Background: Nasal defects after skin cancer excision can often be healed by second intention in certain circumstances.
Objective: We aim to demonstrate the utility of bovine collagen xenografts in supplementing second-intention healing of a variety of nose surgical defects.
Results: Thirty-nine patients underwent Mohs micrographic surgery of the nasal tip (33%), ala (23%), dorsum (31%), sidewall (10%), and root (3%) with the application of bovine collagen xenograft. The average defect size was 1.89 cm2 (0.36 - 7.5 cm2 ). The average time to re-epithelialization was 33 days (range, 11 - 60 days) at a rate of 19.4 days to healing per cm2 of defect size, which represented an improved time to reepithelialization of over 40% compared to historical controls of second intention healing. Cosmetic outcomes were outstanding or acceptable in 77% of the cases.
Conclusion: Bovine collagen xenografting is a safe and effective method to enhance the second intention of healing Mohs excision defects of the nose, with overall excellent cosmetic results. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(1):96-99. doi:10.36849/JDD.8634.