Dark stains on my leg after orthopedic surgery

Dear Ask The Doctor: Fourteen months ago, I fell and broke my left leg in three places. I underwent surgery to have a rod inserted. I have healed very well but I continue to have a dark stain (like bruising) on the back of my leg and also on the front in one of the places I was cut. Can you tell me if this is permanent or not?

Dear Glenda: It is quite likely that the “stain” you describe will be permanent. In some persons when wounds heal the surrounding skin takes on a darker appearance that the normal skin. This is called hyperpigmentation and is a feature of scar tissue. It has no harmful effects.

Nonetheless, is you wish to have it removed, you can visit with a dermatologist about the available options. The options include creams and lotions which can restore some of the normal color. However, these are not without side effects