition. In reality, these indentations—commonly known as Venus dimples—are simply a natural variation in human anatomy.

Located just above the buttocks on either side of the lower spine, Venus dimples appear where the skin is attached more directly to a bony structure known as the posterior superior iliac spine of the pelvis. Because the skin is pulled inward at these points, small indentations become visible.

These dimples are not muscles, and they are not caused by exercise. Instead, they are largely determined by genetics and skeletal structure. Some people are born with them, while others are not. Their presence depends on how the bones, ligaments, and skin connect in that particular area of the body.

Why Are They Called Venus Dimples?

The term “Venus dimples” comes from Venus, the Roman goddess associated with beauty and love. In men, the same feature is sometimes referred to as Apollo dimples. Over the years, these lower-back indentations have become associated with physical attractiveness and body symmetry in various cultures.

However, despite the myths surrounding them, Venus dimples are not a sign of superior fitness, fertility, or health. They simply reflect a person's natural anatomy.

Are Venus Dimples Rare?

Not particularly. While not everyone has visible Venus dimples, they are common enough to be considered a normal human trait. They may be easier to see in individuals with lower body-fat percentages because less tissue covers the area.

Some people notice their dimples becoming more visible after weight loss, while others may have them hidden beneath a thicker layer of body fat. This doesn't mean the dimples have developed or disappeared—it simply affects how noticeable they are.

Can You Get Venus Dimples Through Exercise?

One of the most common misconceptions is that specific workouts can create Venus dimples. Unfortunately, that's not how they work.

Because Venus dimples are linked to bone structure and ligament placement, no exercise can actually create them if your anatomy doesn't naturally support them. Strength training and fat loss may make existing dimples more visible, but they cannot change the underlying skeletal structure responsible for their formation.

Do They Have Any Medical Meaning?

The simple answer is no.

Venus dimples have no known medical function and are not associated with any disease or health condition. Doctors generally view them as a harmless anatomical variation.

If you have them, there's no need for concern. If you don't have them, there's no health disadvantage. Their presence—or absence—has no impact on physical performance, longevity, or overall wellness.

The Bottom Line

Those two small hollows on the lower back are simply Venus dimples, a natural feature shaped by genetics and skeletal anatomy. They are not a sign of illness, hidden health problems, or special abilities. While often associated with beauty and symmetry, they are ultimately just another example of the many ways human bodies naturally differ from one another.

Whether you have Venus dimples or not, they are simply part of the unique structure that makes every body different.