title: Z-plasty. How, when and why.
abstract: The Z-plasty is an excellent procedure for both lengthening contracted scars and/or changing the direction of scars for improved cosmetic effect. It is a common tool of plastic surgeons. With appropriate training, experience and due care it is a procedure that many general practitioners could use.
authors.affiliation: Box Hill Medical Centre, Victoria.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Burke
mesh_terms: D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery; D004954:Esthetics; D006801:Humans; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014945:Wound Healing