The characteristics and second intention healing after shave excision of nevi on the lid margin in East Asians.

AIM: The aim of this study was to report the characteristics and secondary-intention healing after shave excision of nevi on the lid margin in East Asians.

METHODS: Forty patients who underwent shave biopsy of an eyelid mass and were diagnosed with a nevus were retrospectively evaluated regarding their sex and age and the location, size, complication, and recurrence of the nevus. In all patients, shave biopsy was performed carefully to induce secondary-intention wound healing, and they received follow-up for at least 1 year.

RESULTS: Among 40 patients, 21 were men, and 19 were women. The average age of the patients was 35.3 ± 14.9 years. Twenty-one nevi were found on the upper lid, and 19 were found on the lower lid. In 1 patient, nevi were found on both the upper and lower lids. There were no significant differences in incidence according to sex and location of the nevi (upper or lower lid); however, the half that were located in the nasal area and the dermal type of nevus were the most common. Junctional nevi were not found in any of our cases. There were no complications and recurrences found in our cases, even after shave excision.

CONCLUSIONS: Eyelid nevi in Korean patients commonly develop at a young age. There was no difference in the incidence of nevi between the upper and lower lids, but the nasal area of the lid was a more common location for the development of a nevus. The dermal type was the most common in our cases. Healing by secondary intention is a safe and effective alternative to surgical reconstruction after a shave excision of nevi on lid margin.