VITILIGO PROCEDURE

Patients seeking treatment for vitiligo in NYC now have another innovative option available: the Excimer UVB laser. Vitiligo is a rare disorder that can affect individuals of any race, age, and gender. It can develop early in childhood or later in life (before age 30). Vitiligo manifests as loss of skin color, which usually occurs in patches all over the body.

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s melanocytes. Melanocytes are the melanin-producing cells of the skin. Once they are destroyed, the skin loses its color, a process known as depigmentation. Smooth white patches appear on the skin of the hands, feet, arms, face, and even the genitals. Other signs of vitiligo include premature graying of body hair.

Depending on the type of vitiligo, it can affect one side, a few areas, or nearly all areas of the body. The progression of the disorder is not easy to predict and may stop on its own. However, in some cases, it can spread throughout the skin.

Excimer UVB Laser Vitiligo Treatment

At PFRANKMD, we are proud to provide effective treatment for vitiligo symptoms using the Excimer UVB laser. This treatment can provide targeted ultraviolet phototherapy by emitting targeted UVB light at 308 nm. This encourages production of new melanocyte cells to restore pigmentation.

Ideal Candidates for Vitiligo Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with vitiligo, you may be an excellent candidate for Excimer laser treatments. It is ideal to undergo laser treatment for vitiligo during the early stages of the disorder for best results.

Your Consultation

During your consultation for Excimer UVB laser treatments, a physical examination of your target areas will be performed. The affected areas may be examined with a special lamp to confirm the occurrence of depigmentation. A review of your medical history will be conducted. A treatment plan will then be developed to properly address your vitiligo. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

The Treatment Session

The Excimer laser treatment for vitiligo requires no special preparations. The handheld device is used to deliver a dose of UVB radiation to the targeted areas, which stimulates growth of new melanocytes. The process can take up to 15 minutes, depending on the number and size of the patches. Treatments may be performed twice a week for several months to reduce the symptoms of vitiligo.

After Your Excimer UVB Laser Vitiligo Treatment

There is no significant recovery period or downtime necessary after an Excimer UVB laser procedure for vitiligo. You may be able to return to your normal routine right away. Patients sometimes report a degree of redness, itching, burning, stinging, or blistering. These are temporary and should disappear in the next few days.

Contact Us to Learn More

Though there may be no permanent cure for vitiligo, Excimer laser therapy can effectively reduce the symptoms of this autoimmune disorder. To schedule a consultation and learn how you can improve your quality of life with treatment for vitiligo in NYC, contact PFRANKMD today at (212) 327-2919.