Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Stigmata: part I. Shame, guilt, and anger.

J D Welch1, K Meriwether, R Trautman

  • 1Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Washington, USA. jdwelch@msn.com

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|December 22, 1999
PubMed
Summary

This study explores surgical options for self-inflicted forearm scars, often called "hesitation marks." It proposes a deeper symbolic motivation behind these injuries and offers treatment guidelines.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Computer Simulation of Radial Immunodiffusion: II. Selection of an Algorithm for the Antibody-Antigen Reaction in Gels.

Biophysical journal·2009
Same author

History of tumescent anesthesia, part I: from American surgical textbooks of the 1920s and 1930s.

Aesthetic surgery journal·2009
Same author

Understanding and treating PTSD: past, present, and future.

Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic·2000
Same author

An assessment of the ability of various materials to seal furcation canals in molar teeth.

Journal of endodontics·1996
Same author

A comparative evaluation of the safety and contraceptive effectiveness of 65 mg and 100 mg of 90-day norethindrone (NET) injectable microspheres: a multicenter study.

Fertility and sterility·1989
Same author

Hey Yuan, welcome to the NFL ... and other thoughts on plastic surgery, private practice, and the real world.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery·1988

Area of Science:

  • Plastic Surgery
  • Psychiatry
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Patients with self-inflicted forearm scars, popularly termed "hesitation marks" or "suicide gestures," seek aesthetic surgical consultation.
  • Unlike factitial ulcers or Münchhausen syndrome, these patients openly acknowledge the self-inflicted nature of their scars.

Observation:

  • Scars typically present as multiple, parallel, white lines on the forearms, often more prominent on the non-dominant side.
  • The distinct pattern of these scars is a primary driver for patients seeking surgical relief due to their common association with self-harm.
  • The authors propose a deeper, symbolic motivation underlying these self-inflicted injuries, beyond the superficial appearance.

Findings:

  • Analysis of three patient cases revealed a significant symbolic meaning associated with these self-inflicted scars.

Related Experiment Videos

  • A central thesis regarding the psychological underpinnings of this type of self-harm is presented.
  • Specific surgical treatment proposals are outlined for managing these unique scars.

    • Implications:

    • Understanding the symbolic meaning is crucial for effective treatment planning in aesthetic surgery.
    • Patient narratives offer valuable insights and practical warnings for surgeons.
    • This research contributes to a more comprehensive approach to managing self-inflicted scars, integrating psychological and surgical perspectives.