Comparative effectiveness of ice packs versus topical lidocaine-prilocaine mixture for pain control in laser hair removal of the axilla: A rater-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Laser hair removal is associated with moderate acute pain. OBJECTIVE: To compare effectiveness of ice pack to topical lidocaine-prilocaine for pain reduction during axillary laser hair removal. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to receive topical anesthetic to one axilla and ice packs to the other before each of 3, monthly 810 nm diode laser sessions. The primary endpoint was participant-reported pain on the visual analog scale (VAS) immediately following and 5 minutes after laser session. Posttreatment erythema, overall edema, and perifollicular edema were assessed by 2 blinded photoraters. Skin temperatures, patient preferences, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-eight of 90 (98%) planned laser treatments were delivered and randomized. Participants reported higher VAS scores immediately after laser treatment with lidocaine-prilocaine compared to ice (P = .03). Five minutes after, participants reported higher VAS scores with ice (P = .03). After 53 of the 88 treatments (60.2%), participants reported preferring ice (P = .055). No serious adverse events were reported. LIMITATIONS: All participants were Caucasian or Asian with Fitzpatrick skin type I to III and coarse dark axillary hair, which may limit generalizability. CONCLUSIONS: While pain control with ice and topical anesthesia is associated with time after treatment, the 2 modalities do not differ in terms of degree of pain reduction associated with axillary laser hair removal.

Industry Payments Comparison Between Female and Male Mohs Surgeons From 2015 to 2021.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on female Mohs surgeon industry relationships. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate industry payment activity between female and male Mohs surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services open payments data was performed between 2015 and 2021 for Mohs surgeons in the United States. Gender, academic affiliation, practice region, annual total payment, cumulative payment, and industry payment type was collected. RESULTS: Male Mohs surgeons received higher mean total payments than female Mohs surgeons ( p = .04), which persisted when data were stratified based on industry payment type and practice region. Both genders had similar median total payments ( p = .4). Females in academic practice received higher mean total payments than those in private practice. Females experienced a significant lower mean total payment compared with males in the South ( p = .03). CONCLUSION: High total payments received by male Mohs surgeons skewed the data, which is supported by a significant mean total payment difference despite a similar median total payment distribution. Female Mohs surgeons receiving the top payments may address this mean payment difference. Females seem to have higher payments if they practice in the Northeast and are in academics. Further studies are needed to evaluate this payment gap.

Evaluating Predictors of Patient Satisfaction With Facial Appearance After Mohs Micrographic Surgery Using the FACE-Q.

BACKGROUND: Although patient satisfaction with reconstructive outcomes after facial skin cancer resection is an important consideration in Mohs surgery, there is limited information evaluating this concern using validated patient-reported outcome tools. OBJECTIVE: To characterize predictors that may be associated with increased postoperative patient satisfaction with facial appearance after Mohs surgery using the FACE-Q/Skin Cancer survey, a patient-reported outcome tool that has been validated in various studies. METHODS: A total of 202 patients who underwent Mohs surgery for facial skin cancer at the Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital between April 2017 and November 2021 were included after completing the postoperative Satisfaction with Facial Appearance scale (FACE-Q scale). RESULTS: Male patients were significantly more likely to have higher satisfaction scores compared with female patients (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.1). Increased preoperative facial satisfaction scores was directly correlated with increased postoperative facial satisfaction scores ( p < .01). Patients with tumors on the lower face/neck (aOR 3.88; 95% CI 1.4-10.7) had significantly greater satisfaction scores compared with those with tumors on their nose/nasolabial folds. CONCLUSION: Potential interventions and counseling methods can be tailored toward specific patient populations with lower satisfaction scores to increase their overall satisfaction with reconstructive outcomes.

