Korean J Dermatol.  1989 Oct;27(5):488-494.

Separation of Epidermis from Dermis with a Suction Device in Vitiligo Patients: Light and Electron Microscopic Studies

• Lee AY
• Lee YS

Abstract

Suction is a useful tool for separation of epidermis from dermis in vivo. With appropriate suction pressures and durations applied, cellular damage of the separated epidermis can reduce, This study was performed to examine the appropriste suction pressures and durations in the lhsional and normal skin of four vitiligo patients who wanted to take epidermal autograft. The suction pressures and durations for making the blisters of similar morphology were different according to person. Microscopic changes in the blisters of similar morphology were not very different, and suction of 200 to 250 mmHg for 2 to 3 hours with a 2cm diametered suction cup was considered to be acceptable. Obvious damage to keratinocytes and diminish of melanacyte number were observed with much more powerful and longer suction such as suction of 350 to 400 mmHg for 3 to 4 hours. The level of dermo-epidermal separation was between basal cell membrane.

MeSH Terms

Autografts
Blister
Cell Membrane
Dermis*
Epidermis*
Humans
Keratinocytes
Skin
Suction*
Vitiligo*