EPIDERMAL SHEET GRAFTS FOR REPIGMENTATION OF VITILIGO AND PIEBALDISM,WITH A REVIEW OF SURGICAL TECHNIQUES

Thin epidermal sheets, obtained by a high-speed air-driven dermatome, were used to repigment white areas in 19 patients with vitiligo and on e boy with piebaldism. In the depigmented skin to be treated the epide rmis was removed by a rotating diamond fraise under topical and/or loc al anaesthesia injections. The method was used on most parts of the bo dy, including the eyelids and genitalia. The maximum total area treate d on each occasion was 190 cm(2). Excellent results could be obtained if the vitiligo had been stable and had not increased anywhere during the last 2 years. Lack of immobilization could explain a poor result i n some areas. The donor area on the buttocks healed quickly without de pigmentation. In the transplanted area milia were observed in the firs t 6 months. No scarring was seen, The technique has a niche in the tre atment of depigmented skin, especially in larger areas.