Gender Differences in Clinical Practice and Medicare Reimbursement Among Mohs Surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Medicare reimbursement and clinical activity between male and female dermatologic surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment data from 2018 was performed for all dermatologists performing MMS. Provider gender, place of service, number of services, and average payment per service was recorded for all relevant procedure codes. RESULTS: Women represented 31.5% of the 2,581 surgeons who performed MMS in 2018. Women were paid significantly less than men (mean difference, -$73,033). On average, women performed 123 fewer cases than their male counterparts. When surgeons were stratified by productivity, remuneration was the same. CONCLUSION: Remuneration from CMS was disparate between male and female dermatologic surgeons, which may be attributed to submission of fewer charges by women. Further efforts are necessary to better evaluate and address causes for this discrepancy, because greater parity of opportunity and pay would greatly benefit this subspecialty of dermatology.

Immune status does not independently influence cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma metastasis and death when stratified by tumor stage: A dual-center retrospective cohort analysis of primary N0 disease.

BACKGROUND: Although immunocompromised patients have a higher risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, it is unknown whether immune status is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To compare cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma outcomes in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients when controlling for T-stage. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study at 2 tertiary care centers, examining 989 primary tumors from 814 immunocompromised patients (solid organ transplant: 259 [31.7%], chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 113 [13.9%]) and 6608 tumors from 4198 immunocompetent patients. Our primary outcome was the composite of disease-specific death or tumor metastasis ("poor outcomes"). RESULTS: Immunocompromised patients had 50% more high T-stage tumors (ie, Brigham and Women's Hospital stage T2b and T3), than immunocompetent patients (3.3% vs 4.9%, respectively; P < .001). Significant predictors of poor outcomes included tumor stage (sub hazards ratio [SHR], 14.8 for high T-stage tumors; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.0-27.6; P < .001) and male sex (SHR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4-3.8; P = .002). Immune status was not a significant predictor (SHR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.69-1.6; P = .85). LIMITATIONS: This study is retrospective. CONCLUSION: Although immunocompromised patients had 50% more high T-stage tumors than immunocompetent patients, immunocompromised patients had a similar chance of metastasis and disease-specific death when adjusting for T-stage in our cohort of primary tumors.

Complete Margin Assessment Versus Sectional Assessment in Surgically Excised High-Risk Keratinocyte Carcinomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs) are the most diagnosed cancers worldwide and are commonly excised via complete margin assessment (CMA) or excision with sectional assessment (SA). National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines encourage CMA for KC with high-risk features. OBJECTIVE: To systematically compare recurrence outcomes for CMA vs SA in high-risk KC based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched for articles reporting recurrences of high-risk KC undergoing excision using CMA or SA. High-risk KCs were defined as recurrent, having perineural invasion (PNI), or basal cell carcinomas (BCC) with aggressive histology. Chi-squared tests and risk ratios evaluated differences between CMA and SA groups, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Pooled percentages of locoregional recurrences were significantly lower with CMA vs SA for all KCs (3.9% [95% CI: 2.9-4.9] vs 13.5% [7.7, 19.2, p = .001]), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with PNI (9.8% [5.4-14.1] vs 32.0% [25.0-39.0], p < .001), and recurrent BCC (4.4% [2.9-5.9] vs 11.9% [8.0-15.8], p < .001). CONCLUSION: For high-risk KCs, recurrence risk was over 3-times greater with SA compared with CMA. Expanded access to CMA for high-risk KC is likely to reduce recurrence risk and improve clinical outcomes.

