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Repigmentation in vitiligo patients. Melanocyte transfer via ultra-thin grafts
Background:
Several years ago, a successful surgical technique for treating depigmentation resulting from burn injuries was developed.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate results of dermabrasion with melanocyte transplantation using new modifications of the technique in patients with vitiligo.
Methods:
We performed 17 procedures on 12 patients with stable vitiligo. The epithelium of the vitiliginous areas was removed by dermabrasion. The dermabraded area was then reepithelialized with ultra-thin sheet grafts, which more recently were meshed and partially expanded.
Results:
Good to excellent repigmentation was observed in 88% of the procedures. Scarring did not develop in the repigmented or donor site regions. The final color match has been good to excellent.
Conclusions:
This technique has proven beneficial in 88% of the procedures on our patients. Both our patients and we feel that this provides a valuable treatment option in patients who have failed medical management.