Comparison of mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser in cultured epithelial sheets transplantation in the treatment of refractory stable vitiligo: A multicenter, prospective and self‐controlled comparative study

Abstract

Abstract Background Vitiligo is an acquired depigmented disorder that causes great damage to patient's appearance and mental health. Surgical treatment plays a vital role in patients with refractory vitiligo. Recipient‐site preparation (such as liquid nitrogen, mechanical dermabrasion, chemical peeling and laser) is a key step in surgical treatment. Among them, mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser can achieve accurate ablation in different parts and depths. Objectives To compare the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser and their preference for different parts in cultured epithelial sheets transplantation for the treatment of vitiligo. Methods We used a self‐controlled study to compare the efficacy of mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser in 120 stable vitiligo patients of different parts at different time points after cultured epithelial sheets transplantation. Results No overall difference between the mechanical dermabrasion group and the CO2 laser group. While the recovery rate of different parts of the mechanical dermabrasion group was significantly different (p < 0.05). Two methods have distinct efficacy for different parts, and CO2 laser is better at treating uneven parts. Conclusions Both mechanical dermabrasion and CO2 laser have good results in cultured epithelial sheets transplantation for the treatment of vitiligo.

Keywords

• CO2 laser
• cultured epithelial sheets transplantation
• mechanical dermabrasion
• treatment
• vitiligo