Immediate postoperative laser resurfacing improves second intention healing on the nose: 5-year experience

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Plastic Surgery
• Laser Medicine

Background:

• Mohs surgery defects on nasal convexities often exhibit poor healing by second intention.
• Dermabrasion was previously used to improve healing outcomes for these defects.
• Laser resurfacing offers a new approach to enhance wound healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of immediate postoperative CO2 and Er:YAG laser resurfacing.
• To determine if laser resurfacing improves healing by second intention on the nose.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-four patients with Mohs defects on the nose received immediate laser resurfacing (CO2 or Er:YAG).
• Thirty patients' results were assessed by a panel of nine physicians using photographic evidence.
• Patient satisfaction and need for scar revision were recorded.

Main Results:

• All 74 patients reported satisfaction with their surgical outcomes.
• No patients required scar revision following the procedure.
• Objective physician evaluation of 30 patients rated outcomes as acceptable to excellent.

Conclusions:

• Immediate laser resurfacing is a viable option for improving second intention healing of nasal Mohs defects.
• This method enhances predicted outcomes and patient satisfaction.
• Laser resurfacing should be considered for select patients undergoing Mohs surgery on the nose.