Description of cutaneous excision and suture using a mathematical model.

Mathematical models are being developed at a fast rate in industry thanks to computer technology; they are used to simulate motion and deformation over time to test materials and objects in a virtual manner. These modeling techniques are being developed in medicine, but they remain, at this time, in the domain of biomechanical research. We report a mathematical model for cutaneous excision and suture, which we have used to predict the deformations and tensions that result when using four different forms of excision.