Learn about Vitiligo Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Vitiligo and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by the loss of melanocytes, leading to the development of smooth, white patches on the skin. A dermatologist manages this condition through a comprehensive approach aimed at repigmentation and halting disease progression. Treatment is not a single procedure but a personalized plan that may include topical medications (corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors), phototherapy (narrowband UVB, PUVA), and surgical options like melanocyte transplantation for stable cases. The goal is to restore skin color, improve cosmetic appearance, and address the significant psychological impact of the condition. Early and consistent treatment under specialist supervision offers the best chance for successful repigmentation and improved quality of life.

Key Highlights

    Goal is to restore skin color (repigmentation) and stop the spread of white patches.Treatment plans are highly personalized based on the type, extent, and stability of vitiligo.Can significantly improve cosmetic appearance and self-esteem for patients.Non-surgical options like phototherapy are effective for many patients.Surgical techniques offer a solution for stable vitiligo that hasn't responded to other treatments.Ongoing management can help control the autoimmune process./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of vitiligo with active spreading of depigmented patches.
  • Stable vitiligo (no new patches or expansion for 6-12 months) for surgical consideration.
  • Patches causing significant psychological distress or impacting quality of life.
  • Vitiligo affecting cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, neck, or hands.
  • Failure to respond adequately to first-line topical therapies.
  • Patient motivation and realistic expectations for treatment outcomes.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive consultation with a dermatologist to confirm diagnosis and assess stability.
  • Discussion of all treatment options, expected outcomes, and potential risks.
  • For phototherapy: Skin examination and determination of initial light dose.
  • For surgical procedures: Cessation of medications that increase bleeding risk (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDs) as advised.
  • Avoiding sun exposure or tanning to the treatment area prior to procedures.
  • For some surgeries, a test graft may be performed to assess healing and repigmentation potential.

Risks & possible complications

  • For topical treatments: Skin thinning (atrophy), stretch marks, burning, or itching at the application site.
  • For phototherapy: Skin redness (erythema), burning, blistering, dryness, and potential long-term risk of premature skin aging or skin cancer (managed with protocols).
  • For surgical procedures: Infection, scarring, graft failure, lack of repigmentation, or cobblestoning of the skin.
  • Possible repigmentation mismatch (color difference from surrounding skin).
  • Koebner phenomenon: New vitiligo patches developing at sites of skin injury.
  • Recurrence of depigmentation over time.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Post-phototherapy: Moisturize skin, protect from sun exposure, and report any severe blistering.
  • Post-surgery: Keep the graft site clean, dry, and immobilized as per doctor's instructions for 1-2 weeks.
  • Avoid strenuous activity that might disrupt the graft site.
  • Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and repigmentation progress.
  • Repigmentation from treatments like phototherapy or surgery can take several months to become fully visible.
  • Sun protection with broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial on both treated and untreated skin to prevent burns and disease activity.
  • Long-term maintenance therapy may be recommended to sustain results.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Usually outpatient (0 days)
  • checked Expected recovery time: Varies by treatment: Topical/Phototherapy (ongoing), Surgery (1-2 weeks for initial healing, months for full repigmentation)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering vitiligo in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for vitiligo compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 54 – USD 2,719 Usually outpatient (0 days) ~ Varies by treatment: Topical/Phototherapy (ongoing), Surgery (1-2 weeks for initial healing, months for full repigmentation) Know More
Turkey USD 403 – USD 20,131 Usually outpatient (0 days) ~ Varies by treatment: Topical/Phototherapy (ongoing), Surgery (1-2 weeks for initial healing, months for full repigmentation) Know More

Top hospitals for Vitiligo in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated dermatology teams and experience managing patients undergoing vitiligo.

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors
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Dermatologists for Vitiligo

Explore experienced dermatologists who regularly perform vitiligo and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Khushboo Jha
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shruti Lakhanpal Tandon
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kuna Ramadas
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sugandhan S
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Raina N. Nahar
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Vandana Punjabi
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shazia Zaidi
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kalpana Sarangi
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Alia Abbas Rizivi
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Himani Mavi
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vindhya Raparla
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Deepika J Sanbal
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. S. Sushma Sukruthi
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sushmitha Asokan
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gargi Taneja
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Aishwarya Devaraj
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shankar D Desai D
  • 41 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

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Dr. Pankaj Kanti Jha
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Col. Aradhana Sood
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Alok Kumar Roy
  • 44 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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