Second intention healing after shave excision of benign tumors on the lid margin

Background: Defects caused by excision of benign lid margin tumors are conventionally repaired by reconstructive surgery. However, second intention healing is another option for managing wounds on the lid margin. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of second intention healing after a shave excision of benign tumors on the lid margin. Methods: Lid defects following a shave excision of the lid margin tumor were allowed to heal by second intention in 25 patients (26 lesions). The epithelialzation period was calculated, and cosmetic and functional results and complications were evaluated by photographs and ophthalmological examination. Results: The locations of the defects were as follows: upper lid (n=13), lower lid (n=11), and both upper and lower lids (n=1). The mean tumor size was 3.8×3.6 mm, and the mean epithelialization period by second intention was 6.1±1.2 weeks. Pathological examinations revealed intradermal nevus (12 cases), compound nevus (five cases), squamous papilloma (five cases), and epidermal cyst (three cases). No patients had a corneal erosion, trichiasis, or hypertrophic scar, except loss of cilia in two cases. The functional and cosmetic results were satisfactory in all patients. Conclusion: Healing by second intention is a safe and effective alternative to surgical reconstruction after a shave excision of benign lid margin tumors.