Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Surgical Approach to Full Soft Tissue Face Allograft Procurement for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Published on: December 30, 2025
Complications in facial Mohs defect reconstruction
Angelique M Berens1, Sarah R Akkina, Sapna A Patel
1aDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington bClinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center cDepartment of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Surgery Service dLarrabee Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, Seattle, Washington, USA.
This review examines complications following Mohs reconstruction, detailing common issues like infection and scarring. Strategies for avoiding these problems, tailored to specific facial areas, are discussed to ensure functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Plastic Surgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Mohs surgery offers high cure rates for skin cancer but often results in complex defects requiring reconstruction.
- Reconstruction of Mohs defects, particularly on the face, presents unique challenges to achieve both functional and aesthetic restoration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review recent literature on complications arising from Mohs defect reconstruction.
- To identify and outline common pitfalls encountered during the reconstruction process.
- To discuss evidence-based strategies for preventing complications, considering the specific aesthetic subunits of the face.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent publications on Mohs reconstruction complications.
- Analysis of reported complications and their management.
- Synthesis of techniques and guidelines for complication avoidance based on anatomical location.
Main Results:
- Common complications include infection, wound necrosis, dehiscence, hematoma, and suboptimal scarring.
- Site-specific complications involve distortions of hairline, eyebrows, eyelids (retraction, ectropion), nasal abnormalities (contour, alar retraction, valve compromise), facial asymmetry, and oral incompetence.
- Successful reconstruction aims to restore the premorbid state and preserve function.
Conclusions:
- Perioperative antibiotics, sterile technique, hemostasis, and deep sutures are crucial for minimizing general complications.
- Techniques like cartilage grafting for nasal defects and periosteal suspension sutures for lower eyelid reconstruction are vital.
- Secondary procedures such as scar revision and laser resurfacing can optimize aesthetic results post-reconstruction.
