Skin dimpling refers to an indentation or depression on the skin’s surface. This puckering can appear across various body parts, sometimes as a natural anatomical feature, or as an indication of an underlying health condition.
Defining Skin Dimpling
Skin dimpling is an inward pulling or depression on the skin’s surface, creating an uneven texture. This effect often results from the skin being tethered by underlying structures like fibrous connective tissue, fat, or muscle contraction. Examples include chin dimples or sacral dimples on the lower back.
Common Causes of Skin Dimpling
Skin dimpling can arise from a range of factors, including typical anatomical variations. Inherited chin dimples, cheek dimples that appear with smiling, and sacral dimples on the lower back are common, harmless examples.
Fat distribution and connective tissue also play a significant role. Fibrous bands (septae) connect the skin to deeper tissues. When fat cells accumulate and push against the skin while these fibrous cords pull down, an uneven surface forms. This mechanism causes cellulite, often seen on the thighs, hips, and buttocks.
Some dimples are dynamic, appearing or deepening with muscle movement. An overactive mentalis muscle in the chin can cause a “pebble chin” or “orange peel chin” appearance. Additionally, past trauma or injuries can result in skin dimpling. Scar tissue or fat necrosis (where fatty tissue dies) can pull the skin inward, creating an indentation. This can occur after a bruise, injury, or breast surgery.
When Skin Dimpling Signals a Concern
While many forms of skin dimpling are benign, new, unexplained, or rapidly changing dimples warrant medical evaluation. This is especially true if the dimpling is accompanied by other symptoms.
Breast dimpling, often referred to as “peau d’orange” due to its resemblance to an orange peel, is a notable sign of concern. This appearance can result from fluid accumulation in the breast tissues, typically when lymphatic vessels are blocked, which may be associated with inflammatory breast conditions. Such dimpling might be accompanied by symptoms like redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or a change in breast size or texture. Consult a healthcare professional if any new or concerning dimpling is observed, particularly in the breast, as early detection can influence outcomes.
Diagnostic Approaches
Diagnosing the cause of skin dimpling typically begins with a thorough physical examination. A healthcare professional will inspect the area and gather a comprehensive medical history, asking about when the dimple first appeared, how it has changed, and any associated symptoms.
Depending on initial findings, various imaging tests may be utilized. For breast dimpling, a mammogram or ultrasound is often performed. MRI or CT scans provide detailed views for deeper issues. If a serious condition is suspected, a biopsy (taking a small tissue sample for analysis) may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment and Management Options
The approach to managing or treating skin dimpling depends on its underlying cause. For natural or purely cosmetic dimples causing no distress, no medical treatment is necessary. However, for those seeking to improve the appearance of cosmetic dimpling, such as cellulite, various options exist.
Cosmetic treatments for cellulite include laser therapy, radiofrequency treatments that heat and tighten the skin, or subcision, a procedure that mechanically cuts the fibrous bands pulling the skin inward. Injectable treatments and certain types of massage may also smooth the skin’s surface. If skin dimpling is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, treatment will focus on addressing that specific health issue. This might involve medication, surgical intervention, or other therapies aimed at the root cause, which may resolve or improve the dimpling.