Total Margin-Controlled Excision is Superior to Standard Excision for Keratinocyte Carcinoma on the Nose: A Veterans Affairs Nested Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Keratinocyte carcinoma (KC), including basal and squamous cell carcinoma, is the most common human malignancy. Limited real-world data have compared surgical outcome or cost between total margin-controlled excision (TMCE) and standard excision (SE), the two most common treatments for invasive KC. We compared reconstruction, margin status, and cost between TMCE and SE for KC on the nose at a Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. METHODS: Randomly selected primary KCs on the nose ≤3 cm that were confined to soft tissue, without nerve or lymphovascular invasion, and treated with SE or TMCE between 2000 and 2010, were assessed. Utilization of flap or graft reconstruction and margin status following all surgical attempts were recorded. Costs were based on Current Procedural Terminology codes standardized to 2019 Medicare payments. RESULTS: Overall, 148 cases were included in each treatment group. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, although SE tumor median diameter was 1 mm larger. SE was associated with increased utilization of flap or graft reconstruction (odds ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval 1.16-3.59, p = 0.01). Positive margins were present in 24% of SEs initially and remained positive after the final recorded excision in 9% of cases. No positive final margins were noted in TMCE cases. SE cost per tumor was significantly higher than TMCE ($429.03 ± 143.55; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of KC with SE is associated with increased reconstruction complexity, a significant risk of positive margins, and higher cost compared with TMCE. The 23% risk of positive margins supports National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for the treatment of high-risk KC with TMCE, unless delayed reconstruction is employed.

Systematic Review of the Role of Mohs Micrographic Surgery in the Management of Early-Stage Melanoma of the Head and Neck.

BACKGROUND: The role of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) in the management of melanoma of the head and neck (HNM) has been controversial. The authors systematically reviewed the local recurrence rate of melanoma in situ (MIS) and T1a melanomas using MMS compared with conventional wide local excision (WLE) and staged excision (SE). OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the local recurrence rate of early-stage melanomas of the HNM treated with MMS versus WLE or SE. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A search of English medical literature was conducted through the common databases until November 26, 2019. Using PRISMA guidelines for the treatment of MIS and T1a melanoma with MMS, WLE, or SE, our search yielded a total of 32 articles. RESULTS: Mohs micrographic surgery has a lower local recurrence rate for early-stage melanomas over both SE and WLE {pooled recurrence risk 0.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4-1.1) versus 2.5% (95% CI 1.5-3.4) versus 8.7% (95% CI 5.1-12.2) (p < .001), respectively}. CONCLUSION: Mohs micrographic surgery may offer a lower recurrence rate than SE or WLE in the management of early-stage melanomas of the face or HNM. Further clinical validation in a randomized controlled trial is required.

Practice Variation in Utilization of Flap or Graft Reconstruction Among Veterans Affairs Surgeons After Extirpation of Keratinocyte Carcinoma on the Nose.

BACKGROUND: Practice variation has been well documented across the US health care system but has not been explored in reconstructive surgical choice after keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) extirpation. OBJECTIVE: Assess practice variation in utilization of complex (flap or graft) reconstruction after excision of KC on the nose among a multidisciplinary group of reconstructive surgeons (Mohs micrographic and plastic surgery). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomly selected subset of surgically treated, routine, primary, invasive KCs on the nose between 2000 to 2012 at the Veterans Affairs (VA)-Boston Healthcare System were assessed. Patient factors, tumor factors, and individual surgeons with sufficient case volume were fit to a multivariate logistic regression model to assess between-surgeon differences in the odds of performing a complex reconstruction. RESULTS: Ten surgeons met the case volume threshold for analysis, encompassing 338 KC on the nose excised and reconstructed from 2000 to 2012. After adjusting for patient age, tumor diameter, and location, 6 surgeons performed significantly more complex reconstructions than the reference surgeon, and the case-adjusted predicted probability of complex reconstruction ranged from 7% to 99% (p ≤ .0001). CONCLUSION: Marked practice variation in reconstruction choice exists among surgeons after extirpation of KC on the nose at one VA health care system. High-quality comparative studies regarding optimal nasal reconstruction after extirpation of KC are needed.

Types of Cosmetic Procedures Requested by Different Types of Patients and the Reasons for These Preferences.

