Successful repigmentation of hypopigmented scars with micropunch grafting with a skin-seeding technique

Abstract

Hypopigmented scars are challenging to treat, and the focus for successful treatment is to cause pigment cells to produce more melanin. In this study, we evaluated the repigmentation effects of 0.4 mm motorized-micropunch grafting with skin-seeding for hypopigmented scars. Twenty-one patients with hypopigmented scars on the face and neck that had been resistant to conventional treatment and who had finally undergone micropunch grafting with a skin-seeding technique (SST) were retrospectively reviewed. Repigmentation outcomes were evaluated with global assessment by a physician using a 4-point repigmentation scale. Adverse events were noted. The subjects were followed for a 2-year follow-up period post grafting. All 21 subjects exhibited excellent to complete repigmentation of more than 75% of the hypopigmented scars. More than 90% repigmentation was observed in 17 patients. The mean duration for repigmentation that the subjects were satisfied with was 5.5 months. No adverse effects or recurrence instances were observed. Motorized micropunch grafting is an effective and promising alternative treatment for repigmentation of hypopigmented scars.