Why surgical incisions are preferably made parallel to cleavage/Langer’s lines- explain anatomically?

 

Why surgical incisions are preferably made parallel to cleavage/Langer’s lines- explain anatomically?

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The reticular layer  of dermis of skin contains bundles of collagen fibers which run in parallel rows. The direction of  bundles of collagen fibers  are responsible for cleavage/Langer’s line which run longitudinally in the limbs and circumfrentially in the neck and trunk. 

 Incisions  made parallel to cleave lines will cut fewer collagen fibers. As a result the wound heals faster and does not lead to formation of ugly scar.

Making an incision perpendicular to the cleavage lines can lead to increased stress on the wound borders and disruption of more collagen fibers, which can accelerate healing and raise the risk of problems such wound dehiscence (re-opening of the wound).