Facial Plast Surg 2001; 17(4): 239-244
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-18829
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

W-Plasty and Geometric Broken Line Closure

Bret J. Rodgers1 , Edwin F. Williams2 , Christopher R. Hove3
  • 1Rodgers Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, Boise, ID
  • 2Section of Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY
  • 3Section of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
05 December 2001 (online)

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.

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