Suction blister epidermal grafting using a modified suction method in the treatment of stable vitiligo: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Of various surgical therapies used for the replenishment of melanocytes in recalcitrant and stable vitiligo, suction blister epidermal grafting (SBEG) is one of the simplest and most effective methods.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and potential complications of SBEG in the treatment of stable vitiligo through the use of a modified dermis-epidermis separator designed by the authors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand one hundred people with stable vitiligo unresponsive to other medical treatments were treated with SBEG therapy. The negative pressure generated by the dermis-epidermis separator raised blisters at recipient and donor sites. Repigmentation was assessed 6 months after epidermis transplantation.

RESULTS: Complete repigmentation was observed in 227 patients (20.6%), and excellent repigmentation (>50%) was observed in 568 (51.6%)-a success rate of 72.3%. No superficial scarring was observed at the grafted or donor sites, and no serious complications were encountered.

CONCLUSION: SBEG is an established, simple, and effective treatment for resistant and stable vitiligo. Patients suffer few complications and are receptive to this type of therapy.