Dermabrasion Versus Microneedling in Transplantation of Autologous Noncultured Melanocyte–Keratinocyte Cell Suspension in Patients With Vitiligo

Abstract

BACKGROUNDAutologous noncultured melanocyte–keratinocyte transplantation is one of the procedures used to treat stable vitiligo with varying reported results. Recipient site preparation is one of the variables that could affect repigmentation outcomes.OBJECTIVETo assess the effectiveness of transplanting autologous melanocyte–keratinocyte suspension in patients with stable vitiligo and to compare recipient site preparation using dermabrasion versus microneedling.METHODSFrom March 2020 to September 2022, this randomized comparative study included 40 patients with 40 stable vitiligo lesions managed by suspension transplants of melanocytes. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A, where the recipient site was prepared using dermabrasion, and group B, which was done by microneedling. The assessment was performed 3 months after the treatment based on the degree of repigmentation (excellent, ≥90%; good, 50%–89%; fair, 20%–49%; and poor response, <20%).RESULTSBoth modalities resulted in effective repigmentation, but the dermabrasion group showed a statistically significant improvement and a satisfactory repigmentation rate.CONCLUSIONAutologous melanocyte transplantation is a safe and effective treatment method for stable vitiligo lesions that have not responded to other therapies. When compared with microneedling, dermabrasion produced better outcomes for recipient site preparation.

Regenerative medicine in the treatment of specific dermatologic disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials

“…One group had a recipient site treated with FCO 2 laser ablation (fractional group), while the other group had a recipient site treated with full surface CO 2 laser ablation (full ablation group) In the study, using FCO 2 laser resulted in excellent repigmentation in 40% of cases, good repigmentation in 35% of cases, and poor repigmentation in 25% of cases. On the other hand, the full surface CO 2 laser exhibited excellent repigmentation in 35% of cases and good repigmentation in 30% of cases, while fair repigmentation was seen in 10% to 50% of cases and poor results in 10% to 25% of cases Depigmentation at the donor site Hasan et al [ 47 ] RCT 40 patients Unknown Unknown vitiligo Transplantation of autologous epidermal melanocyte/keratinocyte cells The participants were divided into two categories: group A underwent dermabrasion for recipient site preparation, while group B received microneedling. After a period of three months, the patients were evaluated to determine the level of repigmentation Both dermabrasion and microneedling were effective in achieving repigmentation in the patients.…”

“…Furthermore, in the comparison of the two methods of dermabrasion and microneedling at the transplant site, both methods have shown effectiveness. However, dermabrasion has demonstrated significant improvement compared to microneedling [ 47 ].…”

The efficacy and safety of autologous epidermal cell suspensions for re‐epithelialization of skin lesions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials

“…Chen 58 found surgical intervention to be effective for treating stable vitiligo, with positive results from both noncultured and cultured epidermal cell suspensions. Studies 59,60 found that repigmentation after autologous epidermal cell suspensions remained stable in most treated patches. Dev et al 61 .…”

“…Chen 58 found surgical intervention to be effective for treating stable vitiligo, with positive results from both noncultured and cultured epidermal cell suspensions. Studies 59,60 found that repigmentation after autologous epidermal cell suspensions remained stable in most treated patches. Dev et al 61 posited that the preparation of recipient sites using manual dermabrasion (MD) or electrofulguration-assisted dermabrasion influenced repigmentation rates.…”