A technique for preparing human dermal and scar specimens for scanning electron microscopy

The aims in a current study of dermis and scar tissue using the scanning electron microscope are: (1) to maintain the orientation of the specimen, (2) to preserve the in vivo architecture, and (3) to expose a satisfactory surface. A technique which best fulfils these requirements involves glutaraldehyde fixation of a splinted specimen, freeze-fracturing using a modified pair of pliers, freeze-drying again after washing. Consistently satisfactory specimens have been obtained, which provide information about fibre architecture and cell distribution.