Using Integra for Reconstruction of Facial Defects after Mohs Micrographic Surgery

We aimed to identify how Integra bilayer wound matrix has expanded facial reconstruction options after Mohs surgery due to its reliability in both single- and dual-stage reconstruction.

A retrospective review of patients undergoing Mohs surgery and alloplastic facial reconstruction with Integra between 2012 and 2022 was performed. Patients who underwent single-stage reconstruction and dual-stage reconstruction with skin graft with at least 90 days of follow-up were included.

One hundred thirty patients with a median age of 76 years were included. Basal cell carcinoma was the most common malignancy (39%). One hundred forty-two lesions were treated and reconstructed same-day with Integra. Lesions most commonly involved the nose (34%) and forehead (22%). The mean postoperative defect size was 26.9 cm². An estimated 45.5% (n = 60) of defect sites underwent single-stage reconstruction with healing by secondary intention, whereas 54.5% (n = 72) underwent dual-stage reconstruction with skin graft. Integra success rate was 90.2%. Average time to re-epithelialization was 32.2 + 7.3 days. Average time to repigmentation was 169.5 + 14.6 days. The complication rate was 12.8% (n = 17), with 12 undergoing debridement, three needing new Integra graft, and seven needing new skin grafts. Average size for successful healing without complication was 26.6 cm². Nineteen sites (13.2%) underwent aesthetic improvement procedures, with the majority occurring after dual-stage reconstruction (n = 13).

Integra is a reliable outpatient reconstructive option for facial Mohs defects that can increase the threshold for autologous tissue harvesting and successfully reconstruct large defects of 26.6 cm² on average with low complication and reoperation rates.