A Rat Surgical Skin Wound Model: An Approach for Wound Healing Studies and Biomaterial Evaluation

Skin wound healing is a complex biological process involving coordinated phases of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Given the need to better understand the underlying mechanisms of wound healing, excisional animal wound models are widely used to deepen the knowledge of this process and facilitate the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In such models, the induction of skin wounds using punch biopsies is frequently employed as it yields standardized lesions. However, this technique restricts the lesion to a circular shape, which may not be suitable for some experimental objectives. In this context, a simple, reproducible surgical protocol for inducing full-thickness excisional skin wounds in rats, using a standardized square model on the flank, is presented. This methodology allows for the creation of lesions of varying sizes and geometries, providing greater experimental flexibility tailored to the specific objectives of each study and enabling the monitoring of the healing process under physiological or pathological conditions. Additionally, a method for monitoring the wound contraction rate through manual planimetry is described. Although the execution of this protocol requires attention to detail and technical proficiency, advanced surgical skills are not required.