S-shaped wound closure following the excision of 2 adjacent pigmented nevi

BACKGROUND: The main goal of excision of a pigmented nevus is to achieve an esthetically pleasing result. A single nevus can be removed by simple excision, whereas S-shaped suture can be used for the excision of 2 adjacent nevi. However, the choice of suturing method is based on the experience of the dermatologic surgeon, as there is no uniform standard for suture following the excision of 2 adjacent nevi. The aim of the present study was to determine whether S-shaped wound closure is appropriate for the excision of 2 adjacent nevi. METHODS: The outcomes of 21 patients who underwent simultaneous resection of 2 adjacent nevi were retrospectively reviewed. Of these patients, 17 chose S-shaped suture and 4 chose direct suture. Patients were followed-up for more than 6 months to review their postoperative scars. Differences between the 2 methods were compared based on the patient and observer scar assessment scale. Diameters and the proportional relationship between the 2 nevi were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients who underwent S-shaped wound closure surgery were more satisfied compared to those who had direct suturing (P<0.05); the nevus diameter-to-spacing diameter ratio was 0.68±0.35:1:0.99±0.56 in the S-shaped wound closure group. CONCLUSIONS: S-shaped wound closure following the excision of 2 adjacent nevi resulted in better patient satisfaction than the conventional direct suturing method.