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Review and reappraisal of assessment parameters of second intention healing after Mohs micrographic surgery

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Abstract

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is used to remove cutaneous tumors in cosmetically sensitive anatomic areas. Surgeons can provide several reconstructive options to patients following tumor removal, including primary closure, skin grafts, local, regional or free flaps, and secondary intention healing (SIH). Notably, with the advancement of surgical and reconstructive techniques, the use of second intention healing has declined and may be underutilized. This review aims to critically evaluate the literature regarding indications, anatomical considerations, advantages, and complications of second intention wound healing following Mohs surgery. We also offer reappraisal of SIH following MMS to promote evidence-based postoperative care.

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Funding

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA

    Gabrielle Schwartzman

  2. Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Alexander M. Cartron

  3. Department of Dermatology, State University of New York Downstate, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 800 Poly Place, Brooklyn, NY, 11209, USA

    Amor Khachemoune

  4. Department of Dermatology, Veterans Health Administration, Brooklyn, NY, USA

    Amor Khachemoune

Authors
  1. Gabrielle Schwartzman
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  2. Alexander M. Cartron
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  3. Amor Khachemoune
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Contributions

AK: MD, FAAD, and FACMS had the idea for the article; GS: BS performed the initial literature search, data analysis and drafted the initial draft; GS: BS, AMC: BS and AK: MD, FAAD, and FACMS revised the work.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Amor Khachemoune.

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Appendix

Appendix

Abbreviations

MMS

Mohs micrographic surgery

SIH

Secondary intention healing

NEET [15]

Nose, eye, eat and temple

NOCH [15]

Nose, oral lips, cheeks and chin, and helix of ear

FAIR [15]

Forehead, antihelix, eyelid (I), and the remainder of the nose, lips, and cheeks

FTSG

Full-thickness skin graft

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Schwartzman, G., Cartron, A.M. & Khachemoune, A. Review and reappraisal of assessment parameters of second intention healing after Mohs micrographic surgery. Arch Dermatol Res 314, 17–23 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-021-02209-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-021-02209-y

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