Evaluating Micronized Adipose Tissue Niche and Artificial Dermis Grafts Following Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Excision: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background. Recently, micronized adipose tissue (MAT) grafts have shown promising results in wound healing, including diabetic ulcers. Objective. To assess the possibility of using 3D printed MAT niche grafts in the management of skin and soft tissue defects resulting from non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) resections. Materials and Methods. A retrospective feasibility study was conducted on patients with skin and soft tissue defects resulting from NMSC resections. Twenty-one patients were treated using either artificial dermis (n = 11) or MAT niche (n = 10) grafting. Healing time and POSAS scores were compared. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Pearson chi-square test were used in statistical analysis to compare between and within groups based on preoperative and postoperative measurements. Results. Wounds in the MAT niche group reepithelialized significantly faster than those in the artificial dermis group (mean [SD] 39.2 [11.4] days vs 63.7 [34.8] days; P = .04). In the 21 scar parameters evaluated, the MAT niche group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes in only 2 parameters based on operator assessment scores: relief (mean [SD] 1.6 [0.7] vs 2.2 [0.6]; P = .047) and scar contracture (mean [SD] 1.3 [0.5] vs 2.5 [1.0]; P = .011). Conclusion. This study proves the feasibility of exploring the effects of MAT niche grafting following NMSC excision on healing time and specific parameters of scarring, including scar relief and scar contracture.