Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Z-plasty
Introduction
Editors-In-Chief: Martin I. Newman, M.D., FACS, Cleveland Clinic Florida, [1]; Michel C. Samson, M.D., FRCSC, FACS [2]
Overview
Overview
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, hematoma formation under the flaps, wound infection, trapdoor effect and sloughing of the flap caused by high wound tension.
References
References
- Hove C, Williams E, Rodgers B (2001). “Z-plasty: a concise review”. Facial Plast Surg. 17 (4): 289–94. PMID 11735063.
- Hudson D (2000). “Some thoughts on choosing a Z-plasty: the Z made simple”. Plast Reconstr Surg. 106 (3): 665–71. 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.