Acellular dermal matrix improves clinical prognosis and skin healing after dermabrasion for congenital melanocytic nevus

Background Congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) is associated with aesthetic concerns and potential malignant transformation risks, with dermabrasion being a common therapeutic option. Postoperative wound healing remains a key challenge, and the value of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in optimizing this process needs verification. Methods We retrospectively included a series of patients with CMN who underwent dermabrasion at our hospital from March 2016 to June 2024. Patients were divided into Group A (ADM wound coverage) and Group B (no ADM application). Basic patient information, lesion-related characteristics, perioperative indicators, wound re-epithelialization time, and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores were collected. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to quantify the independent effect of ADM application on outcomes. Results A total of 59 patients were included (Group A: 32 cases; Group B: 27 cases). There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, gender, lesion size, lesion diameter, lesion location, presence of satellite lesions or presence of hair on the lesion ( P >0.05). No significant differences were observed in anesthesia method ( P  = 0.416), operation time ( P  = 0.429), intraoperative blood loss ( P  = 0.554), or CHEOPS scores ( P  = 0.075). Group A had shorter re-epithelialization time ( P  = 0.027) and lower VSS scores ( P  = 0.003) than Group B. Multiple linear regression confirmed ADM application as an independent protective factor for shorter re-epithelialization time (β=-1.703, 95% CI: -2.415~-0.991, P  < 0.001) and lower VSS scores (β=-1.187, 95% CI: -1.605~-0.769, P  < 0.001). No malignant transformation was noted during long-term follow-up. Conclusions ADM application after CMN dermabrasion significantly shortens wound healing time and improves scar quality, providing a valuable clinical option for CMN treatment.