Melanocyte Transfer
A split – thickness skin graft is harvested from a suitable donor area and this is treated with an enzyme. The different cellular components of a STSG are separated and a suspension is prepared out of these cellular components. The suspension contains epidermal keratinocytes and melanocytes. After the recipient bed is created, the cell suspension is spread thinly and evenly with a spatula on to the dermabraded recipient skin.
For Melanocyte Transfer Treatment, Visit at Dadu Medical Centre located in Delhi, Vasant Vihar (South Delhi), Rajouri Garden (West Delhi).
Melanocyte Transfer Treatment in Delhi – Surgical Vitiligo Treatment at Dadu Medical Centre
Vitiligo is a skin condition where white patches appear on different parts of the body because the cells responsible for producing skin colour, called melanocytes, stop working or die. For people who have been dealing with this condition for a long time and have not seen adequate results with creams, medications, or light-based therapies, melanocyte transfer vitiligo surgery in Delhi offers a more targeted surgical option to help restore colour to the affected patches. This is not a cosmetic shortcut it is a proper dermatological surgical procedure that works by taking healthy pigment-producing cells from an unaffected area of your own skin and transferring them to the white patches. Since the cells used come from the patient's own body, the risk of rejection is very low and the results, when the right candidate is selected, tend to be both natural-looking and long-lasting. At Dadu Medical Centre, one of the established vitiligo treatment clinics in Delhi, Dr. Nivedita Dadu and her team assess each patient carefully before recommending this surgical route. The clinic has locations in Vasant Vihar, South Delhi and Rajouri Garden, West Delhi, and the procedure is performed under sterile, medically supervised conditions with proper pre-operative and post-operative care. Not everyone with vitiligo is a candidate for this surgery it is specifically recommended for patients whose vitiligo has been stable, meaning the white patches have not spread or changed in size for at least one year before the procedure is planned.
To understand how melanocyte transfer works, it helps to first understand what goes wrong in vitiligo. The skin gets its colour from melanocytes, which are cells that produce a pigment called melanin. In vitiligo, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys these cells in certain areas, leaving patches of skin with no colour. The idea behind melanocyte transfer surgery is to replenish these missing cells in the affected area using cells from a healthy donor site usually an area of normally pigmented skin from the patient's own body such as the outer thigh or buttock region. A thin split-thickness skin sample is taken from this donor area, which is then processed to separate the cellular components and prepare a suspension containing melanocytes and keratinocytes. The recipient area the white patch is prepared by a process called dermabrasion, which removes the outer surface to create a fresh bed for the transplanted cells. The cell suspension is then spread evenly across the prepared recipient area and covered with a protective dressing. One of the notable advantages of this approach is the donor-to-recipient ratio roughly 1 square centimetre of donor skin can treat up to 10 square centimetres of the vitiligo patch, which means even larger affected areas can be addressed using a relatively small donor site. The whole procedure typically takes around two to three hours and is done as a day-care procedure, meaning most patients can return home the same day after a few hours of observation.
The results from melanocyte transfer are gradual and not immediate. Most patients begin to see early signs of repigmentation meaning the return of colour within two to four months of the procedure. The full extent of improvement, including proper colour matching with the surrounding skin, can take anywhere from four to six months or even up to a year in some cases. The repigmentation that happens with this method tends to be more uniform and aesthetically acceptable compared to some other surgical options because the transplanted cells spread gradually and blend naturally with the surrounding skin. The procedure is particularly well-suited for segmental vitiligo a type where the patches are confined to one side of the body and also for stable non-segmental vitiligo cases that have not responded to medical management. Vitiligo affecting areas like the face, neck, and hands tends to respond well. Areas that are more prone to friction or movement, like the fingers and joints, can be more challenging and the doctor will advise accordingly during the consultation. People considering this treatment at the vitiligo surgery clinic in Delhi at Dadu Medical Centre are evaluated on multiple factors including the type of vitiligo, how long it has been stable, the total area of affected skin, and their overall health before a decision is made.
