Surgical Treatment of Vitiligo

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting disorder characterized by the selective destruction of melanocytes, leading to the development of well-defined white patches on the skin. Although medical therapies and phototherapy remain the first-line treatment modalities, a considerable number of patients with stable vitiligo show poor or unsatisfactory response. Surgical treatment has emerged as an effective therapeutic option for stable vitiligo, particularly in refractory cases and difficult-to-treat areas. Various surgical techniques have been developed, including tissue grafts and cellular grafts, aiming to transfer functional melanocytes from normally pigmented skin to depigmented lesions. The choice of surgical modality depends on disease stability, lesion size and location, patient expectations, cost, and available expertise. This review highlights the indications, contraindications, recipient-site preparation methods, different surgical techniques, their advantages, limitations, complications, and postoperative management in vitiligo surgery.