Z-plasty
Pronunciation: ZEE-plas-tee
Surgical technique using Z-shaped incisions to reorient scars, release contractures, or redistribute tension.
Full Definition
Z-plasty is a fundamental plastic surgery technique involving the creation of two triangular flaps arranged in a Z-configuration to achieve scar reorientation, length increase, and tension redistribution. The procedure effectively lengthens tissue along the central limb while shortening perpendicular dimensions. Z-plasty is particularly useful for releasing linear contractures, breaking up conspicuous straight-line scars, and redirecting scars to follow natural skin tension lines. Multiple Z-plasties can be arranged in series for longer defects, with angles typically ranging from 30 to 90 degrees depending on the desired length gain.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenated when used as a modifier (Z-plasty technique) but may appear without hyphen in some texts.
In Context
- "A 60-degree Z-plasty was performed to release the neck contracture and improve range of motion." — operative report
- "Serial Z-plasties provide superior aesthetic results compared to straight-line scar revision." — plastic surgery journal