Comparison of Cosmetic Outcomes of Straight Line and W-plasty Techniques for Linear Wound Closure

"The patient's wound will be labeled A if it is on the left or superior side of the investigator and B if it is on the right or inferior side. A predetermined, concealed randomization number will be obtained from the RedCap randomization module, which will specify how side A is to be treated. Side B will be treated the opposite way as A. Side A will always be closed first. The side assigned to be closed in a traditional straight line (SL) will have the standing cutaneous deformity (dog ear) excised in the standard manner using Burrow's triangles, resulting in an elliptical defect amenable to linear closure. The side assigned to be closed with W-plasty will have the dog ear excised in a zig-zag fashion consistent with the W plasty flap design. Both sides of the wound will receive subcuticular closure with interrupted subdermal sutures as is the standard of care, followed by a standard running cuticular closure with absorbable suture material."