Advanced Vitiligo Surgery & Grafting

Vitiligo surgery is a highly specialized procedure used to restore pigmentation in patches of **stable vitiligo**—patches that have not changed in size or shape for at least one year. These techniques involve transferring healthy pigment cells (melanocytes) from a donor site to the white patch to encourage repigmentation.

When is Vitiligo Surgery Recommended?

Surgery is typically considered when medical treatments (creams, phototherapy) have failed and when the disease is confirmed to be stable. It is most effective on smaller, localized patches that are resistant to other therapies.

Key Vitiligo Surgical Techniques

We offer state-of-the-art methods to ensure optimal coverage and natural results:

1. Suction Blister Epidermal Grafting (SBEG)

This technique uses suction to create small blisters on the healthy donor skin. The blister roofs (epidermis containing pigment cells) are then transplanted onto the recipient vitiligo patch. It is highly successful with good cosmetic match.

2. Non-Cultured Epidermal Cell Suspension (NCECS)

This advanced method involves preparing a suspension of melanocytes and keratinocytes from a small piece of donor skin. This suspension is then sprayed or dripped onto the prepared vitiligo area. It allows a small donor site to cover a much larger vitiligo area.

3. Punch Grafting / Thin Split-Thickness Grafting

• **Punch Grafting:** Small, round pieces of pigmented skin are taken from the donor area and placed into similar-sized holes created in the vitiligo patch.
• **Thin Split-Thickness Grafting (TSTG):** A thin layer of skin is surgically harvested and transferred to the depigmented area.

Recovery and Expected Results

Post-surgery, the treated area is covered with a dressing for several days. Repigmentation usually begins within 4 to 8 weeks and continues to improve over 6 to 12 months. Strict adherence to post-operative care and follow-up phototherapy is critical for maximizing success.