Surgical Treatment of Vitiligo

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr 15;19(8):4812. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19084812.

Abstract

Vitiligo is described as a dermatological condition characterized by pigmentation disorders in both the skin and mucous membranes. Clinically, this disease is characterized by the presence of well-defined white areas of various shapes and sizes, which are a manifestation of a reduced number of melanocytes. Due to the fact that vitiligo can be a significant cosmetic problem for patients, a number of methods are currently available to help fight for a better skin appearance. If all the available non-invasive procedures turn out to be ineffective, surgery can help, which is a very good alternative in the case of difficult-to-treat but stable changes. Both the development of new techniques and modifications to the already available treatment of cell and tissue transplantation give hope to numerous patients around the world. The effectiveness of a particular method is determined by its appropriate selection depending on the lesions undergoing therapy. Each form of surgical intervention has its advantages and disadvantages, which, along with the location or size of the treated hypopigmentation area, should be analyzed by a doctor and discussed with their patient. This article is an overview of the currently available methods of surgical treatment of vitiligo and a comparison of their pros and cons.

Keywords: cellular grafts; dermatosurgery; tissue grafts; vitiligo; vitiligo surgery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Melanocytes
  • Skin
  • Skin Transplantation / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitiligo* / surgery