Autologous miniature punch grafting in stable vitiligo

Abstract

Autologous miniature punch grafting with certain modifications was taken up in 54 sites in 30 patients with stable vitiligo for 6 months or more. The modifications were: (a) use of same sized disposable punches for both donor and recipient areas except over convex body surfaces, (b) use of Castraviejo′s scissors for harvesting donor grafts, (c) use of medial side of thigh as donor site and (d) not removing the primary dressing of the recipient site till 8 postoperaive day. The patients were given systemic PUVASOL after the procedure for a period of three months and mean pigment spread was noted at each site. Results showed that the extent of repigmentation varied among the recipient sites, the maximum being over upper eyelids, axillae and umbilicus. The modifications in the standard procedure were found to produce less complications, like cobblestoning, graft rejection.

Keywords

• <i>Vitiligo
• Punch grafting
• Modifications</i>