Repigmentation of nipple-areola complex after ReCell® treatment on breast vitiligo

BACKGROUND Nipple-areola complex is a naturally hyperpigmented skin area which can be involved in vitiligo. But limited study focused on the treatment of nipple-areola complex vitiligo, and few methods were proven to be effective. In this study, we aimed to explore the feasibility and efficacy of ReCell® on vitiligo in the nipple-areola complex area. METHODS Medical records of patients with vitiligo involving nipple-areola complex and underwent ReCell® treatment from October 2016 to April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The repigmentation rate of the nipple-areola complex and other breast area were calculated under the Wood's light at each follow-up. The grade of repigmentation and patient-reported satisfaction rate were also evaluated to prove the effect of ReCell® on vitiligo of breast and especially in the nipple-areola complex area. RESULTS A total of 18 patients were included in this study. No surgical complications were reported. The mean postoperative repigmentation rate in the nipple-areola complex area (3rd-month, 78.7 ± 5.8%; 6th-month, 87.6 ± 5.1%; and 12th-month, 96.1 ± 3.5%) was significantly higher than that in the other breast treatment area (3rd-month, 70.4 ± 6.9%; 6th-month, 84.2 ± 5.7%, and 12th-month, 93.2 ± 3.6%). All patients showed good or excellent grades at the last follow-up, and 94.4% of them considered the overall treatment results satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS ReCell® is a feasible and efficient treatment strategy in the nipple-areola complex vitiligo.