Quantification of gravity-induced skin strain across the breast surface

Abstract

To reduce tension on surgical incisions it is suggested that preference should be given to medial latitudinal locations for smaller breasted women and lateral latitudinal locations for larger breasted women.

Do static and dynamic activities induce potentially damaging breast skin strain?

“…Considering participant characteristics, breast volume, BMI and bust circumference displayed the strongest and most prevalent relationships with peak breast skin strain/ strain rate. This may in part support Sanchez et al 31 who reported that larger breasted women (>34D) displayed increased static breast skin strain (compared with smaller-breasted women). Willson et al 61 identified that breast skin thickness decreased with increased breast size, and thinner skin may be more distensible than thicker skin, 62 suggesting that women with larger breast volumes may be more susceptible to higher breast skin strain.…”

“…Sensor coordinates were exported to Visual 3D (V.4.96.4, C-motion) and filtered (generalised cross-validatory quintic spline). 31 A reference torso segment was created, with the proximal end (origin) midway between suprasternal notch and C7 sensors, and the distal end midway between xiphoid process and T8 sensors. 40 Thirty-five inter-sensor distances were calculated for each participant, in each condition (water immersion, standing, walking and running) ( figure 1B ).…”

“…However, strain was calculated uniaxially, between the sternal notch and nipple, rather than across the breast surface. Sanchez et al 31 used an 18-marker array across the breast surface to identify breast skin strain during standing. Breast skin strain of 75% in longitudinal superior and lateral breast regions were reported, providing data on strain magnitudes, locations and directions.…”

“…Breast skin strain of 75% in longitudinal superior and lateral breast regions were reported, providing data on strain magnitudes, locations and directions. 31 While this study advanced in-vivo breast skin strain measurement, marker coordinates on the bare breast were recorded by motion capture cameras which could not determine skin strain inside a bra. The limited studies that measure breast skin strain have focused on strain magnitude; strain rate has yet to be considered in vivo despite associations between skin strain rate, ultimate tensile strength of skin and pain sensation.…”

“…Breast skin strain of 75% in longitudinal superior and lateral breast regions were reported, providing data on strain magnitudes, locations and directions. 31 While this study advanced in-vivo breast skin strain measurement, marker coordinates on the bare breast were recorded by motion capture cameras which could not determine skin strain inside a bra.…”