Safety of Periocular Mohs Reconstruction: A Two-Center Retrospective Study

Repair of periocular defects poses unique functional and aesthetic challenges. Data on the safety of periocular repairs by Mohs surgeons are limited.

Analyze the frequency and types of postreconstruction complications encountered with periocular repairs performed by Mohs surgeons, identify risk factors associated with complications, and enumerate interventions for complications encountered.

An institutional review board-approved retrospective study on periocular repairs performed by Mohs surgeons at 2 academic institutions between 07 2013 and 06 2016. Patients undergoing periocular Mohs surgery were identified via billing codes. Patient demographics and surgery details were recorded. Follow-up visit notes were reviewed for postoperative complications and interventions performed.

Two hundred ten cases were included in the analysis. The most common locations for postreconstruction complications were the medial canthus (57%) and lower eyelid (37%). The complications identified included medial canthal webbing (4.3%), hypertrophic scarring (4.3%), ectropion (1.9%), infection (1.4%), pincushioning (1.4%), and epiphora (1.0%). The most common postoperative intervention was intralesional triamcinolone. Scar revision was performed in 2.4% of all cases.

Periocular repairs performed by Mohs surgeons have a similar safety profile as repairs performed by oculoplastic surgeons.