Our Summary

This research paper discusses a study examining two surgical methods used to correct a condition called epicanthus, which is a skin fold of the upper eyelid that covers the inner corner of the eye. The two methods are called “asymmetric Z-plasty with central axis inward displacement” and “stallard Z-plasty.”

The study looked at 193 patients who had undergone one of these surgeries between 2009 and 2019. They divided the patients into two groups based on which surgery they had. Group A, which consisted of 125 patients, had the asymmetric Z-plasty, while Group B, made up of 68 patients, had the stallard Z-plasty.

The researchers then looked at how well the patients healed after the surgery, whether the epicanthus returned, and how visible the scar was six months after the operation.

In terms of healing, both groups did well, with no infections or poor healing noted. For the return of the epicanthus, most patients in both groups did not have it return, with just a small percentage having a mild return. There was no significant difference between the two groups in this regard.

However, when it came to how visible the scar was, there was a noticeable difference between the two groups. In Group A, most patients had scars that were either partially or completely hidden, while in Group B, the majority of patients had scars that were not hidden at all.

The study concludes that the asymmetric Z-plasty method has advantages over the stallard Z-plasty, including a more concealed incision and easier scar concealment. This results in a more stable effect and higher satisfaction after the operation.

FAQs

  1. What is the primary difference between the asymmetric Z-plasty with central axis inward displacement method and the stallard Z-plasty method?
  2. How does the rate of scar concealment differ between asymmetric Z-plasty with central axis inward displacement and stallard Z-plasty?
  3. What are the main advantages of using asymmetric Z-plasty with central axis inward displacement in the correction of epicanthus according to this study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about z-plasty is to follow postoperative care instructions closely to ensure proper wound healing and scar concealment. This may include keeping the incision site clean and dry, avoiding excessive movement or strain on the area, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Proper care can help achieve the best possible outcome and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for Z-plasty procedures include those with epicanthus, a condition where there is a fold of skin that covers the inner corner of the eye. In this study, patients who underwent epicanthal plasty were divided into two groups: one group received asymmetric Z-plasty with central axis inward displacement and the other group received stallard Z-plasty. Both groups showed good wound healing after the procedure, with minimal postoperative complications. The asymmetric Z-plasty group had a higher percentage of completely hidden scars compared to the stallard Z-plasty group, indicating better scar concealment. Overall, the study suggests that asymmetric Z-plasty with central axis inward displacement may have advantages over stallard Z-plasty in terms of scar concealment and postoperative satisfaction.

Timeline

  • Before the surgery, the patient likely consulted with a plastic surgeon to discuss the options for correcting their epicanthus.
  • The patient underwent either asymmetric Z-plasty with central axis inward displacement or stallard Z-plasty surgery.
  • After 7 days post-operation, both groups of patients had grade A wound healing without any complications.
  • 6 months post-operation, the retraction of the epicanthus was evaluated, with the majority of patients in both groups experiencing no retraction or mild retraction.
  • Scar concealment was also assessed, with a higher percentage of patients in the asymmetric Z-plasty group having completely hidden scars compared to the stallard Z-plasty group.
  • Overall, patients who underwent asymmetric Z-plasty with central axis inward displacement had higher postoperative satisfaction due to concealed incisions, easier scar concealment, less scar hyperplasia, and a stable effect.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the difference between asymmetric Z-plasty with central axis inward displacement and stallard Z-plasty in terms of technique and outcomes?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with each type of Z-plasty procedure?
  3. How long is the recovery period expected to be for each type of Z-plasty procedure?
  4. Will there be any visible scarring after the procedure, and if so, how can it be minimized or concealed?
  5. How likely is it for the epicanthus to retract after the surgery, and what can be done to prevent or address any retraction?
  6. What are the success rates of asymmetric Z-plasty with central axis inward displacement compared to stallard Z-plasty in correcting epicanthus?
  7. Are there any specific postoperative care instructions or recommendations that should be followed for optimal results?
  8. How many of these procedures have you performed in the past, and what is your experience and expertise in performing Z-plasty for epicanthus correction?

Reference

Authors: Chen Q, Long X, Li G, She H, Zhang W, Luo Y. Journal: J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Apr;23(4):1331-1337. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16114. Epub 2023 Dec 26. PMID: 38146696