Complications and Limitations of Melanocyte Transplantation
March 2018
TLDR Melanocyte transplantation can safely restore skin color, especially in stable vitiligo, but must be chosen carefully based on the disease phase.
Melanocyte transplantation aims to restore pigmentation in achromic areas of the skin by transferring melanocytes from a pigmented donor site. The three developed methods include skin transplants, basal cell layer suspension, and hair follicle melanocytes, along with autologous cultured melanocytes. While these techniques are generally safe with rare complications, they are often used in conjunction with medical treatments such as corticosteroids or phototherapy, particularly for treating stable vitiligo macules. It is crucial to differentiate between the active and stable phases of vitiligo to choose the most effective treatment approach.