Skin tension lines (Langer lines and the related relaxed skin tension lines) describe the direction in which skin is naturally under tension, following the pattern of collagen in the dermis. They run roughly across the trunk and limbs in predictable patterns.
| Location | Throughout the skin of the body |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Cutaneous nerves (sensory and sympathetic) |
| Blood Supply | Cutaneous branches of regional arteries (dermal and subpapillary plexuses) |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Reflect how skin stretches and folds with movement.
Surgical incisions made along these lines gape less and heal with thinner, less noticeable scars. Cuts across them spread apart and scar more. Tension lines also guide skin biopsy orientation and facial cosmetic surgery.
A thick raised scar, more likely when wounds cross tension lines or are under tension.
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