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72777 Nutritional Impact on Healing after Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Abstract   Peer reviewed

72777 Nutritional Impact on Healing after Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Emma Blomberg, Luke Geis, Benjamin Miller, Morgan Samson, Bradley Loeffler, Linda Snetselaar, Nicole Negbenebor, Kelly Messingham and Jennifer Powers
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vol.95(1 Suppl), p.AB317
07/2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2026.04.1270

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Abstract

Background: Malnutrition, a risk factor for delayed healing [1], remains underexplored in dermatologic surgery, which largely involves older adults. Approximately 25% of older adults are at risk of malnutrition, traditionally assessed using albumin [2]. This study examined associations between albumin, nutrient intake, and wound healing in Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) patients. Methods: On surgery day, albumin and malnutrition (via Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF)) were measured, and a food frequency questionnaire was completed and analyzed using Nutrition Data System for Research and Healthy Eating Index (HEI). Healing was evaluated 2-3 months postoperatively using the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: This pilot study included 41 Caucasian subjects (25 males, 16 females; mean age 69.8). Albumin was normal in 94%. Malnutrition was absent in 88% (MNA-SF). Dietary analysis showed 51% had low protein (<0.8 g/kg), 76% high fat (>35% of total energy intake), 32% exceeded 2000 kcal/day, and 75% had BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Albumin correlated with MNA-SF (p<0.01) and VAS (p=0.05). Higher HEI for seafood/plant protein (p=0.05) and added sugars (p=0.04) were linked to higher POSAS scores. Higher HEI dairy correlated with lower POSAS scores (p=0.02). Conclusions: Though well-nourished by standard markers (albumin, MNA-SF), many patients had protein-deficient, high-fat, high-calorie diets and high overweight/obesity rates, suggesting nutritional risks missed by traditional screenings. Albumin and dietary components (dairy, added sugar, protein) correlated with healing, suggesting diet could influence MMS recovery. Larger, more diverse studies are needed to confirm findings and examine links to surgical complications and tolerance.

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