Micropigmentation: Tattooing for the treatment of lip vitiligo

SummaryBackgroundVitiligo of the lips is a common concern of great psychological consequence. Medical therapies are often ineffective mainly due to the absence of hair follicles. Tattooing implants pigment into the skin. For treatment of vitiligo, tattooing works best in the lip area, particularly in a dark skin.Aims and objectivesTo assess the effectiveness of medical tattooing for lip vitiligo.Material and methodsFifteen patients with localised stable lip vitiligo patients (10 women and 5 men; age range: 30–55 years; mean age: 42 years) from the outpatient department were included in the study. The period of follow-up was from 2 to 3 years. The procedure was performed under local anaesthesia on an outpatient basis, unless carried out in conjunction with other procedures. An electric tattooing machine with cluster needles was used.ResultCosmetically acceptable results were seen in all patients. In dark-complexioned patients, pigmentation was better as compared to fair subjects. No allergic reactions to the pigment or koebnerisation of the vitiligo were noted.ConclusionTattooing is relatively easy, safe and effective option for lip vitiligo. It is cosmetically more acceptable; sensations are well maintained and are generally devoid of any significant adverse effects.