An M-plasty is an excisional surgical technique used to remove standing cutaneous deformities, commonly known as "dog ears," that can occur at the ends of a linear wound closure.
Understanding the M-Plasty
Dog ears are bumps or excess skin that can form when the tissue is bunched up at the ends of a surgical incision, typically due to using overly obtuse angles (greater than 30 degrees) during the excision. An M-plasty aims to correct this by reshaping the skin at the wound's end to create a smoother, more natural appearance.
How M-Plasty Works
The M-plasty technique involves:
- Excision: The surgeon carefully excises the dog ear, removing the excess tissue.
- Reshaping: The skin is then reshaped into an "M" shape, allowing for a more even distribution of tension during closure.
- Closure: The wound is closed, resulting in a less noticeable scar and a smoother skin surface.
When is M-Plasty Used?
M-plasty is typically used:
- As a revision technique after a previous linear repair resulted in dog ears.
- Proactively, during the initial surgical procedure, if the surgeon anticipates the formation of dog ears.
Benefits of M-Plasty
- Improved Aesthetic Outcome: Reduces the appearance of dog ears, leading to a more aesthetically pleasing result.
- Minimized Scarring: Properly executed, it helps create a less noticeable scar.
- Even Tension Distribution: Allows for better tension distribution along the wound edges.
