Our Summary

This research studied the effectiveness of a specific surgical technique, called the modified asymmetric Z-plasty, in correcting a condition called ’epicanthus’, which is a skin fold of the upper eyelid that covers the inner corner of the eye.

The study involved 130 patients who underwent this surgery at Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital from January to December 2019. The patients were checked at 1, 3, and 6 months after the surgery to see how well they were healing and to assess the results of the surgery.

The findings showed that all the surgical wounds healed well, and the stitches were removed seven days after the surgery. Six months after the surgery, all patients had successfully corrected epicanthus, and there was moderate exposure of the lacrimal caruncle (a small, red, fleshy part of the eye). The surgical cuts were not red, and there were no obvious big scars. Three patients had slightly noticeable and uneven scars under the edge of the lower eyelid. Of these, one patient didn’t have any more treatment and was okay with the outcome. The other two patients’ outcomes improved after a single session of a specific type of laser treatment, and they didn’t need any more surgery.

In summary, the study concluded that this specific surgical technique is relatively simple and provides good results for correcting epicanthus.

FAQs

  1. What is the modified asymmetric Z-plasty technique used for?
  2. What were the results of the study on the effectiveness of Z-plasty in correcting epicanthus?
  3. What follow-up treatments were used for patients with noticeable and uneven scars after the surgery?

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 area clean, avoiding excessive movement or strain on the area, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Additionally, patients should communicate any concerns or changes in their healing process to their doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for Z-plasty surgery include those with conditions such as epicanthus, scar contractures, webbed fingers or toes, and other situations where scar revision or tissue rearrangement is needed to improve function or appearance. It is important for patients to be in good general health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to determine if Z-plasty is the appropriate treatment option for a specific patient’s needs.

Timeline

Before Z-plasty:

  1. Patient consults with a doctor about the condition (epicanthus) and discusses treatment options.
  2. Doctor recommends Z-plasty surgery as a potential solution.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and preparation for the surgery.
  4. Surgery is performed, and the patient is monitored for any complications during the procedure.

After Z-plasty:

  1. Patient’s surgical wounds heal over the course of a week, and stitches are removed.
  2. Follow-up appointments are scheduled at 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery to monitor healing progress.
  3. At 6 months post-surgery, the patient’s epicanthus is successfully corrected, and the surgical cuts have healed well.
  4. Some patients may have slight scarring or uneven scars, which can be addressed with additional treatment such as laser therapy.
  5. Overall, the patient experiences improved appearance and functionality of the affected area.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is Z-plasty and how does it work to correct epicanthus?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with Z-plasty surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after Z-plasty surgery?
  4. What kind of scarring can I expect after the surgery and how can it be minimized?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or techniques for correcting epicanthus that I should consider?
  6. What is the success rate of Z-plasty surgery for correcting epicanthus?
  7. How experienced are you in performing Z-plasty surgery for correcting epicanthus?
  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  9. What kind of post-operative care will be required after Z-plasty surgery?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to ensure optimal results?

Reference

Authors: Li G, Fu A, Zhang B, Ding W, Ouyang H, Xu S, Long X, Liu X. Journal: JPRAS Open. 2022 Mar 17;33:57-62. doi: 10.1016/j.jpra.2022.02.012. eCollection 2022 Sep. PMID: 35812355