CLASSICAL FUSIFORM EXCISION OF MELANOCYTIC NEVI: OUR EXPERIENCE

Introduction: Facial melanocytic nevi whether acquired or congenital may pose an aesthetic problem for many patients, especially women. There are many methods of removal of melanocytic nevi including surgical and non-surgical. However, surgical excision by classical fusiform excision remains the most widely used and one of the best methods taking all perspectives into consideration. Aim: To evaluate efficacy of classical fusiform excision for the removal of facial melanocytic nevi. Methods: In a prospective study, 55 facial melanocytic nevi were removed by fusiform excision technique. Incision was given around the nevus in an elliptical pattern, three times as long as it was wide and along the relaxed skin tension lines. Dissection was carried down to midsubcutaneous tissue to remove the nevus down to its full depth. Wound was closed by simple interrupted sutures using 5-0 prolene with adequate undermining of the wound edges. Sutures were removed on 7 th postoperative day. Results: Complete removal of nevi was achieved in all patients with good to excellent cosmetic results. The scar mark if any, would fade in 3-4 months and were imperceptible in 6-9 months. Conclusions: Fusiform excision is one of the best, most widely used and time-tested procedure for complete surgical excision of melanocytic nevi.