Dermoscopic-Guided Shave Removal of Acquired Facial Melanocytic Nevi in Dark-Skinned Individuals

Abstract

BACKGROUND Acquired melanocytic nevi are common benign skin lesions that require removal under certain circumstances. Shave removal is a straightforward treatment modality with a risk of recurrence. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the outcome of dermoscopy-guided shave removal of acquired melanocytic nevi in the face of dark-skinned individuals who are more liable to postsurgical complications. METHODS The study was conducted on 64 patients with acquired facial melanocytic nevi. Serial shave removal using a razor blade guided by dermoscopic examination was done until nevus-free tissue was seen, followed by electrocauterization of the base. Cosmetic outcome, patients' satisfaction, and recurrence rate were evaluated during follow-up. RESULTS Excellent cosmetic outcome was achieved in 54.69% of patients, while 39.06% had an acceptable outcome, and 6.25% of patients had poor cosmetic outcome. Meanwhile, the recurrence rate was noticed in 5 cases only (7.8%). CONCLUSION Dermoscopic-guided shave removal provides an easy procedure of treating common melanocytic nevi with an acceptable cosmetic result and a lower rate of recurrence even in patients with darker skin phenotypes.