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.