Secondary wound healing. Effective treatment concept after basal cell carcinoma resection in the central midface

Plastic reconstruction of facial skin defects after tumor surgery is a commonly accepted principle. However, healing by secondary intention is discussed controversially. Here we describe a series of 22 patients after full thickness resection of basal cell carcinoma who underwent wound healing by secondary intention. A semipermeable membrane was used for wound dressing, which was changed on a weekly basis. No antibiotics or pain killers were necessary. Defects up to 2 cm, particularly those of concave subunits of the midface, entirely closed within 4-6 weeks, and secondary wound healing led to excellent functional and aesthetic results. Thus, secondary wound healing is a safe, effective and economic alternative to surgical reconstruction in selected facial areas.