Annals of Plastic Surgery. 64(6):751-754, JUN 2010
DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e3181b0222b
,
PMID: 20489404
Issn Print: 0148-7043
Publication Date: 2010/06/01
Surgical Repair for Macrostomia: Significance of Z-Plasty Limb Directions
Chung-Chih Yu;Raymond Goh;Lun-Jou Lo;Philip Chen;Yu-Ray Chen;
+ Author Information
From the Craniofacial Centre, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine whether the direction of Z-plasty limbs incorporated into the surgical repair for macrostomia had a significant influence on the quality of the resultant scar. A total of 41 patients who underwent macrostomia repair by means of the same technique, and who had a follow up period of at least 2 years, were retrospectively reviewed through postoperative photographs and medical records. Quality of scar, lip symmetry, and commissure shape and thickness were recorded. Our results showed that a more favorable scar would be achieved in the medial limb of the Z-plasty if it was planned parallel to relaxed skin tension lines (P < 0.05). An unfavorable scar would be more likely if the medial limb of the Z-plasty was made in a horizontal direction or perpendicular to relaxed skin tension lines (P < 0.05). The quality of scar in both the central and lateral limbs of the Z-plasty was not significantly influenced by their direction.
