DOUBLE-Z RHOMBIC TECHNIQUE FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF FACIAL WOUNDS

The double-Z rhombic technique of repair of excisional defects is characterized by borrowing the required tissue from two nonadjacent opposite sides of the defect. Most other flaps borrow the required tissue from a single adjacent region or all adjacent directions. The “sharing” of tissue from two opposite regions minimizes tension in that direction, while not borrowing from the remaining regions prevents the distortion of anatomic landmarks located along that direction. The orientation of the final scar and direction of tissue tension can be controlled by rotating the rhombic defect about its central axis. This study was undertaken to assess the utility of the double-Z rhombic technique in terms of cosmesis and avoidance of displacement of mobile anatomic landmarks such as eyelids, eyebrows, nasal alae, and lips. Excisional defects resulting from removal of skin neoplasms in 30 patients in whom primary closure or reconstruction with direct tissue advancement was not feasible and displacement of facial landmarks was undesirable were reconstructed using the double-Z rhombic technique. No considerable asymmetry or facial anatomic landmark deformity was observed in any of the 30 patients. Our results are presented along with representative illustrations. © 1990 American Society of Plastic Surgeons.