Does a dermatologic surgeon perform melanocyte transplant?

Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells. In this procedure, a small sample of normally pigmented skin may be collected, prepared as cells and placed into a prepared area of depigmented skin. The technique may be considered for selected vitiligo patches or other stable pigment-loss areas. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, whether the affected area has been stable, the skin sites involved, the size and shape of the patch, and the clinician's experience with cellular grafting.

Bring a record of when the colour change began, how it has behaved and which treatments have been tried. Tell the surgeon about active skin disease, infections, scarring tendencies and medicines. Ask which donor and recipient sites would be used, how the treated skin will be protected, and how long colour matching may take. Follow instructions about sun exposure and wound care carefully.

Before treatment, request review if pigment loss is spreading quickly, new patches are appearing or the diagnosis is uncertain. After the procedure, report increasing pain, warmth, swelling, discharge, fever, graft lifting or unexpected colour change. Urgent assessment is needed for severe pain, heavy bleeding or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Ask whether your pigment loss is stable enough for transplantation, what technique will be used, how donor and recipient skin will heal, and what other options exist if colour does not match as hoped.