The biomechanical properties of the skin.
BACKGROUND
The skin possesses unique biochemical properties that allow it to protect and conform to the body that it covers. Elements constituting the dermis-collagen and elastin-primarily afford these properties.


OBJECTIVE
To define these properties and explore their relevance with regard to aging skin and dermatologic surgery.


METHODS
In the first part of this review, the determinants of mechanical properties of the skin will be outlined, through an extensive review of the literature. General physical properties that explain the behavior of skin will be defined, and diseases that manifest the extremes of those properties will be discussed. In the second half of this discussion, the surgical implications of skin biomechanics will be reviewed.


RESULTS
Emphasis will be placed on understanding how dermatologic surgeons may optimally use skin properties to produce the best cosmetic and functional outcomes possible.


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding of the biomechanical properties of skin is paramount to obtain the best cosmetic outcomes in dermatologic surgery.
Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Sadaf Hashim
SH
Hussain
Boonyapat
B
Limthongkul
Tatyana R
TR
Humphreys
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena