Background: There are many therapeutic options for vitiligo such as phototherapy, steroids, transplaatation of blister tops or minigrafts, and the application of cultured
melanocytes. Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous suction blister grakiag for the treatment of vitiligo. Methail: Bliaters were made by suction at 450 mm Hg from the buttock or upper thigh as donor site.. epiderraal sheet wias then grafted to the recipient site. Two weeks after grafting, topical PUVA, or topica1 eorticosterid application were recommanded. Results: The restoration of pigmeet inlding partial recovery was seen in 130 of 144 patients with vitilgo 0 in 14 pattnets(10%); grade 1 in 2l(36%); grade 2 in 22(27%); 3 in 28(2?%). In type B vitiligo, repiynentation was seen in 71 of the 74 patients; grade 0 in 3 patinets; 1 in 21; grade 2 in 22; grade 3 in 28. However, repigment in type A was seen in 58 of the 70 patients; 0 in 11 patients; grade 1 in 33; grade 2 in 16; grade 3 in 10. The repigmentation rate was related to age in both type A and B. The rate was higher in the less 31-year-old" group in the "over 31-years-old" grouy. (p<0.01, Mann-Whitney test). Conclusion : Tbe author experienced different repgmentation according to the types of vitiligo and patient age, that is,it was more effective in type B vitiligo than type A, and the younger the age of the patient, the better the results. (Ann Dermatol 8:(1) 19-24, 1996).