Changes in the length and area of congenital nevi involving the face and extremities after two serial excisions

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of serial excisions of congenital nevi involving the face and extremities and to calculate changes in the area and length of the nevi.

Methods: Data from 18 patients with congenital nevi who underwent serial excisions from 2005 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 12 congenital nevi involving the face and six involving the extremities. Two serial excisions were performed in all cases. The final diagnosis was confirmed by histology. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed photogrammetrically. The clinical outcomes were analyzed through ordinary scales.

Results: The mean age of patients and the median area, length, and width of congenital nevi on the face and extremities were 9.4 and 15.2 years, 189.8 and 487.8 mm2, 21.1 and 35.0 mm, and 13.2 and 19.6 mm, respectively. After the first operation, photogrammetric analysis showed a 64.6% reduction in the area of facial nevi and a 68.1% reduction for nevi on the extremities. The final scar length increased by 62.8% for the face and 73% for the extremities compared to before surgery. A clinical assessment demonstrated excellent results for the removal of the congenital nevi, without any deformation of the surrounding structures, and good final scar quality.

Conclusions: This study will contribute to the prediction of results of each stage when serial excision is required.