In vivo measurement of breast skin elasticity and breast skin thickness.
BACKGROUND
The mechanical properties of the breast skin play an important role in explaining the changes associated with radiotherapy, tissue expansion, and breast reconstruction surgery. Quantitative measurement of mechanical properties of breast skin is essential for surgical preplanning and outcome prediction. We have measured the skin elasticity properties and skin thickness of the breast using noninvasive methods.


METHODS
The DermaLab suction cup and the DermaScanC ultrasound were used to measure the modulus of elasticity and the skin thickness, respectively. Measurements were taken in 16 different locations on the breast in 23 female patients, also with patients in supine and upright position. Different analytical models (plate, membrane, large deformation) that can represent the experiment were studied to extract the elasticity modulus.


RESULTS
The average modulus of breast skin elasticity found was 344 ± 88 kPa (Mean ± SD) with 95% confidence interval being 306-382 kPa. The range of the modulus was 195-480 kPa. The average thickness of breast skin was 1.55 ± 0.25 mm with a range of 0.83-2.4 mm.


CONCLUSIONS
Regional variations of breast skin elasticity properties and breast skin thickness were observed. No direct correlations of biomechanical properties with age or breast thickness were observed. No significant difference was observed in the elasticity modulus between the supine and upright patient positions.
Department of Plastic Surgery, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43212, USA. alok.sutradhar@osumc.edu
Alok
A
Sutradhar
Michael J
MJ
Miller
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D001940:Breast / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004548:Elasticity; D054459:Elasticity Imaging Techniques / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D011187:Posture; D012016:Reference Values; D012867:Skin / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013396:Suction; D016683:Supine Position; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards