Collagen-assisted healing of facial wounds after Mohs surgery.

Abstract

Allowing selected full-thickness skin defects to heal by secondary intention offers the advantages of optimal cancer surveillance, simplified wound management, and avoidance of reconstructive procedures with their associated costs and potential complications. The topical use of bovine collagen has been suggested as a method of enhancing wound closure and final cosmetic appearance. This study evaluated the effect of bovine collagen on wound healing in patients undergoing facial Mohs surgery using the fresh-tissue technique. A total of 111 consecutive patients were assigned to a collagen or no-collagen group. Wound care was identical except for the weekly addition of bovine collagen to the wound of patients in the collagen group. Evaluation was at weekly intervals until the wound epithelialized, then bimonthly for at least 6 months. There was no difference in the rate of wound epithelialization or final cosmetic appearance. This study provides no evidence that the topical use of bovine collagen in a facial wound after Mohs surgery enhances wound epithelialization or the final cosmetic appearance.