Mechanical characteristics of skin and underlying tissues in vivo.

This paper is concerned with the mechanical characteristics of the complex composite of skin and subcutaneous tissues as they relate to the development of soft tissue replacements. Following a review of previous work and a summary of theoretical considerations, the results of a series of in vivo experiments aimed at quantifying the stiffness of skin and underlying tissues are reported. Variations in compressive properties with age, sex and body site are explained in terms of differences in anatomy and tissue structure.