Comparative Efficacy of Suction Blister and Micro Punch Grafting in Treating Stable Vitiligo: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo, an acquired depigmentation disorder, significantly impacts patients' quality of life due to psychological and aesthetic concerns. Surgical techniques such as suction blister (SB) and micro punch grafting (MPG) are used for stable vitiligo, but their effects have not been fully compared. Aims: This study aims to compare the efficacy of SB and MPG in treating stable vitiligo, focusing on repigmentation outcomes and patient satisfaction. Materials and Methods: This study is a double-blind randomized clinical trial with a self-controlled design. Thirty-one participants were randomized to receive SB or MPG on paired vitiligo patches. Lesions were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks and 12 weeks post-treatment using the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) and repigmentation percentages. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Both techniques demonstrated significant increases in VASI and repigmentation over time (P < 0.05). However, MPG showed superior outcomes at 12 weeks, with significantly higher repigmentation rates compared to SB (P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction scores and repigmentation quality were notably better in the MPG group. Adverse effects, including scarring and discolouration, were minimal in both groups. Conclusion: Both SB and MPG effectively improved stable vitiligo lesions, with MPG showing greater efficacy in repigmentation and patient satisfaction. These findings suggest MPG as a preferred option for stable vitiligo treatment in clinical settings.