Techniques
Mini-punch grafting. Tiny 1–2 mm skin plugs from the thigh or buttock are placed into the white patch. Pigment spreads out from each plug over a few months. Suits small, stable patches.
Thin split-thickness skin grafting. A very thin layer of pigmented skin is laid over the white patch after its top layer is removed. Good for larger patches and lips.
Suction blister grafting. Blisters raised on normal skin by gentle suction are transferred as roofs. Gives good colour match.
Non-cultured melanocyte-keratinocyte transfer (cell suspension). Pigment cells are separated from a small donor sample and spread over a much larger area. Treats large patches with a small donor site.
What to expect
The white patch and the donor site are numbed. The surface of the patch is gently removed and the graft or cells applied, then covered with dressings. Dressings stay on for about a week. Colour usually starts to appear at 4–6 weeks and fills in over 3–6 months, often helped by phototherapy.
Is it right for you?
Vitiligo is first managed medically with creams, light therapy and treating any thyroid or autoimmune condition. Surgery is the next step when patches are stable and medical treatment has stopped helping. Dr. Vikrant will ask how long your patches have been unchanged; photos from the past year help.
Read vitiligo surgery: who is a candidate, or the Hinglish guide safed daag ka ilaj surgery se.
Common questions
What is the cost of vitiligo surgery in Ranchi?
Vitiligo surgery with Dr. Vikrant starts at ₹20,000. The cost depends on the size and number of patches and the technique. You get an estimate after the patches are assessed.
Who can have vitiligo surgery?
Surgery is for stable vitiligo: no new patches and no growth of old patches for at least 12 months, and no new patches at sites of injury. Segmental vitiligo and small, stable patches respond best.
Is vitiligo surgery permanent?
In stable vitiligo, transplanted pigment usually stays. If the disease becomes active again later, new patches can still appear elsewhere.
Can lip and fingertip vitiligo be treated?
Lips respond well to grafting. Fingertips, knuckles and joints respond less well because of constant movement and friction, though some improvement is possible.
Is vitiligo contagious?
No. Vitiligo is not infectious and does not spread by touch, food or sharing utensils.
Further reading
Last reviewed: 2026-10-11
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Results and recovery differ between patients. Prices are starting prices and are confirmed after examination.