Structural mechanics modeling reveals stress-adaptive features of cutaneous scars

The scar is a predominant outcome of adult mammalian wound healing despite being associated with partial function loss. Here in this paper, we have described the structure of a full-thickness normal scar as a "di-fork" with dual biomechanical compartments using in vivo and ex vivo experiments. We used structural mechanics simulations to model the deformation fields computationally and stress distribution in the scar in response to external forces. Despite its loss of tissue components, we have found that the scar has stress-adaptive features that cushion the underlying tissues from external mechanical impacts. Thus, this new finding can motivate research to understand the biomechanical advantages of a scar in maintaining the primary function of the skin, i.e., mechanical barrier despite permanent loss of some tissues and specialized functions.