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

About Punch Grafting

Punch grafting is a specialized dermatological surgical procedure used to treat stable, non-infected, and non-active vitiligo patches, particularly those resistant to other treatments. A dermatologist uses a small, circular instrument called a punch to harvest tiny, full-thickness skin grafts from a donor site (often the buttocks or thigh) and then transplants them into identically sized recipient sites created in the depigmented area. This technique aims to transfer melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to the affected skin, encouraging repigmentation. It is considered a minimally invasive option for carefully selected patients, offering a targeted approach to restore skin color in small to medium-sized vitiligo lesions. The success depends on proper patient selection, precise technique, and post-operative care.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive surgical procedure for stable vitiligo.Targeted repigmentation of small to medium-sized patches.Uses the patient's own skin (autograft), eliminating rejection risk.Can be performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.Often considered when medical therapies like phototherapy have failed.Generally has a high success rate for properly selected cases./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Stable, segmental, or focal vitiligo that has not spread for at least 1-2 years.
  • Small to moderately sized depigmented patches resistant to medical treatments (e.g., topical steroids, phototherapy).
  • Lesions on cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas like lips, fingertips, or genitals.
  • Patients with a strong desire for repigmentation and realistic expectations.
  • Non-active vitiligo (no new lesions or enlargement of existing ones).

How to prepare

  • Detailed consultation with a dermatologist to assess suitability and set realistic expectations.
  • Evaluation to confirm the vitiligo is stable and non-active.
  • Avoiding sun exposure and tanning of both donor and recipient sites prior to surgery.
  • Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (like aspirin) as advised by the doctor.
  • Informing the doctor about all current medications and allergies.
  • Showering with an antibacterial soap on the morning of the procedure may be recommended.

Risks & possible complications

  • Infection at the donor or recipient site.
  • Bleeding or hematoma formation.
  • Graft failure or incomplete 'take' of the transplanted skin.
  • Cobblestoning (uneven texture) or color mismatch at the recipient site.
  • Scarring or keloid formation, particularly in prone individuals.
  • Persistent pain, itching, or numbness.
  • Recurrence of depigmentation around the graft edges (perigraft halo).
  • Activation of vitiligo (Koebner phenomenon) at the donor site.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • The donor and recipient sites are covered with sterile dressings.
  • Keeping the grafted area completely immobile and dry for the first 5-7 days is crucial for graft survival.
  • Oral antibiotics and pain relievers may be prescribed.
  • Dressings are typically changed by the doctor after one week.
  • Avoid strenuous activity, sweating, and direct pressure on the grafted area for 2-3 weeks.
  • Gentle cleansing and application of prescribed ointments as directed after the initial healing phase.
  • Sun protection with high-SPF sunscreen is essential once healed to protect the new pigment.
  • Follow-up visits are necessary to monitor graft take and healing progress.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 2-3 weeks for initial healing; full pigment development may take 3-6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering punch grafting in Turkey, 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 punch grafting compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 87 – USD 272 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 2-3 weeks for initial healing; full pigment development may take 3-6 months Know More
Turkey USD 644 – USD 2,013 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 2-3 weeks for initial healing; full pigment development may take 3-6 months Know More
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