Those two small indentations on your lower back—often mistaken for tiny “holes”—are actually completely natural. They’re not holes at all, but shallow dips in the skin that sit just above the hips. As the article explains, “they’re simply natural indentations caused by your bone structure and ligament placement,” not anything unusual or artificial.

These marks are commonly called the Dimples of Venus in women and sometimes Dimples of Apollo in men. They appear where the skin connects closely to the pelvis, near the sacroiliac joints. This tight connection between skin and bone creates the visible indentations, giving them their distinct shape.

Not everyone has these dimples, and the main reason is genetics. As stated, “You’re either born with the anatomical structure that creates them, or you’re not.” Several factors influence how visible they are, including bone structure, ligament placement, and body fat percentage. While exercise can make them more noticeable, it can’t truly create them if they aren’t naturally there.

Because they’re often more visible on lean bodies, many people think they’re a sign of being fit. But that’s not entirely true. These dimples don’t automatically mean someone is healthier or stronger. They’re mostly inherited, not earned, even though fitness levels can affect how clearly they appear.

These dimples have long been associated with beauty and symmetry. Their name comes from Venus, the Roman goddess of love, which explains their connection to physical appeal. For many, they represent balance and proportion in the human body, making them a subtle but admired feature.