Vitiligo is a disfiguring medical disease whose cause is unknown. The disease causes destruction or loss of function of melanocytes in the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, inner ear, and occasionally in hair bulbs. Melanocytes produce the pigment that gives skin its color. The loss of melanocytes alters both the structure and function of these organs and results in the absence of pigment.

SURGICAL:

You should consider the surgical treatment of vitiligo only if:

• Your vitiligo has not changed in the last year.
• You are not responding to PUVA or PUVB treatment.

SKIN GRAFTING:

• Normal skin is used as donor tissue and then grafts are surgically transplanted on areas of vitiligo. The new skin grafts start producing pigment.
• Patients who are candidates for this procedure must have stable vitiligo, or vitiligo that has not changed for at least six months.
• This procedure can be used for patients with limited areas of vitiligo and also in those with more extensive disease. Patients can decide to use grafts on one area of the body (such as the face) and choose another therapy for other areas affected by vitiligo (such as the hands).