Skin Subs vs Secondary Intention

Skin Substitutes Versus Secondary Intention Healing After Mohs Micrographic Surgery

The purpose of this study is to compare two ways of caring for wounds after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for skin cancer using skin substitutes and secondary intention healing, to determine which option leads to better healing after Mohs surgery.

This is a randomized-controlled trial comparing two ways of caring for wounds after Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer: skin substitutes, which are special wound-healing materials that may help wounds heal, and secondary intention healing, a common method in which wounds are allowed to heal on their own. This research is being done because we do not yet know which option leads to better healing after Mohs surgery. Patients will be randomized into one of two groups and receive either the skin substitute or undergo secondary intention healing.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults 18 and older undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery
• Wounds deemed clinically appropriate for secondary intention healing
• Ability to adhere to daily wound care and follow-up visits
• Willingness to consent to standardized medical photography

Exclusion Criteria:

• Wounds requiring flap or graft reconstruction for structural/functional reasons
• Active wound infection at time of reconstruction
• Known allergy to any component of the skin substitute
• Severe immunosuppression in which either approach may pose undue risk