What are the key symptoms of pitting edema. How is pitting edema diagnosed and treated. When should you see a doctor for pitting edema. What are the main causes and risk factors for pitting edema.

Understanding Pitting Edema: A Comprehensive Overview

Pitting edema is a medical condition characterized by swelling due to fluid buildup in the body’s tissues. The hallmark of this condition is the formation of a small indentation or “pit” that remains in the skin after applying pressure to the swollen area. This distinctive feature sets pitting edema apart from other forms of swelling and serves as a key diagnostic indicator for healthcare professionals.

Typically, pitting edema most commonly affects the lower extremities, including the legs, ankles, and feet. However, it can occur in other parts of the body as well. The severity of pitting edema can vary, ranging from mild cases that cause minimal discomfort to more severe instances that significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Pitting Edema

Identifying the symptoms of pitting edema is crucial for early detection and proper management. While the primary sign is the characteristic pitting of the skin, several other symptoms may accompany this condition:

• Swelling in affected areas, particularly in the lower legs and feet
• A feeling of tightness or heaviness in the swollen regions
• Skin that feels puffy, stiff, or sore to the touch
• Tingling or burning sensations around the swollen areas
• Warmth or heat emanating from the affected skin
• Numbness or decreased sensation in the swollen parts
• Unexplained fatigue or decreased energy levels

In some cases, pitting edema may be accompanied by more severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention. These include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Swelling isolated to only one limb
• Persistent coughing

Causes and Risk Factors Behind Pitting Edema

Pitting edema can stem from various underlying causes, ranging from benign lifestyle factors to more serious medical conditions. Understanding these causes is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Some common factors that can lead to pitting edema include:

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing
• Long-distance travel, especially air travel
• High sodium intake in diet
• Obesity or being overweight
• Dehydration
• Living in a warm climate

Medical Conditions

• Venous insufficiency
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Heart conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure)
• Kidney disorders
• Liver diseases
• Lymphatic system disorders
• Certain types of arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis
• Pregnancy-related edema

Medications

Certain medications can contribute to the development of pitting edema as a side effect. These may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Steroids
• Some blood pressure medications
• Estrogen-containing medications
• Thiazolidinediones (used in diabetes treatment)

Diagnosing Pitting Edema: What to Expect

The diagnosis of pitting edema typically involves a combination of physical examination and medical history review. Healthcare providers employ several methods to assess the condition:

Physical Examination

The primary diagnostic tool for pitting edema is a simple physical test. A healthcare provider will apply gentle pressure to the swollen area for about 15 seconds. If an indentation remains after releasing the pressure, it indicates pitting edema. The depth and duration of the indentation can help determine the severity of the condition.

Medical History Review

Your doctor will likely inquire about your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, medications you’re taking, and recent lifestyle changes. This information can help identify potential underlying causes of the edema.

Additional Tests

Depending on the suspected cause, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests to determine the underlying condition. These may include:

• Blood tests to assess kidney and liver function
• Urinalysis to check for protein in the urine
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans
• Echocardiogram to evaluate heart function

Treatment Options for Pitting Edema

The treatment of pitting edema primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause. However, there are several strategies that can help manage the symptoms and reduce swelling:

Lifestyle Modifications

• Elevating the affected limb above heart level when resting
• Engaging in regular physical activity to improve circulation
• Wearing compression stockings or sleeves to promote fluid movement
• Reducing salt intake to minimize fluid retention
• Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise

Medications

Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage pitting edema. These may include:

• Diuretics to help eliminate excess fluid
• Blood pressure medications if hypertension is a contributing factor
• Anti-inflammatory drugs for edema caused by inflammation

Treatment of Underlying Conditions

If pitting edema is caused by an underlying medical condition, treating that condition is crucial for long-term management. This may involve:

• Medications for heart, kidney, or liver diseases
• Anticoagulants for deep vein thrombosis
• Lymphatic drainage techniques for lymphedema
• Adjusting or changing medications that may be causing edema as a side effect

Preventing Pitting Edema: Proactive Measures

While not all cases of pitting edema can be prevented, several strategies can help reduce the risk or minimize its occurrence:

