Depigmentation
Depigmentation, or the removal of color from the skin through artificial means, is one of the most common methods to treat vitiligo. Using chemical and even surgical methods, depigmentation removes dark spots from the skin. It allows the pigment to be reintroduced into the area with a greater chance of success than if applied directly to an unaffected area. However, this type of treatment does not guarantee successful repigmentation, as it removes all pigmentation from the affected area and relies on new pigment being successfully introduced.
There are two ways you can go about getting depigmentation: you can either use chemical agents or laser therapy. The former requires multiple sessions to build up melanin in your skin before applying chemicals that will strip away all of your natural pigment. In contrast, laser therapy only requires one session but uses heat to burn off layers of skin, allowing new pigmentless cells to grow in their place. Both methods have pros and cons; it’s best to talk to your doctor about the best option.
