Predictive Value of Baseline Defect Dimensions on Healing Duration and Aesthetic Outcomes: A Comparative Study of Combined Local Flap Reconstruction and Secondary Intention Healing in Cutaneous Surgery

Introduction

Cutaneous defect reconstruction requires balancing healing speed and aesthetics. Although secondary intention and local flaps are established methods, the predictive role of initial defect size remains unclear. Therefore, this study comparatively evaluates the predictive value of baseline defect dimensions on healing duration and aesthetic outcomes between combined local flap reconstruction and secondary intention healing in cutaneous surgery. Material and methods: This single-blind, parallel-group clinical trial at Sina Hospital, Tabriz, enrolled twenty patients (n=20) via convenience sampling. Participants were randomized into two equal groups of ten to compare secondary intention healing alone versus combined local flap reconstruction. Interventions involved standardized surgical excision and reconstructive techniques, with longitudinal surveillance assessing primary wound healing outcomes and defect dimensions.