• Maintaining an active lifestyle with regular exercise
• Avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing
• Elevating legs when resting, especially after long periods of inactivity
• Following a balanced, low-sodium diet
• Staying well-hydrated
• Managing underlying health conditions effectively
• Wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes
• Using compression garments during long trips or periods of inactivity

When to Seek Medical Attention for Pitting Edema

While mild cases of pitting edema may resolve on their own or with simple home remedies, certain situations warrant prompt medical attention. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if:

• The swelling is severe, persistent, or worsening
• You experience sudden or unexplained swelling in one limb
• The edema is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty breathing
• You notice signs of infection in the swollen area, such as redness, warmth, or fever
• The edema is causing significant pain or limiting your daily activities
• You’re pregnant and experiencing sudden or severe swelling

Early intervention can help prevent complications and ensure proper management of any underlying conditions contributing to the edema.

Special Considerations: Pitting Edema in Pregnancy

Pitting edema is a common occurrence during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages. While often benign, it’s essential for expectant mothers to be aware of potential complications:

Normal Pregnancy-Related Edema

Mild swelling, especially in the feet and ankles, is common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and pressure on blood vessels. This type of edema typically resolves after delivery and can often be managed with simple lifestyle measures.

Preeclampsia Concerns

Sudden or severe swelling, particularly when accompanied by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, may indicate preeclampsia – a serious pregnancy complication. Pregnant women experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Management During Pregnancy

• Regular prenatal check-ups to monitor blood pressure and overall health
• Elevating feet when resting
• Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes
• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet
• Engaging in pregnancy-safe exercises as recommended by healthcare providers

It’s crucial for pregnant women to discuss any new or concerning symptoms with their healthcare provider to ensure the health and safety of both mother and baby.

Living with Pitting Edema: Long-Term Management Strategies

For individuals dealing with chronic pitting edema, developing a comprehensive long-term management plan is essential. This may involve:

Regular Medical Check-ups

Scheduled appointments with healthcare providers to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as necessary.

Lifestyle Adaptations

• Incorporating daily exercise routines tailored to individual capabilities
• Implementing dietary changes to support overall health and minimize fluid retention
• Using assistive devices or making home modifications to accommodate mobility challenges

Psychological Support

Chronic edema can impact mental health and quality of life. Seeking support through counseling or support groups can be beneficial.

Continuing Education

Staying informed about new treatments, research developments, and self-management techniques can empower individuals to take an active role in their care.

By adopting a proactive approach to managing pitting edema, individuals can minimize its impact on daily life and maintain overall well-being. Regular communication with healthcare providers and adherence to treatment plans are key components of successful long-term management.

Symptoms, causes, and when to see a doctor

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Edema is swelling due to a buildup of fluid in tissues. Pitting edema is when an indentation remains after pressing the swollen skin. The effect may also be noticeable after taking off a tight shoe or stocking.

Anyone can have pitting edema, but because some causes are more dangerous than others, it is often a good idea to consult a doctor.

In this article, we describe who is at risk for pitting edema. We also explore accompanying symptoms, treatments, and prevention techniques.

Share on PinterestPitting edema may cause indentations to remain on the skin after pressure is released.
Image credit: James Heilman, MD, (2017, February 1).

This condition is most common in the lower body, particularly in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Swelling caused by edema will usually make the skin feel tight, heavy, or sore. Other symptoms depend on the cause, but they can include:

• tingling or burning sensations around the swelling
• pain and aching in the swollen areas
• skin that feels puffy or stiff
• skin that is warm or hot to the touch
• numbness
• bloating
• water retention
• cramps
• unexplained coughing
• fatigue or decreased daily energy
• chest pain
• shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

People who experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in only one limb should seek immediate medical attention.

Pitting vs. non-pitting edema

Edema occurs when fluid that accumulates in tissues leads to swelling. When pressure is applied to a swollen area, it may leave a pit, in the skin.

In non-pitting edema, the skin will return to its swollen shape once the pressure has been removed.

