Z-plasty
A surgical technique using Z-shaped incisions to reorient scars, release contractures, or redistribute tension.
Full Definition
Z-plasty is a fundamental plastic surgical technique involving the creation of two triangular flaps through Z-shaped incisions that are then transposed to reorient the central limb of the Z. This technique serves multiple purposes in dermatologic surgery: lengthening contracted scars, changing scar direction to align with relaxed skin tension lines, breaking up linear scars, and redistributing wound tension. The degree of lengthening achieved depends on the angle of the Z-plasty limbs, with 60-degree angles providing approximately 75% length increase. Multiple Z-plasties can be performed in series for extensive scar revision or contracture release.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the angle of Z-plasty arms (typically 30, 45, or 60 degrees) in documentation.
In Context
- "A 60-degree Z-plasty was performed to reorient the vertical scar into the natural skin lines." — Operative report
- "Multiple Z-plasties were used to release the contracture and improve range of motion." — Reconstruction documentation