Dermabrasion of congenital nevocellular nevi: experience in 215 patients.

BACKGROUND: The indication for surgical treatment of congenital nevocellular nevi results from aesthetic-cosmetic consideration as well as from the increased risk of melanomatous transformation.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the outcome after dermabrasion of congenital nevi of different sizes and treated at different ages.

METHODS: 215 patients treated by dermabrasion during the years 1979-1995 were examined at a median interval of 24 months postoperatively.

RESULTS: No postoperative development of malignant melanoma arising from the congenital nevus was seen in any of the patients during the time of follow-up. No serious long-term complications were seen. Hypertrophic scars were seen within parts of the operation field in 14.6%, but in those the cosmetic result was still satisfactory. Permanent reduction of pigmentation to 0-20% as compared with the preoperative status was achieved if treatment was performed within the newborn period. In case of large and giant nevi, permanent removal of pigmentation was better than in small or medium-sized nevi.

CONCLUSION: Dermabrasion proved to be an adequate modality for removal of pigmentation in the therapy of large and giant congenital nevocellular nevi when assessed within 2 years following the procedure. Early treatment is crucial for permanent removal of pigmentation. Long-term effects remain to be adequately monitored.