From solid to fluid: The possible role of tissue fluidity in mechanical stretch-induced tissue expansion

Abstract

Tissue expansion is a widely utilized technique in plastic and reconstructive surgery; however, the biological mechanisms underlying the skin response remain poorly understood. We propose that tissue fluidity, the transition of tissue from a solid-like state to a fluid-like state, plays a pivotal role in enabling the reorganization of the epidermal structure and cellular spatial order, which is essential for effective tissue expansion. Drawing parallels between fluidity in materials science and biological systems, we suggest that the fluid-like behavior in the skin may be critical for mechanical adaptability. Understanding the influence of tissue fluidity may open pathways for modulating this process, potentially enhancing tissue expansion efficiency, reducing procedural duration, and improving clinical outcomes. This perspective highlights the importance of investigating the biological dynamics of tissue fluidity and exploring the potential for targeted manipulation of fluidity-related pathways to optimize tissue expansion. Such advancements could profoundly affect regenerative and reconstructive surgical practices.