Quantitative analysis of the thickness of human skin and subcutaneous tissue following controlled expansion with a silicone implant.
Histologic quantitation of the thickness of human tissues that were expanded using silicone expanders showed that the epidermis underwent significant thickening after 5 weeks to 5 months of expansion. The dermis and subcutaneous tissue, on the other hand, were significantly thinner after expansion. Capsules were formed in all 19 patients. The capsule was significantly thickest after 2 to 2.5 months of expansion. Expanded tissues 2 years after cessation of expansion had the same thickness as control tissues and had no remnant fibrous capsule.
Pasyk
K A
KA
Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor.
Argenta
L C
LC
Hassett
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D004817:Epidermis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012828:Silicones; D012867:Skin / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013997:Time Factors
D012828:Silicones