Sand Grain Skin Grafting
A procedure that harvests skin tissue in sand-grain sizes and grafts it onto vitiligo affected areas. Meticulously and systematically treats even difficult-to-treat vitiligo areas.
What it is
| What it is | SST PRO (Skin Seeding Technique PRO) is a sand grain skin grafting procedure that harvests skin tissue in sand-grain sizes of 0.3Φ~0.1Φ or smaller, and grafts it onto vitiligo affected areas. This allows for more meticulous and systematic treatment of previously difficult-to-treat vitiligo areas, including the back of the hands, facial areas (including the hairline), joints, hands and feet, stretch marks/striae distensae, and curved areas. It is eligible for National Health Insurance and private health insurance coverage, has minimal bleeding or scarring, and boasts a high engraftment rate after skin grafting. |
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| Who it may suit | Pigment restoration in vitiligo areas, skin tone homogenization, high engraftment rate, insurance coverage available 개선을 원하는 분은 의료진 상담을 통해 적합성을 확인할 수 있습니다. |
| Effect duration | 1-3 sessions (adjusted as needed) |
| Treatment time | 20-40 minutes |
| Recovery time | 3-5 days |
| Side effects and precautions | Redness or slight swelling may appear in the treated area for 3-5 days after the procedure. Apply sunscreen (SPF 50+) thoroughly and keep the treated area clean. |
| Recommended sessions and interval | 1-3 sessions (adjusted as needed) |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Sand Grain Skin Grafting?
- Sand Grain Skin Grafting is a surgical vitiligo treatment method that involves harvesting very small epidermal tissue pieces, approximately 0.4 to 0.8 mm in diameter, from normal skin and transplanting them into depigmented lesion areas caused by vitiligo.
- Will there be any scars left?
- Because the harvest site is very small, the risk of scarring is known to be relatively low, though results may vary depending on individual skin healing responses.
- Is it applicable to all vitiligo patients?
- It is a method considered for stable vitiligo that does not respond to non-surgical treatments such as phototherapy, and suitability must be diagnosed based on lesion activity and location.
- How long does the procedure take?
- The time required varies depending on the size and scope of the lesion, and for larger areas, the procedure may be conducted across multiple sessions.
- When do the recovery period and pigmentation regeneration begin to appear?
- It may take several weeks to several months for the transplanted pigment cells to settle and spread, and results may vary.
- How is the procedure performed at STAR Dermatology in Busan Seomyeon?
- After diagnosing the stability and scope of the lesion, we consult on the suitability of Sand Grain Skin Grafting along with concurrent treatment plans such as phototherapy.