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Does melanocyte transplant treat vitiligo?

How the structures involved in Vitiligo differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Vitiligo differ from normal

Short answer

Melanocyte transplant can treat selected areas of vitiligo by placing pigment-producing cells into skin where pigment has been lost.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

What is transferred
Pigment-producing cells or cell-containing skin from a donor area
Who may be considered
People with selected, stable vitiligo patches

How the procedure works

Vitiligo is an acquired loss of melanocytes, the cells that make skin pigment. In a melanocyte transplant, a clinician takes a small sample of normally pigmented skin, prepares pigment-producing cells or a thin cell-containing graft, and places it into a prepared vitiligo patch. The aim is for pigment to repopulate the treated area.

This approach is considered for carefully selected patches, often when vitiligo has been stable and the target area is suitable for a procedure. It does not remove the tendency for vitiligo to affect other skin. Color may appear gradually and can be uneven while the area heals and pigment develops.

Preparing and recovering

During consultation, the clinician assesses whether the patches have been stable, their size and location, the donor skin, and any history of raised scars or poor wound healing. Follow instructions about pausing products, keeping dressings in place, cleansing the sites, and protecting treated skin from irritation and sun.

Do not pick crusts or rub the donor and recipient areas. Attend planned reviews so the clinician can assess healing and pigment. New depigmented spots, expanding edges, or pigment that remains patchy should be discussed rather than treated repeatedly without review.

When to seek care

Contact the treating clinic for increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, worsening redness, or a dressing that becomes soaked. Seek prompt care for fever or rapidly spreading redness. A sudden change in the treated patch or new active vitiligo elsewhere also warrants review of the overall plan.

Ask for an assessment if the donor site heals slowly, develops a thick raised scar, or changes color in a way that concerns you. The clinician can separate normal healing from infection, scarring, or pigment complications.

Questions for your doctor

Ask whether your vitiligo is stable enough for transplantation, which technique fits the patch, and where the donor skin will be taken. Clarify expected healing, aftercare, the possibility of uneven pigment, and how active vitiligo would change the timing or treatment plan.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Does melanocyte transplant cure vitiligo everywhere?

It targets selected patches and does not prevent vitiligo from appearing or changing in other areas.

Will the treated skin match immediately?

No. Healing and pigment development take time, and color may look uneven during the process.

Keep reading

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.