A variety of factors can lead to pitting edema, including:

• flying
• poor circulation
• obesity
• pregnancy
• dehydration
• low levels of protein
• trauma or injuries

Alternatively, any of the following conditions may be responsible:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• psoriatic arthritis
• kidney problems
• lung diseases
• liver diseases
• deep vein thrombosis, which involves a blood clot, often in the leg
• chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when the veins are inhibited
• complications of the heart valve
• congestive heart failure

Pitting edema may also be a side effect of medications such as:

• steroids
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• medications that supplement estrogen
• medications for high blood pressure
• thiazolidinediones, a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes

Share on PinterestA sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk of pitting edema.

Pitting edema can affect anyone, though certain factors can increase a person’s risk.

These include:

• a sedentary lifestyle
• living in a warm climate
• a diet overly rich in sodium
• obesity
• multiple pregnancies
• a history of lymph node surgery
• thyroid conditions
• lung diseases, such as emphysema
• heart disease

In most cases, a doctor should determine the cause of pitting edema and, if necessary, refer a person to a specialist.

Some accompanying symptoms require urgent care. Anyone experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or swelling in a single limb should seek immediate medical attention.

When leg pain and swelling persist after a person has been sitting for several hours, this may indicate deep vein thrombosis. This occurs when a blood clot develops deep in the leg. Anyone who suspects this should seek urgent medical care.

Pitting edema during pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause pitting edema, and it usually resolves as the pregnancy ends.

However, it is a good idea to discuss every new symptom with a doctor, who can test to rule out serious conditions linked with edema, such as very high blood pressure or preeclampsia.

Pitting edema is often diagnosed with a physical exam. The doctor may apply pressure to the swollen skin for about 15 seconds to check for lasting indentation.

Because some associated conditions are more dangerous than others, it is important to find the underlying cause of the edema. This may require thorough testing. The edema will usually resolve once the cause has been treated.

To properly identify the underlying cause, a doctor may take a detailed medical history and ask about medications. They may then refer the person to a doctor who specializes in issues concerning the veins or circulatory system.

Tests that can aid in a diagnosis of pitting edema include:

• a physical exam
• imaging tests, such as X-rays, which can show fluid retention and problems in the lungs
• blood tests
• urine tests
• an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart

Pitting edema is classified based on the depth and duration of the indentation. The following scale is used to rate the severity:

Grade 1: The pressure applied by the doctor leaves an indentation of 0–2 millimeters (mm) that rebounds immediately. This is the least severe type of pitting edema.

Grade 2: The pressure leaves an indentation of 3–4 mm that rebounds in fewer than 15 seconds.

Grade 3: The pressure leaves an indentation of 5–6 mm that takes up to 30 seconds to rebound.

Grade 4: The pressure leaves an indentation of 8 mm or deeper. It takes more than 20 seconds to rebound.

Understanding the severity of edema can help a doctor to identify the underlying cause and best course of treatment.

Share on PinterestThe treatment plan for pitting edema will depend upon the cause.

This involves addressing the underlying cause of the edema. A range of treatments correspond with the range of causes, but common methods include:

• elevating the swollen limbs above the level of the heart
• wearing compression stockings to encourage circulation. Compression stockings are available for purchase online.
• undergoing vascular surgery
• increasing blood protein levels
• taking diuretics to flush out excess fluid

When the underlying cause has been successfully treated, edema is unlikely to recur.

Some adjustments to lifestyle and diet can reduce the likelihood of developing edema, particularly if a person has a high risk.

These changes may include staying active, avoiding sitting or standing for long periods, and doing gentle exercises to reduce swelling.

Pitting edema is a common symptom. It is usually not a cause for concern in itself, but many underlying conditions require treatment, sometimes urgently.

Edema should not cause any long-term complications. After working with a doctor, many people find lasting relief from the symptom.

Symptoms, causes, and when to see a doctor

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Edema is swelling due to a buildup of fluid in tissues. Pitting edema is when an indentation remains after pressing the swollen skin. The effect may also be noticeable after taking off a tight shoe or stocking.

Anyone can have pitting edema, but because some causes are more dangerous than others, it is often a good idea to consult a doctor.

In this article, we describe who is at risk for pitting edema. We also explore accompanying symptoms, treatments, and prevention techniques.

Share on PinterestPitting edema may cause indentations to remain on the skin after pressure is released.
Image credit: James Heilman, MD, (2017, February 1).

