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Biomechanical properties of skin in massive weight loss patients

Shelly Choo1, Guy Marti, Manuel Nastai

  • 1The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Division of Plastic Surgery, 4940 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.

Obesity Surgery
|April 20, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Skin in massive weight loss (MWL) patients shows increased strength medially compared to cosmetic surgery patients. However, reduced elastic fibers and collagen in MWL patients warrant further investigation into skin changes.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Dermatology
  • Plastic Surgery

Background:

  • Massive weight loss (MWL) increases the number of patients seeking body contouring procedures.
  • Skin quality is often perceived as impaired after MWL, but underlying structural mechanisms are not fully understood.
  • This study investigates the biophysical, biochemical, and histological properties of skin in MWL patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare skin strength in massive weight loss (MWL) patients versus control abdominoplasty patients.
  • To elucidate the structural and mechanical differences in abdominal skin between MWL and control groups.

Main Methods:

  • Abdominal skin samples were obtained from MWL (n=35) and cosmetic abdominoplasty (n=6) patients.
  • Biophysical testing (burst strength), collagen content analysis, and histological examination (thickness, vascularity, fiber morphology) were performed.
  • Skin strength was assessed in both horizontal and vertical directions.

Main Results:

  • MWL patients' medial abdominal skin exhibited greater burst strength than controls (p=0.047).
  • Epidermal thickness was significantly higher in MWL patients' medial abdomen (p=0.049).
  • MWL patients showed decreased elastin fibers and increased dermal vascularity, with a non-significant trend towards diminished newly formed collagen.

Conclusions:

  • Medial abdominal skin in MWL patients demonstrates enhanced mechanical strength compared to cosmetic surgery controls.
  • A decrease in elastic fibers and newly formed collagen in MWL patients presents a complex picture requiring further research.
  • Understanding skin alterations in MWL is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes and patient care.

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