Computational mechanical modeling of human skin for the simulation of reconstructive surgery procedures

Skin is the most extended organ in human body representing 16% of total weight with a surface extension up to 2 m2. From mechanical viewpoint, skin can be described by an hyperelastic membrane, particularly when computational modeling for insilico testing reconstructive surgery procedures needed. These often involves complex topological manipulations tissue order minimize post-operative scarring. In this paper, simulation FE membrane models developed within framework finite strain elasticity (an incompressible model adopted). An algorihm presented generally describe topologies cutting and removing material, while suturing enforced suitable multi-point constraints along wound boundaries. The archetypal Z-plasty here considered, where rotational transposition resulting triangular flaps involved, leading severe stress/strain localization displacement discontinuities. results are discussed terms key deformation parameters commonly used guide surgical decisions during procedures. Apart from direct applications skin, tool proposed reference artifical materials (like instance polymeric hydrogels produced advanced 3D printing technologies), whose behaviour resambles that natural tissue.