Our Summary

This research paper is about a new surgical technique to correct a common nostril deformity, known as “Q” deformity, which often occurs after nasal alar reduction surgery. This deformity has not been addressed in previous clinical reports.

To resolve this, the researchers adapted a traditional surgical method called Z-plasty, creating an asymmetrical Z-plasty technique. This involved moving a triangular piece of mucosal flap from inside the nasal cavity to the area of the deformity.

The study involved 12 patients, with an average age of 29 years old, who underwent this procedure. The surgery took around 40 minutes per patient, and the patients’ wounds healed normally within a week.

The results were positive - the patients’ nostril shapes were corrected satisfactorily without needing further surgery, and this outcome lasted for over a year following the operation. All patients reported being pleased with the results.

The research concludes that this new asymmetric Z-plasty technique can be an effective way to correct iatrogenic nostril “Q” malformation, particularly in Asian patients.

FAQs

  1. What is the “Q” deformity that the article refers to?
  2. What is an asymmetrical Z-plasty technique and how is it used to correct the “Q” deformity?
  3. What were the reported outcomes of the patients who underwent the asymmetrical Z-plasty procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about Z-plasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include keeping the surgical site clean, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended Z-plasty include those with:

  1. Nostril deformities, such as the “Q” deformity described in the study
  2. Iatrogenic nostril malformations
  3. Patients who have undergone nasal alar reduction surgery and developed deformities as a result
  4. Asian patients, as the study suggests that this technique is particularly effective for this demographic

It is important for patients to consult with a qualified surgeon to determine if Z-plasty is the appropriate surgical technique for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before Z-plasty:

  1. Patient presents with “Q” deformity after nasal alar reduction surgery.
  2. Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss their options for correction.
  3. Surgeon recommends Z-plasty as a surgical technique to address the deformity.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative consultations and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

After Z-plasty:

  1. Patient undergoes Z-plasty surgery to correct the nostril deformity, which takes around 40 minutes.
  2. Patient experiences normal wound healing within a week post-surgery.
  3. Patient follows post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon.
  4. Patient’s nostril shape is corrected satisfactorily without the need for further surgery.
  5. Patient reports being pleased with the results of the Z-plasty procedure.
  6. Patient’s corrected nostril shape remains stable for over a year following the operation.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is Z-plasty and how does it differ from traditional surgical techniques?
  2. How long is the recovery time for a Z-plasty procedure?
  3. What are the potential risks or complications associated with Z-plasty surgery?
  4. How long can I expect the results of the Z-plasty procedure to last?
  5. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow to ensure the best outcome?
  6. How many times have you performed this specific asymmetric Z-plasty technique for correcting nostril deformities?
  7. Can you show me before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone this procedure?
  8. Will I need any additional surgeries or treatments in the future to maintain the results of the Z-plasty procedure?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options available for correcting a nostril “Q” deformity?
  10. What is the success rate of this new asymmetric Z-plasty technique in correcting nostril deformities, particularly in Asian patients?

Reference

Authors: Yu BF, Duan R, Chen XX, He JG, Xie F, Dai CC, Wei J. Journal: Asian J Surg. 2024 Nov 8:S1015-9584(24)02374-1. doi: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.10.064. Online ahead of print. PMID: 39516165