This condition is most common in the lower body, particularly in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Swelling caused by edema will usually make the skin feel tight, heavy, or sore. Other symptoms depend on the cause, but they can include:

• tingling or burning sensations around the swelling
• pain and aching in the swollen areas
• skin that feels puffy or stiff
• skin that is warm or hot to the touch
• numbness
• bloating
• water retention
• cramps
• unexplained coughing
• fatigue or decreased daily energy
• chest pain
• shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

People who experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in only one limb should seek immediate medical attention.

Pitting vs. non-pitting edema

Edema occurs when fluid that accumulates in tissues leads to swelling. When pressure is applied to a swollen area, it may leave a pit, in the skin.

In non-pitting edema, the skin will return to its swollen shape once the pressure has been removed.

A variety of factors can lead to pitting edema, including:

• flying
• poor circulation
• obesity
• pregnancy
• dehydration
• low levels of protein
• trauma or injuries

Alternatively, any of the following conditions may be responsible:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• psoriatic arthritis
• kidney problems
• lung diseases
• liver diseases
• deep vein thrombosis, which involves a blood clot, often in the leg
• chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when the veins are inhibited
• complications of the heart valve
• congestive heart failure

Pitting edema may also be a side effect of medications such as:

• steroids
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• medications that supplement estrogen
• medications for high blood pressure
• thiazolidinediones, a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes

Share on PinterestA sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk of pitting edema.

Pitting edema can affect anyone, though certain factors can increase a person’s risk.

These include:

• a sedentary lifestyle
• living in a warm climate
• a diet overly rich in sodium
• obesity
• multiple pregnancies
• a history of lymph node surgery
• thyroid conditions
• lung diseases, such as emphysema
• heart disease

In most cases, a doctor should determine the cause of pitting edema and, if necessary, refer a person to a specialist.

Some accompanying symptoms require urgent care. Anyone experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or swelling in a single limb should seek immediate medical attention.

When leg pain and swelling persist after a person has been sitting for several hours, this may indicate deep vein thrombosis. This occurs when a blood clot develops deep in the leg. Anyone who suspects this should seek urgent medical care.

Pitting edema during pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause pitting edema, and it usually resolves as the pregnancy ends.

However, it is a good idea to discuss every new symptom with a doctor, who can test to rule out serious conditions linked with edema, such as very high blood pressure or preeclampsia.

Pitting edema is often diagnosed with a physical exam. The doctor may apply pressure to the swollen skin for about 15 seconds to check for lasting indentation.

Because some associated conditions are more dangerous than others, it is important to find the underlying cause of the edema. This may require thorough testing. The edema will usually resolve once the cause has been treated.

To properly identify the underlying cause, a doctor may take a detailed medical history and ask about medications. They may then refer the person to a doctor who specializes in issues concerning the veins or circulatory system.

Tests that can aid in a diagnosis of pitting edema include:

• a physical exam
• imaging tests, such as X-rays, which can show fluid retention and problems in the lungs
• blood tests
• urine tests
• an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart

Pitting edema is classified based on the depth and duration of the indentation. The following scale is used to rate the severity:

Grade 1: The pressure applied by the doctor leaves an indentation of 0–2 millimeters (mm) that rebounds immediately. This is the least severe type of pitting edema.

Grade 2: The pressure leaves an indentation of 3–4 mm that rebounds in fewer than 15 seconds.

Grade 3: The pressure leaves an indentation of 5–6 mm that takes up to 30 seconds to rebound.

Grade 4: The pressure leaves an indentation of 8 mm or deeper. It takes more than 20 seconds to rebound.

Understanding the severity of edema can help a doctor to identify the underlying cause and best course of treatment.

Share on PinterestThe treatment plan for pitting edema will depend upon the cause.

This involves addressing the underlying cause of the edema. A range of treatments correspond with the range of causes, but common methods include:

• elevating the swollen limbs above the level of the heart
• wearing compression stockings to encourage circulation. Compression stockings are available for purchase online.
• undergoing vascular surgery
• increasing blood protein levels
• taking diuretics to flush out excess fluid

When the underlying cause has been successfully treated, edema is unlikely to recur.

Some adjustments to lifestyle and diet can reduce the likelihood of developing edema, particularly if a person has a high risk.

