Outcomes of Upper Lip Mohs Surgery Repairs Using Standardized Scar Scales With Particular Emphasis on Vermillion...

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Plastic Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• The lips are a frequent site for skin cancer, necessitating Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS).
• Reconstruction of MMS defects on the lips, a crucial cosmetic and functional facial unit, can influence patient-reported outcomes.
• Understanding the impact of different repair techniques on patient perception is vital for optimizing surgical results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare aesthetic and functional outcomes following upper lip MMS reconstruction.
• To evaluate differences between vermillion sparing repairs (VSR) and vermillion crossing repairs (VCR).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 45 patients undergoing upper lip MMS from 2018-2022.
• Inclusion of patients with linear or select flap repairs.
• Assessment at 6-week follow-up using validated Patient and Observed Scar Assessment Scale and Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating scales for patient and physician evaluations.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in patient-assessed functional or cosmetic outcomes was found between VSR and VCR groups.
• Physician assessments of scar cosmesis were also compared between the two repair types.

Conclusions:

• Patient satisfaction with lip reconstruction after MMS can be high.
• Crossing the vermillion border during reconstruction does not negatively affect patient-assessed aesthetic or functional results.
• Vermillion crossing repairs should be considered when necessary to achieve optimal reconstructive outcomes.