A negative pressure skin measurement system quantifies mechanical properties by applying a controlled vacuum to draw a specific section of skin into a probe aperture and precisely measuring its physical response. A non-contact optical sensor tracks the skin's vertical displacement in real-time—both the depth of the suction and the speed of the retraction once pressure is released. These measurements are plotted as deformation curves, which allow algorithms to mathematically isolate and calculate the skin's biological extensibility, elasticity, and viscoelastic ratios.
By stressing the skin with a vacuum pulse and recording the retraction, these systems provide a standardized, objective metric for the structural integrity of the dermis. This process directly correlates physical deformation with the status of collagen and elastic fiber networks.
The Mechanics of Measurement
The Vacuum Pulse
The process begins when the system applies adjustable vacuum negative pressure through a probe with a defined aperture size.
This suction force physically deforms the skin, drawing it upward into the probe.
This phase measures biological extensibility, or how easily the skin stretches under a specific load.
Optical Precision
Crucially, the measurement of this movement utilizes a non-contact optical sensing system.
This sensor monitors the skin's suction depth continuously without physical interference that could skew the data.
It captures the exact trajectory of the skin's movement during both the stress (suction) and recovery (release) phases.
The Release and Recoil
Once the vacuum pressure is released, the skin attempts to return to its original state.
The system records the recovery time and the completeness of this return.
This retraction phase is critical for calculating elasticity, as it represents the skin's ability to "snap back" after deformation.
Deciphering the Deformation Curves
Quantifying Elasticity
The data collected generates specific deformation curves representing the skin's behavior over time.
Biological elasticity is calculated by comparing the immediate retraction of the skin to the total deformation caused by the suction.
High elasticity indicates a robust elastic fiber network capable of restoring skin shape efficiently.
Quantifying Viscoelasticity
Viscoelasticity refers to the skin's dual nature—exhibiting both solid (elastic) and fluid (viscous) properties.
The system calculates this by analyzing the delayed recovery portion of the curve.
This metric reveals the structural condition of collagen, providing insight into the dermis's density and its resistance to deformation.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Standardization is Critical
Because the system uses adjustable pressure and specific apertures, data is only comparable if the testing parameters remain constant.
Changing the vacuum intensity or the probe size will alter the deformation curve, making historical comparisons invalid.
Structural vs. Surface
It is important to recognize that this method measures the structural degradation of the deeper dermis.
It is less effective for measuring surface-level texture or hydration unless those factors significantly impact the overall mechanical resistance of the skin.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To get the most value from a negative pressure measurement system, align the metrics with your specific clinical or research objectives:
- If your primary focus is Assessing Aging: Prioritize the viscoelasticity ratio, as this directly reflects the structural degradation of collagen and elastic fiber networks over time.
- If your primary focus is Evaluating Aesthetic Treatments: Focus on changes in biological elasticity and recovery time, which indicate immediate improvements in skin biomechanics and tightness.
By analyzing the specific strain curves generated by vacuum pulses, you gain a definitive, quantitative view of skin health that goes beyond visible surface inspections.
Summary Table:
| Measurement Phase | Parameter Tracked | Clinical Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Suction | Biological Extensibility | Measures skin stretchability and resistance to force. |
| Release & Recoil | Recovery Time / Snap-back | Evaluates the integrity of the elastic fiber network. |
| Deformation Curve | Elasticity & Viscoelasticity | Quantifies collagen density and structural aging. |
| Optical Sensing | Vertical Displacement | Provides precise, non-contact data without interference. |
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References
- Gabriel Siquier-Dameto, Enrique Verdú. Intradermal Treatment with a Hyaluronic Acid Complex Supplemented with Amino Acids and Antioxidant Vitamins Improves Cutaneous Hydration and Viscoelasticity in Healthy Subjects. DOI: 10.3390/antiox13070770
This article is also based on technical information from Belislaser Knowledge Base .
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