title: Z-plasty innovations in vertical lip reconstructions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although the Z-plasty has been used on the lips in various applications, its novel utility in improving classic vertical (radial) lip reconstruction has not been described previously.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate the advantages of Z-plasties in vertical lip reconstruction, to explore six distinct causes of lip deformities that arise during reconstructive surgery and how those complications can be avoided by employing traditional Z-plasties or a new modification we term the "sliding Z-plasty," and to provide an entirely original first-time analysis of the geometry and physical dynamics of lip reconstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  We explored the planning and execution of lip reconstruction using traditional Z-plasties and a new sliding Z-plasty modification. This analysis uses case reports, original illustrations, and an in-depth discussion of the spatial dynamics of lip reconstruction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Traditional or sliding Z-plasties can improve the final outcome of vertical lip reconstruction while avoiding or mitigating six distinct potential complications associated with classic repairs.
authors: Billings Clinic, Billings, Montana 59107-7000, USA. mwentzell@-billingsclinic.org
authors: Joseph Michael
authors: JM
authors: Wentzell
authors: Jared Jacob
authors: JJ
authors: Lund
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000601:surgery*; D008048:Lip Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; D013524:Surgical Flaps