title: Establishing tension-free direct wound closure using the viscoelastic properties of the skin.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Establishing tension-free direct wound closure is important for optimal postsurgical wound healing. Direct closure should not be forced by raising wound tension.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this article is to review the viscoelastic properties of skin and describe tension-relieving techniques to aid optimal wound closure.
authors.forename: Sammy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Al-Benna
mesh_terms: D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013537:Sutures; D058106:Wound Closure Techniques