These changes may include staying active, avoiding sitting or standing for long periods, and doing gentle exercises to reduce swelling.

Pitting edema is a common symptom. It is usually not a cause for concern in itself, but many underlying conditions require treatment, sometimes urgently.

Edema should not cause any long-term complications. After working with a doctor, many people find lasting relief from the symptom.

How to get rid of post-acne and scars, why they appear

September 02, 2022

Acne is a real misfortune for those who are faced with this skin disease. And sometimes people simply squeeze out a pimple that has arisen once again on the forehead, nose or cheek. And numerous inflammations on the face, even with good skin care with acne, do not go unnoticed. Spots – red and brown, scars, pits. All these formations on the skin say only one thing: you are faced with a phenomenon called post-acne.

Let’s start with the characteristics of the main manifestations of post-acne. Spots occur at the site of acne and, if left untreated from the very beginning, over time, red spots can turn brown (post-inflammatory pigmentation). Scarring is one of the consequences of the fact that you or your beautician tried to remove inflammation from the skin mechanically. The injury received in this way leads to atrophy of the skin tissue and impaired collagen production, which is why scars of various sizes appear, resembling either pits or tubercles.

You can prevent the appearance of post-acne if you act on active inflammatory elements delicately, with chemical means, and in general, throughout the entire duration of acne treatment, touch your face less with your hands and do not use special brushes and sponges for deep skin cleansing in your care.

If scars and spots do occur, they must be treated. What exactly and how? Even the most “hard” peels cannot smooth out deep scars at home just like that, and then such cosmetic procedures as laser facial resurfacing or dermabrasion come to the rescue. In the first case, laser beams act on the skin, in the second case, the face is polished with a special nozzle. Laser resurfacing is done under anesthesia, because the process itself is quite painful.

The spots are not very visible and small in size, and the scars are not deep? Then go to the salon for peeling procedures. Salon peeling cannot be compared with home peeling, because cosmetologists use products with a higher percentage of acids or retinoids in their work, and the peeling effect is noticeable literally after the first session. True, you will have to stay at home for some time so as not to frighten those around you with the appearance of your face: after active peeling, the skin turns red and looks like it was burned. But in a few days it will become smoother and even in tone, the scars will not be so noticeable and acne spots.

Are you afraid to do a chemical peel in the salon? Then use cosmetics with acids to treat post-acne manifestations, but one where the percentage of these acids is not so high. Lotions, masks and creams with malic, glycolic, lactic acid, used regularly, over time, will help erase acne spots from the skin and smooth out scars. Of the folk ways to treat post-acne at home, you can try wiping the skin with apple cider vinegar diluted with water, which brightens spots and pigmentation, and making masks from badyagi once or twice a week, a locally irritating substance that is similar in action to chemical peels.

It is important to remember to protect your skin from the sun, as any type of acne treatment makes the skin more photosensitive. Without a layer of sun block with the SPF level necessary for your phototype, you should not appear on the street even in cloudy weather.

Most importantly – do not try to cure scars and post-acne spots on your own, without prior consultation with cosmetologists and dermatologists. Searching for treatments on the Internet and misusing peels will only harm already suffering skin.

What is a scar and can it be removed?

Over the course of a lifetime, the human body undergoes dozens of different interventions. None of them goes unnoticed, and many leave visible marks: for example, scars from childhood injuries and scars received after operations. Far from always, these scars decorate, and in some cases they can completely spoil the appearance.

There are methods by which you can make scars less noticeable or not noticeable at all. If the problem of getting rid of scars is relevant for you, consider all the options – you will definitely find yours.

It is, of course, better to start fighting scars even when they are relatively fresh. But a competent plastic surgeon can be a salvation even if the scars are old, and traditional methods do not help get rid of them.

Where do scars come from

A scar is a mark on the site of a healed wound. The human body fights against any damage, including healing wounds and wounds. However, after healing has taken place, the skin at the site of the injury becomes different. Especially if an inflammatory process was present in the healing process.

Connective tissue, which allows us to regenerate, differs in its properties from the usual one – it has much lower functional properties. At the site of the scar on the skin, the sweat glands and hair follicles will not recover.

In appearance, scar tissue also differs from normal skin. Fresh scars are usually darker than the main skin tone, and over time, on the contrary, traces of damage lighten.

What are the scars

There are several types of scars. In each case, the human body will cope with the wound in its own way.

The appearance of the scar strongly depends on the general health of the person, age, skin type, and the nature of the damage. For example, surgical interventions usually end with neat linear scars, since surgeons sutured the surgical wound by connecting its edges.

If the wound was large and healed by itself, the scar will be much more noticeable. Also, at the site of any damage to the skin, depending on the individual characteristics of the person, atrophic or hypertrophic scars can form.

4 main types of scars:

• Atrophic scars are deepening of the skin after wound healing. In this case, less tissue was formed than was lost as a result of damage.
• Hypertrophic scars – convex, raised above the skin. Usually accompany the healing of deep wounds.
• Keloid scars is a special type of scarring, which is accompanied by an increase in skin relief over healthy skin around. As a rule, they are pink in color and are painful.
• Normotrophic scars is the ideal case: scars that are flush with healthy skin and hardly reveal themselves.

The doctor can estimate what type of scar you have encountered. Our plastic surgeon most often has to work with hypertrophic and atrophic scars, since they are perhaps the ugliest.

The most difficult situation is the occurrence of keloid scars. In addition to the fact that this type is especially unaesthetic, it is worse than others to correct. For example, repeated operations aimed at excision of the scar, with the patient’s tendency to keloids, are contraindicated – it can only get worse. The surgeon observing the patient after the operation usually notices the signs of keloid and prescribes the appropriate treatment – hormonal ointments, injections of special preparations directly into the scar.

Normotrophic scars usually do not require additional treatment. However, if the patient experiences psychological discomfort in connection with them (especially if they are located in a noticeable surrounding area), it can still be recommended to contact a specialist and develop a strategy for destroying the annoying scar together with him.

Facial scars are one of the most frequent cases when the intervention of a plastic surgeon is necessary. First, the cosmetic defect as a result of facial injuries is the strongest. Secondly, scars can remain not only at the site of wounds, but also as a result of other factors: for example, noticeable atrophic scars form after chickenpox, acne. The person’s face is “pitted” with depressed scars, and this, of course, is very ugly.

Keloid and hypertrophic scars, as a rule, are associated with objective factors : this is the presence of a wound in a mobile zone (at the fold, in the joint area), and improper healing as a result of infection, and localization – for example, keloids like to settle on shoulders, chest, neck. People with metabolic disorders are more likely to suffer from these types of scars, and ugly cyanotic, purple and almost black scars occur more often in people with swarthy and dark hair and redheads.

How to remove a scar

How to deal with a scar depends on the type of scar and how fresh it is. The best treatment for scarring is prevention – that is, if you have injured yourself or have had surgery, give enough time and attention to the healing process of your wound. Carefully follow all the recommendations of the doctor who observes you, treat the suture regularly before it has healed.

If the scar begins to behave unusually – to hurt, acquire a new relief or a non-standard color, do not hesitate – show it to the surgeon. At an early stage, you can significantly improve the general condition of even a keloid scar. Creams help a lot.

If the intervention or injury was a long time ago, and the scar has been on your body for more than a year, you can determine the methods of struggle after consulting a plastic surgeon. By contacting our doctor, you will receive a guarantee that you will be offered the most modern methods for turning a scar into healthy skin.

Possible correction methods:

• Peeling . Chemical or abrasive peeling allows you to remove the unpleasant consequences of many effects on the skin. At the same time, the top layer of the skin is exfoliated along with the scars, and the exposed healthy skin, as a rule, looks even. This method is recommended if you have scars on your face after chickenpox, acne.
• Injection Method . If you are worried about a depressed scar at the site of injury, which is a “pit” against the background of healthy skin, you can restore the lost volume with the help of hyaluronic acid preparations. The “fossa” will level out, however, after the hyaluronic acid is excreted from the body, the procedure will have to be repeated.
• Laser correction . The most modern method in use today. Allows you to get rid of scars completely, returning the skin to normal relief and color. The technology is relatively simple – the laser either affects the upper layers of the skin, “removing” the scar, or acts at a deep level, stimulating the production of collagen.