Z-plasty is a plastic surgery technique that is used to improve the functional and cosmetic appearance of scars. It can elongate a contracted scar or rotate the scar tension line. The middle line of the Z-shaped incision is made along the line of greatest tension or contraction, and triangular flaps are raised on opposite sides of the two ends and then transposed. The length and angle of each flap must be precisely the same to avoid mismatched flaps that may be difficult to close. Some possible complications of Z-plasty include flap necrosis, haematoma formation under the flaps, wound infection, trapdoor effect and sloughing of the flap caused by high wound tension.

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Contents 1 Technique 2 Functional Z-plasty 3 Cosmetic Z-plasty 4 See also 5 References 6 External links

[edit] Technique

The transposition of two triangular flaps. The incisions are designed to create a Z shape with the central limb aligned with the part of the scar that needs lengthening or re-aligning. The traditional 60° angle Z-plasty will give a theoretical lengthening of the central limb of 75%.^[1]

[edit] Functional Z-plasty

The lengthening of a scar. Used to help relax or release linear burn scar contractures. The technique is dependent on the availability of mobile adjacent skin.

[edit] Cosmetic Z-plasty

The irregularisation of a scar to make it less noticeable. Re-alignment of the central limb can place the scar in natural skin tension lines and thereby make it less noticeable. One of a family of similar techniques (such a W plasty).

[edit] See also

• Y-plasty
• V-Y plasty

[edit] References

• Hove C, Williams E, Rodgers B (2001). "Z-plasty: a concise review.". Facial Plast Surg 17 (4): 289–94. doi:10.1055/s-2001-18828. PMID 11735063. 
• Hudson D (2000). "Some thoughts on choosing a Z-plasty: the Z made simple.". Plast Reconstr Surg 106 (3): 665–71. doi:10.1097/00006534-200009030-00024. PMID 10987477. 
• Burke M (1997). "Z-plasty. How, when and why.". Aust Fam Physician 26 (9): 1027–9. PMID 9382714. 
• Davis W, Boyd J (1990). "Z-plasty.". Otolaryngol Clin North Am 23 (5): 875–87. PMID 2259507. 

1. ^ http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/879878-treatment

[edit] External links

• eMedicine: Z-plasty
• eMedicine: Z-plasty images