Stem cell therapy is a new treatment for vitiligo, especially in patients with stable vitiligo (stable for > 1 year). In India, this treatment is being increasingly provided at specialized centers of dermatology and regenerative medicine. Here's all that you must know:
What Is Stem Cell Therapy for Vitiligo?
Stem cell therapy works by giving new life to melanocytes (cells that produce pigments) in the depigmented patches of vitiligo. Procedures usually include:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord
Epidermal stem cell transplant from a patient's own skin
Combination treatments with narrowband UVB or excimer laser for improved pigmentation
Who Can Benefit?
The best candidates for stem cell therapy are:
Stable vitiligo (no new lesions or progression for 12–18 months)
Localized vitiligo
Patients who are unresponsive to standard treatments (e.g., topical steroids, phototherapy)
Vitiligo Stem Cell Treatment
Vitiligo is a chronic disease of the skin that results in loss of color due to damage or malfunction of melanocytes (color-producing cells). Stem cell therapy is an emerging regenerative therapy for vitiligo, especially in the case of patients with stable, non-segmental vitiligo who have not responded to standard treatments.
Types of Stem Cell Therapy Utilized:
Epidermal Melanocyte Stem Cell Transplantation
They utilize skin grafts from the pigmented region of the patient, process the cells, and transfer them into patches of vitiligo.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Harvested from bone marrow or adipose tissue; possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions.
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs)
Harvested from adipose tissue, utilized to decrease autoimmunity and restore skin cells.
Hair follicle-derived stem cells
Have melanocyte precursors which, upon transplantation, can repopulate the compromised areas.
Factors Affecting Vitiligo stem cell therapy cost India
The cost of vitiligo stem cell therapy in India can vary widely depending on multiple medical, logistical, and institutional factors. Here's a breakdown of the key factors that influence pricing:
Delhi is one of the top centers in India for advanced vitiligo treatment, including stem cell therapy. It has a mix of best-in-class dermatologists, advanced technology, and cost-effective options for both global and domestic patients.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy for Vitiligo?
Stem cell therapy for vitiligo focuses on regrowing melanocytes (pigment cells) in depigmented spots by using the body's own regenerative cells. Delhi primarily employs two techniques:
Autologous Epidermal Cell Suspension (ECS)
Healthy patient skin is processed to harvest melanocytes and stem cells.
Cell suspension is implanted into depigmented sites.
Used with narrowband UVB or excimer laser for enhanced effect.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Therapy
From bone marrow or fat tissue (adipose tissue).
MSCs possess anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating functions.
May be injected locally or systemically to inhibit autoimmune melanocyte destruction.
Vitiligo Cure Stem Cell India
Vitiligo is an autoimmune long-term skin condition that results in loss of color due to melanocyte destruction or dysfunction. Stem cell therapy is not a surefire cure, but it is currently the most hopeful treatment on offer — particularly in India, where low-cost and high-quality regenerative medicine is being noticed around the world.
Can Stem Cell Therapy Cure Vitiligo?
No, stem cell therapy is not a cure, but it can cause long-term repigmentation and remission in most patients, particularly those with stable vitiligo.
What Stem Cell Therapy Can Do:
Grow melanocytes in depigmented skin
Immunomodulate to prevent further damage
Enhance pigmentation in 60%–80% of stable vitiligo patients
Provide long-term results when used together with UV therapy
Vitiligo regeneration stem cell India
Stem cell regeneration for vitiligo is a new technique in India that aims to restore the skin's color by repopulating the pigment cells (melanocytes) with the individual's own stem cells. It is one of the most exciting regenerative therapies available for stable vitiligo, particularly when other conventional treatments (such as steroid ointments or phototherapy) have not worked.
What Is Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy for Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is the outcome of melanocyte destruction or loss. Stem cell therapy triggers spontaneous pigment regeneration by way of:
Epidermal Stem Cells: Have melanocyte precursors that produce new pigment cells
Hair Follicle Stem Cells: Abundant in melanocyte stem cells, ideal for local repigmentation
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs): Minimize inflammation and regain immune balance
Bone Marrow-Derived MSCs: Regulate autoimmunity and encourage melanocyte survival
How Does the Regeneration Work?
Stem cell harvesting – From the patient's own bone marrow, fat, or skin
Cell processing in lab – Isolated, purified, and activated cells
Application or injection – Transplanted into the vitiligo areas
Phototherapy (NB-UVB or excimer laser) – Stimulates activation and development of new melanocytes
Non-surgical vitiligo therapy in India
If you are looking for non-surgical vitiligo treatment in India, several effective evidence-based treatments exist — particularly for patients with early-stage, localized, or stable vitiligo. These treatments eschew invasive processes yet can help restore pigmentation while preventing further disease progression.
Top Non-Surgical Vitiligo Therapies in India:
Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) Phototherapy
Gold standard for non-segmental vitiligo
Employs 311 nm wavelength to induce melanocyte regeneration
Can be used long-term; few side effects
Duration: 2–3 sessions/week for 3–6 months
Excimer Laser Therapy (308 nm)
Targeted UVB light for small/localized patches
More precise than NB-UVB, fewer sessions required
Best for: Face, neck, genital area, resistant patches
Total: ~10–20 sessions
Topical Medications
a. Tacrolimus (0.1%) / Pimecrolimus
Calcineurin inhibitors that modulate local immune activity
Effective for face and thin-skinned areas
b. Topical Corticosteroids
Anti-inflammatory; reduce autoimmune attack on melanocytes
Used for short-term flare control
c. Topical Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors (emerging)
Ruxolitinib cream (used in clinical trials)
May be available from specialist dermatologists in India
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Utilizes patient's own plasma rich in growth factors
Injected into vitiligo lesions to enhance melanocyte activity
Combined with NB-UVB often to obtain enhanced results
Recommended: 4–6 sessions
Ayurvedic & Herbal Therapies (Adjuvant)
Psoralea corylifolia (Bakuchi) applied topically with sun exposure
Panchakarma detox (limited clinical support)
Systemic Therapies
Oral steroids (short-term "minipulse therapy") to stabilize spreading vitiligo
Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine) in certain cases
Administered under strict supervision by dermatologists to avoid autoimmune destruction of melanocytes.
GetWellGo medical tourism vitiligo
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We offer:
Complete transparency
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24 hour availability.
Medical E-visas
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Expert doctor with a strong track record of success
Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
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