BACKGROUND: The type of cosmetic dermatologic procedures patients' desire may be influenced by demographic factors. OBJECTIVE: To better understand the type of cosmetic procedures requested by patients of different age, gender, education, race, and geographic location. To understand the most common motivations of patients who requested particular types of treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multicenter data from the Cosmetic Motivation Database were analyzed. Bivariable analyses and linear regressions were undertaken to determine whether patient demographic features were associated with particular procedures of interest. RESULTS: Patients younger than 45 years were more interested in acne scar treatment, laser hair removal, liposuction, and tattoo removal. Older patients were more likely to want soft-tissue fillers and wrinkles and jowls tightening treatment. Non-White patients were more likely to be interested in laser hair removal, liposuction, cellulite treatment, and tattoo removal. Types of procedures desired varied by the geographic region but not by the educational level. Different motivations drove patients who wanted different types of treatments. CONCLUSION: Different types of patients demand different types of cosmetic treatments, and the motivations of patients who ask for particular procedures also differ. Better understanding of patient preferences may help physicians allocate resources and meet patient needs.

Adherence to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Criteria of Complete Circumferential Peripheral and Deep Margin Assessment in Treatment of High-Risk Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has established guidelines for the treatment of keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs). Complete circumferential peripheral and deep margin assessment (CCPDMA) is recommended for "high-risk" tumors that cannot be closed primarily. If flap or grafts are needed and CCPDMA was not used, it is recommended that reconstruction be delayed until achieving clear margins. OBJECTIVE: To measure provider utilization rates of the NCCN guidelines for high-risk KCs and assess barriers that are limiting adherence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A ten-item questionnaire was distributed to NCCN nonmelanoma skin cancer panel members and physicians participating in KC treatment at academic institutions. RESULTS: Response rate was 49% (57/116). Responses were categorized by practice area: Mohs surgery, pathology, and other specialties: General Dermatology, Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Mohs surgeons were most likely to use CCPDMA for tumors meeting NCCN criteria with 14/15 using this technique in a majority of their cases, versus 2/6 pathologists and 10/16 specialists from other fields. Reasons cited for not using CCPDMA included deference to pathologists to determine the appropriate method for margin assessment and logistical difficulty. CONCLUSION: Further efforts are needed to increase adherence to NCCN's guidelines regarding CCPDMA in KCs.

Sebaceous carcinoma: evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.

Sebaceous carcinoma usually occurs in adults older than 60 years, on the eyelid, head and neck, and trunk. In this Review, we present clinical care recommendations for sebaceous carcinoma, which were developed as a result of an expert panel evaluation of the findings of a systematic review. Key conclusions were drawn and recommendations made for diagnosis, first-line treatment, radiotherapy, and post-treatment care. For diagnosis, we concluded that deep biopsy is often required; furthermore, differential diagnoses that mimic the condition can be excluded with special histological stains. For treatment, the recommended first-line therapy is surgical removal, followed by margin assessment of the peripheral and deep tissue edges; conjunctival mapping biopsies can facilitate surgical planning. Radiotherapy can be considered for cases with nerve or lymph node involvement, and as the primary treatment in patients who are ineligible for surgery. Post-treatment clinical examination should occur every 6 months for at least 3 years. No specific systemic therapies for advanced disease can be recommended, but targeted therapies and immunotherapies are being developed.

Patients believe that cosmetic procedures affect their quality of life: An interview study of patient-reported motivations.

BACKGROUND: Although treatments to address cosmetic concerns are common, patients' self-reported motives for considering such procedures have not been systematically explored. OBJECTIVE: To develop a framework of categories to describe patients' self-reported motivations for undergoing minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. METHODS: Face-to-face, semistructured patient interviews were conducted with adult participants who had undergone or were considering minimally invasive cosmetic dermatologic procedures. A qualitative constant comparative approach was used to analyze interview transcripts, yielding themes and subthemes. RESULTS: A total of 30 interviews were completed. Most patient-reported motivations for cosmetic procedures could be subsumed under 8 general categories (themes): (1) mental and emotional health, (2) cosmetic appearance, (3) physical health, (4) work and/or school success, (5) social well-being, (6) cost and/or convenience, (7) procedural perceptions, and (8) timing of treatment. Many individual motivations in these categories were unrelated to desire for physical beauty. In particular, participants wanted to avoid being self-conscious, enhance confidence, reduce the time and expense required to conceal physical imperfections, and be perceived as capable at work. LIMITATIONS: Only English-speaking patients in the United States were interviewed. CONCLUSION: Patient-reported motivations for cosmetic procedures mostly pertained to physical and psychosocial well-being. Indeed, a desire for improved cosmetic appearance was only 1 of the 8 themes revealed through the patient interviews.

