Wound eversion versus planar closure for wounds on the face or neck: A randomized split-wound comparative effectiveness trial

To the Editor: Minimization of postsurgical skin defects remains a challenging aspect of reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery. 1 Liu A. Moy R.L. Ozog D.M. Current methods employed in the prevention and minimization of surgical scars. Dermatol Surg. 2011; 37: 1740-1746 Crossref PubMed Scopus (52) Google Scholar Although some experts advocate for the necessity of wound eversion for ideal scar formation, 2 Regula C.G. Yag-Howard C. Suture products and techniques: what to use, where, and why. Dermatol Surg. 2015; 41: S187-S200 Crossref PubMed Scopus (27) Google Scholar , 3 Trufant J.W. Leach B.C. Commentary: wound edge eversion: surgical dogma or diversion?. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015; 72: 681-682 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (7) Google Scholar , 4 Moy R.L. Waldman B. Hein D.W. A review of sutures and suturing techniques. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1992; 18: 785-795 Crossref PubMed Scopus (132) Google Scholar a 2015 study conducted at our institution showed that wound eversion was not associated with better cosmetic outcomes when compared to planar closure. 5 Kappel S. Kleinerman R. King T.H. et al. Does wound eversion improve cosmetic outcome? Results of a randomized, split-scar, comparative trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015; 72: 668-673 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (23) Google Scholar It has been suggested that certain body regions are disproportionally responsive to the effects of eversion. 3 Trufant J.W. Leach B.C. Commentary: wound edge eversion: surgical dogma or diversion?. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015; 72: 681-682 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (7) Google Scholar In this follow-up investigation of our original study, we sought to establish whether wound edge eversion improves the cosmetic outcome of operative wounds closed exclusively on the head or the neck.