Serial excision is the most simple and aesthetically suitable method for large congenital melanocytic nevus. However, a dumbbell shape nevus commonly remains after serial excision. The cogwheel pattern setial excision that contains Z-plasty was introduced in 2014.
We mathematically calculated the cogwheel pattern serial excision, and compared with previous elliptical pattern excision.
10 patients who received one traditional serial excision and 11 patients who received cogwheel pattern serial excision before complete excision were selected. We evaluated age, area, scar length, area per scar ratio, normal tissue resection, dog ear deformity, and patient satisfaction.
The long axis per short axis length was 1:2 in both groups. Normal tissue resection and dog ear deformity were statistically lower in the cogwheel pattern group. Area per scar ratio was lower and satisfaction was higher in the cogwheel pattern group, but the differences were not statistically significant
Cogwheel pattern serial excision makes the congenital melanocytic nevus more suitable for total excision.
