title: W-plasty and geometric broken line closure.
abstract: The decision to revise a scar should be based on risk versus benefit. Scars over 2 cm in length or scars greater than 2 mm in width can usually be improved with scar revision. Although many techniques exist, scar irregularization has been used for scar camouflage for many years. Two techniques commonly employed for scar irregularization are W-plasty and geometric broken line closure. W-plasty provides a regularly irregular scar, and geometric broken line closure provides an irregularly irregular scar. Each method can offer excellent results when performed correctly and in the appropriate situations. The advantages, disadvantages, and design of each method are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Rodgers Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, Boise, ID, USA.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Rodgers
authors.forename: E F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Hove
mesh_terms: D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery*; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012086:Reoperation