Vitiligo Surgery
- Vitiligo is a common acquired de-pigmenting disorder characterized by presence of de-pigmented patches. Notably, it is a disease of cosmetic concern with much social stigma. Lesions on the face and neck respond the best to medical therapies, followed by lesions on the proximal extremities and trunk, while those distributed over acral parts of extremities and non-hairy areas, such as the wrist, feet and male genitals, respond poorly. Surgical methods complement medical therapies by providing melanocytes to these refractory lesions.
What is it?
Tissue-grafting methods include mini-grafting or punch grafting, epidermal grafting and split thickness grafting. These methods use full-thickness punch grafts, roof of epidermal blisters and shave biopsy samples, respectively, as the source of melanocytes. Cellular grafting includes non-cultured and cultured melanocytes/keratinocytes suspensions obtained from trypsinizing the shaved skin biopsy sample as a source of melanocytes. Recent advances over the years have enabled dermatologists totreat extensive areas located on any anatomic site in a single operative session by surgical intervention.
Are you a ideal candidate for Vitiligo surgery?
Any person who has had a non-progressive patch for one year is a potential candidate for vitiligo surgery.