Question

The integumentary system is an essential organ system, separating the external environment from the internal environment of the human body. As such, this system protects the body from the invasion of harmful substances, helping to maintain homeostasis. There are many medical procedures that affect the integumentary system, including hair transplants, lipoplasty, rhytidectomy, chemical peels, and collagen injections.

Pick an integumentary procedure, from the list above or from another procedure of your choice, and describe it. Describe the reasons an individual would undergo the procedure and any possible complications. Explain the direct and indirect effects the procedure has on the integumentary system.

Answer 1

Lipoplasty: this is also referred to as liposuction, which is done by a person so as to remove excess fat deposits from particular areas of the body. This technique is used by people who are obese so that they could flatten their abdomen, slim their hips or thighs or carry out elimination of a double chin. This could also be done for men and women who are of normal weight but have pockets of fat.

Effects seen on the integumentary system are discolouration of skin, pigmentation loss, death of tissues, weakening of the skin and this makes the skin more liable to infections.

Laser hair removal: this is the procedure in which current is used for destruction of hair follicles such that there would be permanent hair follicle removal. The effects of this treatment on the integumentary system is that it may cause skin burns, or dark skin pigmentation. Sin pigmentation may vary from dark skin pigmentation to light skin pigmentation. There may be normal side effects like itching with numbness, tingling or pain observed near the treated area.