who is a candidate?

• If you have contracted or tight scars.
  

intended results:

• To reduce the tightness or contracture of a scar and thereby make it more comfortable and less conspicuous.

procedure description:

• Z-Plasty is performed by raising two adjacent skin flaps and transposing the flaps cutting each flap where the other one was).
  
  
• While this creates a Z-shaped scar that is three times as long as the original scar, the two ends of the original scar are now further apart and the tightness or contraction is reduced.
  

recuperation and healing :

• Initial healing takes place in a week and all swelling is gone in 4-6 months.
  
  
• Z-plasty is usually not a painful procedure.
  

other options :

• Additional procedures that would enhance the result are Dermabrasion or Scar Revision of other scars.
  

insurance guidelines :

• Z-plasty is frequently covered by insurance if the scar results from an injury or surgery that was covered.
  

note:

• The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome can occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.