If You Have These Two "Dimples" on Your Lower Back, Here's What They Mean

Those small, symmetrical indentations just above the buttocks—often poetically called "dimples of Venus"—are more than a charming physical trait. While frequently admired for their aesthetic appeal, they also hold anatomical significance and, in rare instances, may warrant medical attention. Understanding the distinction between a normal variation and a potential concern can bring both clarity and peace of mind.

What They Are: A Natural Anatomical Landmark

Medically referred to as sacral dimples or posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) landmarks, these indentations appear over the bony prominences at the base of the spine where key ligaments attach. They form when shorter ligaments or localized fat distribution create a subtle depression in the skin's surface.

These dimples are often more visible in individuals with lower body fat or specific genetic traits, and they typically appear symmetrically on both sides of the lower back. Named after the Roman goddess Venus, they have been celebrated in art and sculpture for centuries as a subtle emblem of beauty, grace, and human form.

When They Are Entirely Normal (The Vast Majority of Cases)