Layered closure versus buried sutures and adhesive strips for cheek defect repair after cutaneous malignancy excision

Abstract

Background: Primary closure of surgical defects after excision of cutaneous malignancies has been traditionally accomplished with layered closure.

Objective: We sought to compare the cosmetic outcome of cheek defects repaired with layered closure versus buried sutures and adhesive strips.

Methods: In all, 38 patients underwent excision of a cutaneous malignancy on the cheek by primary excision or Mohs micrographic surgery. Patients were prospectively randomized to receive layered closure to one half of the repair and buried sutures with adhesive strip closure for the other half of the repair. Follow-up assessment was performed by a blinded evaluator using a visual analog scale.

Results: There were no differences in scar contour, erythema, or overall cosmesis between closure types.

Limitations: All study participants were Caucasian, with a mean age of 68 years, limiting generalizability of results.

Conclusion: Layered closure does not have a cosmetic advantage over buried sutures and adhesive strips for the primary repair of cheek defects.