Abstract
Objective: To compare the efficacy 0f follicular hair transplantation and mini punch graft in the
treatment of stable vitiligo.
Patient and Methods: Thirty to patients with stable vitiligo were included in this comparative study. A single patch from each patient was divided into two halves; one half was treated by punch graft while the other half was treated by follicular hair transplantation followed by excimer light twice weekly and the outcome were assessed at 0, 1, 3and 6 months post operatively by photography and quartile scale.
Results At the final visit, the percentage of improvement of vitiligo in punch graft treated side
was significantly higher than follicular hair transplantation treated side (P<0.05). Also,
repigmentation after punch grafting occurred after a mean period 2.5 ± 0.5 weeks (range, 2-3
weeks), while after follicular hair transplantation, repigmentati0n occurred after 5.2 ± 1.9 weeks
(range, 5-8 weeks) (P<0.05). Cobble stone appearance was the most common complication after
punch graft; it occurred in 29 patients (90%) while no reported side effects occurred after
follicular graft technique.
Conclusion Punch grafting is more effective than follicular grafting in the treatment of stable
vitilligo, however, follicular hair transplantation is cosmetically better so we recommend it in
exposed areas as face.