Outcomes of Upper Lip Mohs Surgery Repairs Using Standardized Scar Scales With Particular Emphasis on Vermillion Border Involvement

Abstract

BACKGROUND The lips are a common location for skin cancer, and thus, a common site for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). As an important cosmetic and functional facial unit, MMS defects and reconstruction can affect patient perception on functional and aesthetic outcomes. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare aesthetic and functional outcomes after upper lip MMS between patients with vermillion sparing repairs (VSR) versus vermillion crossing repairs (VCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients from a single institution from 2018 to 2022 undergoing MMS of the upper lip with linear or select flap repairs were included. Patients were assessed at a minimum of 6-week follow-up for self-assessment of functional and cosmetic outcomes, as well as physician assessment of scar cosmesis using validated Patient and Observed Scar Assessment Scale and Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating scale. The results were compared between VSR and VCR groups. RESULTS Forty-five patients were included in this study. No significant difference between patient assessment of functional and cosmetic outcome was identified between VSR and VCR. CONCLUSION Patient satisfaction with lip reconstruction can be high. Crossing the vermillion border does not affect patient assessment of aesthetic and functional results and should be considered if needed to optimize reconstructive outcomes.