Comparison of full-thickness skin grafts versus second-intention healing for Mohs defects of the helix.

Background: Two repair options for Mohs defects of the helix include full-thickness skin grafting and second-intention healing. Limited long-term data exist comparing these 2 repair options.

Objective: To compare outcomes of full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) versus second-intention wound healing for Mohs defects on the helix.

Methods: In this study, 29 second-intention and 18 FTSG repairs were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Patient questionnaires and retrospective chart analysis were used to assess secondary outcomes.

Results: The average second-intention VAS score was 82.1 (standard deviation [SD] = 7.6), and the average FTSG VAS score was 75.2 (SD = 16.7) (difference of 6.9, 95% confidence interval: -1.3 to 15.1, p = .061). A subsequent noninferiority test indicated that cosmetic outcome of second-intention healing was at least as good as that of FTSG in the authors' study (p < .001). Retrospective chart analysis revealed no significant difference in complications. Patient-reported outcomes were not significantly different.

Conclusions: Mohs surgical defects of the helix left to heal by second-intention have comparable long-term cosmetic outcomes to those repaired by FTSG. There was no significant difference in complications, and patients were highly satisfied with both repair options.