title: Prophylactic Z-plasty - correcting helical rim deformity from wedge excision.
abstract: Wedge excision is a popular and well documented surgical method for treating a wide range of skin lesions and cancers of the ear in the general practice setting. In the majority of cases, this is a simple and cosmetically pleasing treatment. However, it may create helical rim deformity. This article describes a simple method of preventing such deformity using prophylactic Z-plasty.
authors.affiliation: Skin, Cancer & Cosmetic Institute, Sydney, New South Wales. dr.peterkim@yahoo.com.au
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps