Vitiligo Surgery

What is Vitiligo and what are the treatments available?

Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder that causes loss of skin colour in patches. It presents as depigmented (white) patches. Exposed body sites, such as the face, elbows, knees, hands and feet, are often involved, resulting in significant cosmetic concerns. Treatment of vitiligo includes medical and surgical.

Medical treatment includes various topical creams and oral medications, phototherapy, excimer laser. Excimer laser has been found to be successful with more than 75% repigmentation in about 30% of the patients.

Surgical treatment options can be considered in patients with stable vitiligo(stability of disease activity for 6months to 2 years).

What is the goal of vitiligo surgery ?

Is to achieve complete repigmentation that matches the surrounding normal skin.

Appropriate patient selection is vital in ensuring the best outcome, as not all patients or vitiliginous skin sites are suitable for surgery. Prior to surgery the following patient factors should be considered :

The age of the patient
Patient expectations
Disease stability
Size and location of the vitiligo patch
The proposed method of surgery
The proposed donor site

Surgical modalities

Punch grafting
Skin grafting
Cellular grafting techniques
Tattooing, dermabrassion, chemabrassion