K. Lun
Stretch is the capability of being made longer or wider without tearing or breaking, and is an inherent property of skin vital for normal function. Skin stretch characteristics are altered in certain disease states and with the ageing process.
It is important to consider stretch when planning, executing and performing skin surgery.
Relaxed skin tension lines, adjacent free margins, underlying structures and cosmetic units are familiar concepts when planning surgery.
It is important to consider stretch while performing procedures to maintain accurate surgical margins and incision angles. The advantages and disadvantages of stretch during skin surgery will be demonstrated