The use of second-intention healing for partial-thickness Mohs defects involving the vermilion and/or mucosal surfaces of the lip.
BACKGROUND
Partial-thickness defects involving the vermilion and mucosa of the lip are difficult to repair surgically.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cosmetic and functional effectiveness of second-intention healing in the repair of partial-thickness defects confined predominantly to the vermilion and mucosa of the lip.


METHODS
Thirteen patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lip underwent Mohs micrographic surgery, which resulted in partial-thickness defects predominantly confined to the vermilion and/or mucosa of the lip. All defects were allowed to heal by secondary intention.


RESULTS
Twelve patients had good to excellent cosmetic results, and functional impairment was not noted in any of the patients. One patient whose defect extended to the cutaneous portion of the lip had deformation of the vermilion border.


CONCLUSIONS
Second-intention healing yields good to excellent cosmetic and functional results for the repair of partial-thickness defects involving the vermilion and/or mucosa of the lip. Defects involving more than 2 mm of the cutaneous lip or defects extending deeper than the superficial portion of the orbicularis oris muscle may result in cosmetic or functional deformity or both if allowed to heal secondarily.
Gloster
Hugh M
HM
Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008048:Lip Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015580:Mohs Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D003879:Dermatologic Agents