Comparing pinch grafting to natural healing for scalp surgery wounds

Pinch Grafting Versus Second Intention Wound Healing for Mohs Micrographic Surgery Defects on the Scalp

NA · University of California, Davis · NCT06287866

This study is testing whether using a skin graft or letting scalp surgery wounds heal naturally works better and is safer for patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Davis (other)
Locations1 site (Sacramento, California)
Trial IDNCT06287866 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of pinch grafting compared to second intention healing for surgical wounds on the scalp following Mohs micrographic surgery. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either pinch graft reconstruction, where a small piece of skin is taken from another area and placed in the wound, or to allow the wound to heal naturally. The primary focus is on comparing the time it takes for the wounds to heal and the rates of complications such as infection and pain. This research aims to determine if pinch grafting can provide a faster and safer healing option for scalp wounds.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for scalp surgery with expected second intention healing.

Not a fit: Patients with scalp wounds that can be repaired with primary closure or those with bone exposure will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to quicker healing times and reduced complications for patients undergoing scalp surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with pinch grafts in other areas, but this specific application for scalp wounds is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Able to give informed consent themselves
* Patient scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedure on the scalp with predicted second intention closure
* Willing to return for follow up visit
* Active user of MyChart
* Willing to send weekly messages until wound is healed

Exclusion Criteria:

* Incarceration
* Under 18 years of age
* Pregnant women
* Unable to understand written and oral English
* Scalp wounds with planned primary repair reconstruction
* Surgical defects with bone exposure
* No MyChart access or use

Where this trial is running

Sacramento, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Scarring, Pinch graft

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.