Vitiligo Surgery in Bangalore
Medically reviewed by Dr Nithya Raghunath, MD (Dermatology)
Vitiligo surgery restores colour to white patches by moving pigment-producing cells, or small pieces of normally coloured skin, into the patch. It is for adults whose vitiligo has been stable for at least 6 months and hasn't responded to creams or light therapy. At Contura Clinic, Bangalore, dermatologist Dr Nithya Raghunath assesses each patient and may order tests, such as thyroid levels, before surgery.
Who can have vitiligo surgery?
- Adults, not children
- Vitiligo that has been stable (no new or growing patches) for at least 6 months
- Patches that haven't improved with medicines or light therapy
- People who don't scar easily or form keloids
Types of vitiligo surgery
| Method | How it works |
|---|---|
| Skin grafting | Small pieces of normally coloured skin are moved into the white patch (punch or split-thickness grafts) |
| Melanocyte transfer (cell suspension) | Pigment cells are taken from normal skin and spread over the prepared patch. Less invasive than grafts, with shorter downtime and often better results (non-cultured cell suspension) |
It is done under local anaesthesia, usually in 1–2 hours. Light therapy (phototherapy) is often used afterwards to speed up the return of colour.
How well does vitiligo surgery work?
Surgery works best in stable vitiligo. No one can predict how a single patient will respond, and results vary by body area. Combining surgery with other treatments often gives the best result.
Possible side effects include the treatment not working, a cobblestone-like surface where grafts were placed, and infection.
Other vitiligo treatments
| Treatment | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Strong steroid creams | About 45% of people regain some colour after 4–6 months. Long use (a year or more) can thin the skin |
| Light therapy (phototherapy) | 2–3 sessions a week for several weeks. About 44% lose the restored colour within a year of stopping, and about 86% after 4 years |
| PUVA (light therapy with a medicine) | About 50–75% effective on the face, trunk, upper arms and upper legs. Less effective on hands and feet. About twice a week for about a year |
Source: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), vitiligo treatment guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Who is suitable for vitiligo surgery?
Adults whose vitiligo has been stable for at least 6 months, who haven't responded to creams or light therapy, and who don't scar easily.
Can children have vitiligo surgery?
No. Vitiligo surgery is offered only to adults. Children are treated with medicines and light therapy.
Is vitiligo surgery permanent?
Repigmentation is usually long-lasting in stable vitiligo. New patches can still appear elsewhere if the vitiligo becomes active again.
Related pages: Clinical dermatology · Dr Nithya Raghunath · Skin lightening
About the doctor
Dr Nithya Raghunath, MBBS, MD (Dermatology), Fellowship in Cosmetology (University of Greifswald, Germany). Karnataka Medical Council Reg. No. 85629. Dermatologist and cosmetologist at Contura Clinic, with a special interest in lasers and aesthetic dermatology. Has spoken at the IMCAS Congress, Paris, on dark circle treatment. Member of IADVL, the Cosmetic Dermatology Society of India and the Bangalore Dermatological Society.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person. Every procedure carries risks, which your surgeon will explain at your consultation.