Hautlinien

Hautlinien, also known as Langer's lines or cleavage lines, are lines or furrows on the skin that correspond to the natural orientation of collagen fibers in the dermis. These lines are not random but follow specific patterns across the body. They are most noticeable on the face and neck, where they are often referred to as wrinkle lines. The study and understanding of hautlinien are particularly important in surgical procedures, especially plastic and reconstructive surgery. Surgeons aim to make incisions parallel to these lines to minimize tension on the wound, promote better healing, and reduce scarring. Incisions made perpendicular to hautlinien tend to result in more prominent and wider scars.

The direction of hautlinien is influenced by the underlying muscles of facial expression and the overall structure of the connective tissue. While they are a permanent feature of the skin, their visibility can change over time due to factors such as aging, sun exposure, and repetitive facial movements. These lines can be identified by gently stretching the skin in different directions; the skin will tend to wrinkle most easily along these predetermined pathways. Dermatologists and medical professionals use hautlinien as a guide for various aesthetic treatments, including the injection of dermal fillers and the application of certain resurfacing techniques, to achieve more natural and aesthetically pleasing results.