Depigmentation Therapy of Refractory Facial Vitiligo Using 532-Nm Picosecond Laser: Two Case Reports and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is a common depigmenting disorder resulting from the loss of functional melanocytes. In certain refractory cases, conventional therapies fail to achieve complete repigmentation, leaving residual pigmented macules that can be cosmetically undesirable.

AIMS: To assess the efficacy and safety of 532-nm picosecond laser combined with hydroquinone cream for treating residual pigmentation in vitiligo.

PATIENTS: We report two patients with stable generalized vitiligo who received 532-nm picosecond laser treatment for residual pigmented macules. Patients subsequently applied 2% hydroquinone cream for 1-2 months. Clinical outcomes and adverse events were recorded. Written informed consent was obtained from both patients.

RESULTS

Marked reduction in residual pigmentation was observed in both patients, with cosmetically favorable outcomes. Mild erythema and burning sensation occurred immediately after treatment and resolved within 1 week.

CONCLUSIONS

The 532-nm picosecond laser, followed by topical hydroquinone, appears to be an effective and well-tolerated approach for managing residual pigmentation in vitiligo. This reverse depigmentation strategy may serve as a valuable adjunct to enhance skin tone uniformity in selected patients.