A Novel Method for Correction of the Tethered and Contracted Facial Scars: The Three-Dimensional Subcutaneous Z-Plasty.
J Craniofac Surg 2021;
33:1307-1311. [PMID:
34743160 DOI:
10.1097/scs.0000000000008367]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Scar revision is 1 of the basic surgery in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The classic treatment of the scar is excision scarless tissue, wide undermining and suture by planes. This method has had unsatisfying results on contracted and tethered scars. The aim of this study is to present the three-dimensional subcutaneous z-plasty technique for correction of tethered facial scars without scar lengthening.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty tethered scars were corrected using this technique. All scars were located on the face. Objectively, the final result was evaluated by using the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale. Subjectively, patients' overall satisfaction was assessed 1 year after the surgical operation. In addition, the information on the age, gender, etiology, scar location, scar length, type of anesthesia, and follow-up period were examined.
RESULTS
This procedure was used in nineteen patients (8 males and eleven females). The mean follow-up period was 15.3 months. There was a mean increase of 2.85 points increase in the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale value. The overall success rates for the procedure, as assessed by the patients, were: very satisfied in 12 patients, satisfied in 5 patients, and slightly satisfied in 2 patients. One patient had minimal wound dehiscence. No complications including hypertrophic scar, infection, hematoma, and suture reaction were observed in any patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The three-dimensional subcutaneous z-plasty technique is a procedure that uses only basic plastic surgery principles. It offers a good solution for the correction of tethered and contracted scars without recurrence. This technique combines the advantages of elliptical excision and z-plasty by enabling the augmentation of the depressed area without extending the scar length.
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