title: Triple Z flap technique for reconstruction of triangular defects in problem areas.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Reconstruction of defects close to important structures where standard flaps cannot easily be used may sometimes challenge surgeons. Classic reconstructive options for such defects close to problem areas may not always yield the best result.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors used the triple Z flap technique for triangular defects close to problem areas in 18 patients. The defects were triangular or close to triangular in shape, and three Z flaps were planned on each side of the defect. Flaps were transposed and the defects were reconstructed without any complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results were quite satisfying for both the patient and the surgeon. Neither retraction nor any distortion was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The triple Z flap technique can be used in selected cases where local flap choices are scarce and it is difficult to achieve good anatomical and aesthetic results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kocaeli University Medical Faculty, Kocaeli, Turkey. scenksen@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Cenk
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sen
authors.forename: Tonguc
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Isken
authors.forename: Hakan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Agir
authors.forename: Cigdem
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Unal
authors.forename: Bahadir
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ozkeskin
authors.forename: Deniz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Iscen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005121:Extremities; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps