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Vitiligo

Can vitiligo recur after surgery? Conditions for maintaining results long-term

Jung Min Bae Jung Min Bae Dermatologist · Heal House Gangnam Branch

"If I have surgery, will it never turn white again?" This is a question that people considering surgery always ask. However, there is still a possibility of recurrence after surgery. But if the conditions are met well, the possibility can be lowered. Today, we will look at why recurrence occurs and what is needed to maintain results for a long time.

Can Vitiligo Surgery Recur?

Yes, it is possible. This is because surgery does not eliminate vitiligo itself. Therefore, follow-up care is important.

Surgery is a treatment that transfers pigment cells to white areas to restore color. However, the nature of vitiligo itself does not disappear. So, depending on the immune status of your body, the transplanted area may also turn white again. Fortunately, this possibility varies greatly depending on "when and under what condition the surgery was performed" and "how the post-surgery care was managed."

Why Does Recurrence Happen?

It mainly occurs when vitiligo becomes active again or when the skin is repeatedly irritated.

Breaking down the reasons: if dormant vitiligo starts spreading again, the transplanted area can also be affected; frequent skin irritation such as wounds or friction can cause new spots to appear in those areas (Koebner phenomenon); and if surgery is performed while the condition is still spreading, the risk of recurrence is higher. In summary, recurrence mostly occurs "when vitiligo becomes active again."

What Conditions Help Reduce Recurrence?

The most important condition is to have surgery during the stable phase. Surgery should be performed when the spread has stopped for longer-lasting results.

Conditions for well-maintained resultsCases with higher risk of recurrence
Surgery during the stable phase when spread has stoppedSurgery while the condition is still spreading
Managing irritation and sun exposure after surgeryFrequent wounds or friction
Regularly monitoring progressNeglecting care

Choosing the right timing for surgery alone can significantly change the likelihood of recurrence. Therefore, "when you have surgery" is as important as "how well the surgery is performed." Since it is difficult to determine the stable phase on your own, it is safer to confirm it through a consultation before deciding on the timing.

How Is Care Managed After Surgery?

The key is to avoid skin irritation and sun exposure so that the transplanted pigment cells settle well.

After surgery, it is important to reduce irritation by not rubbing or scratching the surgical area, manage sun exposure to avoid strong UV rays, and monitor progress by regularly checking the condition and discussing any changes. In addition, light therapy or laser treatment is often combined to help the transplanted pigment cells proliferate and migrate.

Surgery is not the end but rather the beginning. Follow-up care is the final key to maintaining results for a long time.

Jung Min Bae

Dermatologist · Gangnam Branch

With sincere care and continuous research, I will be a reliable companion for vitiligo patients.