A video-based, flipped classroom, simulation curriculum for dermatologic surgery: A prospective, multi-institution study.

BACKGROUND: Medical education is evolving to emphasize trainee engagement. The impact of a flipped classroom curriculum and surgical simulation on dermatology resident education has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of video education and surgical simulation on dermatology resident procedural skills. METHODS: We created a curriculum on foundational surgical skills for 31 first- and second-year dermatology residents at 3 institutions. The flipped classroom approach replaces traditional in-person lectures with at-home viewing of instructional videos. After this self-directed learning, trainees had 3 hands-on sessions using simulated skin models. The Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) instrument was used to assess residents performing a simulated elliptical excision with intermediate repair before and after the curriculum. Residents completed precurriculum and postcurriculum surveys evaluating operative confidence and perceived value of the curriculum. RESULTS: Residents' total OSATS score increased from a median of 27 (interquartile range, 22-38.5) before the curriculum to 46 (interquartile range, 39.5-51.5) after the curriculum (P < .001). Self-reported confidence in surgical performance significantly improved, and residents were highly satisfied. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include the small sample size and potential influence from concurrent learning on surgical rotations. CONCLUSIONS: Video education and simulation are effective for improving dermatology residents' procedural skills. We hope to serve as a template for other institutions and nondermatology trainees hoping to improve procedural skills.

Assessing Skin Biopsy Rates for Histologic Findings Indicative of Nonpathological Cutaneous Disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent increase in skin biopsies has been attributed to an epidemic of skin cancer. This may be avoidable, with potential savings. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the increase in skin biopsies is attributable to increasing frequency of biopsies associated with histology lacking pathological cutaneous disease. Pathological cutaneous disease was defined as (1) a malignancy, precancerous lesion, or lesion of uncertain behavior; or (2) disease symptomatic or associated with adverse quality of life impact. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study, 2006 to 2013 of dermatology practice serving Florida and Ohio. Data were a consecutive sample of skin biopsies for diagnosis of dermatologic disease. RESULTS: A total of 267,706 biopsies by an average of 52 providers per month from January 06 to December 13 were analyzed. Number of biopsies per visit increased 2% per year (RR: 1.02, CI: 1.00-1.04). Likelihood of biopsy associated with histology indicative of nonpathological cutaneous disease did not increase over time (OR: 0.99, CI: 0.95-1.03, p = .6302). CONCLUSION: Rates of biopsies associated with nonpathological cutaneous disease is not increasing. Overall biopsy rates per visit have gradually increased; this seems attributable to greater rates of detection of pathological dermatologic disease.

ASDS Guidelines Task Force: Consensus Recommendations Regarding the Safety of Lasers, Dermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Energy Devices, and Skin Surgery During and After Isotretinoin Use.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) package insert contains language advising the discontinuation of isotretinoin for 6 months before performing cosmetic procedures, including waxing, dermabrasion, chemical peels, laser procedures, or incisional and excisional cold-steel surgery. It is common practice to follow this standard because of concerns regarding reports of sporadic adverse events and increased risk of scarring. OBJECTIVE: To develop expert consensus regarding the safety of skin procedures, including resurfacing, energy device treatments, and incisional and excisional procedures, in the setting of concurrent or recent isotretinoin use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery authorized a task force of content experts to review the evidence and provide guidance. First, data were extracted from the literature. This was followed by a clinical question review, a consensus Delphi process, and validation of the results by peer review. RESULTS: The task force concluded that there is insufficient evidence to justify delaying treatment with superficial chemical peels and nonablative lasers, including hair removal lasers and lights, vascular lasers, and nonablative fractional devices for patients currently or recently exposed to isotretinoin. Superficial and focal dermabrasion may also be safe when performed by a well-trained clinician.