The purpose of this study is to determine the potential influence of intraoperative dermabrasion on scars following Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS). Researchers are trying to determine if dermabrasion, a method to gently remove the top layer of your skin, is a good or bad tool to improve scar appearance after healing. The use of dermabrasion technique in this study is considered investigational. 50 participants will be enrolled and on study for up to 6 months.
Primary Objective: Scar assessment at 3 months postoperatively by utilizing observer component of Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) Secondary Objectives: * Patient portion of POSAS * Overall patient opinion of scar appearance * Complication rate
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
50
First, both sides of the wound will be sutured together with a subcutaneous (bottom) layer of stitches. Next, a predetermined, concealed randomization number will be obtained which will specify which side, A or B, will be treated with dermabrasion. An electrocautery scratch pad will be used along the wound edge of the intervention side until pin-point bleeding is achieved. This will add no additional time to the standard of care surgery time. The wound will then be closed with an epidermal (top) layer of stitches, as is the standard of care.
UW Health Mohs Surgery Clinic
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
RECRUITINGPOSAS Observer Score at 3 months post-surgery
The investigators hypothesize that the side of the wound treated with intraoperative dermabrasion will have superior cosmesis as evaluated by the observer components of POSAS when evaluated at 3 months postoperatively. Two blinded reviewers will provide the POSAS Observer score which evaluates scar vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, relief, pliability, and surface area, each from 1 to 10 where higher scores indicate worse scars. Total scores are summed and range from 6-60.
Time frame: 3 months post-surgery
POSAS Patient Score at 3 months post-surgery
The investigators hypothesize that the side of the wound treated with intraoperative dermabrasion will have superior cosmesis as evaluated by the patient components of POSAS when evaluated at 3 months postoperatively. The POSAS Patient score evaluates scar pain, itching, color, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity, each from 1 to 10 where higher scores indicate worse symptoms or physical scar characteristics. Total scores are summed and range from 6-60.
Time frame: 3 months post-surgery
POSAS Overall Patient Opinion Score at 3 months post-surgery
The investigators hypothesize that the side of the wound treated with intraoperative dermabrasion will have superior cosmesis as evaluated by the patient components of POSAS when evaluated at 3 months postoperatively. The POSAS overall patient opinion score ranges from 1 to 10 where higher scores indicate worse symptoms or physical scar characteristics.
Time frame: 3 months post-surgery
Number of Complications
Time frame: 3 months post-surgery
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