Post-procedure care is an important part of getting good results from melanocyte transfer. The treated area needs to be kept covered, protected, and immobilised for at least a week or two to give the transplanted cells time to settle and attach to the recipient site. During this period, patients are advised to avoid any pressure, rubbing, or friction on the treated area. Sun exposure should be strictly avoided and the area should be kept clean and covered as directed by the doctor. Routine follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor the healing process and check for repigmentation progress. Some patients may need a second session if there are small residual white spots that did not respond fully to the first procedure, and this is assessed after the first round of results have been evaluated. The vitiligo doctors in Delhi at Dadu Medical Centre guide patients through every step of the process from the initial assessment and candidacy evaluation to the actual procedure and the follow-up care so that each patient has a clear understanding of what to expect and how to take care of the treated area for the best possible outcome.
Melanocyte Transfer Treatment Cost in Delhi
|
Procedure Component |
Approx. Cost Range |
Notes |
|
Initial Consultation & Assessment |
Rs. 500 – Rs. 1,500 |
Includes suitability evaluation |
|
Melanocyte Transfer (Small Area) |
Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 30,000 |
Up to approx. 20–30 sq cm |
|
Melanocyte Transfer (Medium Area) |
Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 60,000 |
30–100 sq cm approximately |
|
Melanocyte Transfer (Large Area) |
Rs. 60,000 – Rs. 1,00,000+ |
Extensive patches, large body area |
|
Post-Procedure Dressings & Follow-Up |
Included or nominal cost |
As advised by the doctor |
Prices are approximate. Exact cost is confirmed after skin assessment and suitability evaluation at the clinic.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Melanocyte Transfer
|
Criteria |
Suitable |
Not Suitable / Needs Assessment |
|
Vitiligo stability |
Stable for at least 1 year |
Active / spreading vitiligo |
|
Type of vitiligo |
Segmental or stable non-segmental |
Unstable generalised vitiligo |
|
Response to medical treatment |
Did not respond adequately |
Good response to creams/phototherapy |
|
Age |
Adults and older teens |
Very young children (case by case) |
|
Affected area size |
Small to large stable patches |
Rapidly changing patches |
|
Body area |
Face, neck, trunk, limbs |
High-friction areas (limited results) |
A detailed pre-procedure consultation determines final candidacy for each individual patient.
Melanocyte Transfer – Expected Recovery and Results Timeline
|
Phase |
Timeframe |
What to Expect |
|
Immediately After Procedure |
Day 0 – Day 2 |
Area covered with protective dressing, rest advised |
|
Early Healing Phase |
Week 1 – Week 2 |
Dressing maintained, avoid pressure on treated area |
|
Dressing Removal |
Around Day 7 – 10 |
Doctor removes dressing and checks cell attachment |
|
Early Repigmentation |
Month 2 – Month 3 |
First signs of colour returning to treated patches |
|
Progressive Colour Matching |
Month 4 – Month 6 |
Gradual improvement in shade and uniformity |
|
Full Results Visible |
Month 6 – Month 12 |
Maximum repigmentation and colour blending achieved |
Results vary based on vitiligo type, location, skin tone, and how well aftercare instructions are followed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is melanocyte transfer and how does it help vitiligo?
Ans. It is a surgical procedure where pigment-producing cells from healthy skin are transplanted to white patches to restore colour.
Q. Is melanocyte transfer suitable for all vitiligo patients?
Ans. No, it is only recommended for patients whose vitiligo has been stable and unchanged for at least one year.
Q. How long does the melanocyte transfer procedure take?
Ans. The procedure usually takes around two to three hours and is done as a day-care surgery.
Q. When will I see results after melanocyte transfer surgery?
Ans. Early repigmentation usually starts within two to four months, with full results visible over six to twelve months.
Q. Is the melanocyte transfer procedure painful?
Ans. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, so discomfort during the surgery is minimal.
Q. How much skin is needed from the donor area?
Ans. Just 1 square centimetre of donor skin can cover up to 10 square centimetres of the vitiligo patch.
Q. What is the cost of melanocyte transfer treatment in Delhi?
Ans. The cost ranges approximately from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 or more depending on the size of the area being treated.
Q. Can melanocyte transfer be done on the face and hands?
Ans. Yes, the face and neck areas generally respond well. Joint areas and fingertips can be more challenging and are assessed individually.
Q. Is there any downtime after melanocyte transfer surgery?
Ans. The treated area needs to be rested and protected for one to two weeks, but patients can usually go home the same day.
Q. Which clinic in Delhi should I visit for melanocyte transfer for vitiligo?
Ans. Dadu Medical Centre in Vasant Vihar and Rajouri Garden, led by Dr. Nivedita Dadu, is a trusted clinic in Delhi for vitiligo surgeries including melanocyte transfer.
