Mechanical properties of skin and liposuction.
BACKGROUND
Liposuction removes fat, setting the skin under tension, and could therefore alter the overall viscoelastic properties of the teguments.


OBJECTIVE
To measure in vivo the mechanical properties of skin at the site of liposuction and to compare the viscoelastic values with those of the inner aspect of the forearms.


METHODS
The Cutometer SEM 474 equipped with a 8-mm probe was used.


RESULTS
Data show that cutaneous laxity, which is characteristic for an aging aspect, is not higher at the liposuction sites than on the reference area.


CONCLUSIONS
Liposuction does not increase the clinical aspects of skin aging.
Henry
F
F
Department of Dermatopathology, University of Liège, Belgium.
Van Look
R
R
Goffin
V
V
Fissette
J
J
Pierard
G E
GE
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015187:Lipectomy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000502:physiology*