Repigmentation of nipple‐areola complex after ReCell® treatment on breast vitiligo

Abstract

Background Nipple‐areola complex is a naturally hyperpigmented skin area which can be involved in vitiligo. But limited study focused on the treatment of nipple‐areola complex vitiligo, and few methods were proven to be effective. In this study, we aimed to explore the feasibility and efficacy of ReCell® on vitiligo in the nipple‐areola complex area. Methods Medical records of patients with vitiligo involving nipple‐areola complex and underwent ReCell® treatment from October 2016 to April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The repigmentation rate of the nipple‐areola complex and other breast area were calculated under the Wood's light at each follow‐up. The grade of repigmentation and patient‐reported satisfaction rate were also evaluated to prove the effect of ReCell® on vitiligo of breast and especially in the nipple‐areola complex area. Results A total of 18 patients were included in this study. No surgical complications were reported. The mean postoperative repigmentation rate in the nipple‐areola complex area (3rd‐month, 78.7 ± 5.8%; 6th‐month, 87.6 ± 5.1%; and 12th‐month, 96.1 ± 3.5%) was significantly higher than that in the other breast treatment area (3rd‐month, 70.4 ± 6.9%; 6th‐month, 84.2 ± 5.7%, and 12th‐month, 93.2 ± 3.6%). All patients showed good or excellent grades at the last follow‐up, and 94.4% of them considered the overall treatment results satisfactory. Conclusions ReCell® is a feasible and efficient treatment strategy in the nipple‐areola complex vitiligo.

Transplantation procedures in vitiligo: What's new

“…Also, suction blister grafting may be tried but it is too laborious. The ReCell system is an autologous cell‐harvesting device that creates a suspension of melanocytes, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts, which can be easily sprayed onto the recipient and donor area 49 …”