Recipient site preparation for epidermal graft in stable vitiligo by a special fraise

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The only approach used in the refractory lesions of stable vitiligo is the surgical supply of melanocytes. Suction Blistering Epidermal Graft is one of the most common and effective techniques. There are multiple modalities, including the motor-driven diamond fraise, for the preparation of recipient sites in suction blistering epidermal graft with different repigmentation rates and complications. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate preparation of recipient site by a motor-driven dental lab finishing carbide bur. METHODS: Sixty-one stable, depigmented lesions were selected in 14 patients (9 women and 5men), aged 16-29 years, of which 9, 3 and 2 had localized, generalized and segmental vitiligo, respectively. Recipient site was prepared by a motor-driven dental lab finishing carbide bur. RESULT: Excellent repigmentation at the recipient site was observed in 53 out of 61 (86.9%) grafted lesions. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and perigraft halo were seen in 11 (18%) and 17 (27.9%) patients at the recipient site, respectively. CONCLUSION: Using a motor-driven dental lab finishing carbide bur to prepare the recipient site of suction blistering epidermal graft technique is reliable and effective, removing only the depigmented epidermis in a simple and safe manner, even on complex-shaped lesions and scar-prone sites.

Keywords

• Dermabrasion
• Graft survival
• Vitiligo