Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix for Facial Reconstruction Following Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Multi-Subunit Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) is a synthetic, biodegradable polyurethane dermal substitute that promotes neodermis formation and supports re-epithelialization by secondary intention. However, published experience with BTM in facial reconstruction is limited to small case series with narrow anatomic indications, and its performance across multiple distinct facial subunits has not been systematically characterized.

METHODS

A retrospective case series was conducted of all patients who underwent nasal, periocular, or scalp reconstruction with BTM following Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) at a single tertiary academic center. Patient demographics, defect characteristics, healing times, complications, and secondary procedures were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 135 patients were included: 67 nasal, 40 periocular, and 28 scalp. Overall complication rates were 7.5%, 20.0%, and 17.9%, respectively. The majority of patients across all sites achieved definitive coverage by secondary intention without skin grafting. Lower eyelid involvement was the strongest independent predictor of ocular complications in the periocular cohort, and prior radiation was the dominant predictor of scalp complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective series, BTM demonstrated favorable outcomes for facial reconstruction following MMS across nasal, periocular, and scalp subunits, reliably supporting secondary re-epithelialization and functioning as definitive reconstruction, a temporizing agent, and a lining adjunct for staged forehead flap reconstruction. Prospective comparative studies are needed to confirm these findings.