Xanthelasma is a small, yellowish patch that appears under the skin of the eyelid. It’s sometimes called a cholesterol deposit. These patches are often seen in people with hyperlipidemia, familial hypercholesterolemia, or primary biliary cirrhosis but can also be seen in menopausal, diabetic, and normo-cholesterolemic patients. However, they can also appear in people with normal cholesterol levels. Women are more likely to get xanthelasma eyelid than men, especially between the ages of 30 and 50. The patches are usually flat, painless, and don’t affect vision. But some people may find them unsightly and bothersome.
Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma are yellowish cholesterol deposits underneath the skin, often found on or around the eyelids. These deposits can cause aesthetic concerns and sometimes indicate underlying health issues.
At Perfect Eyes Limited, our dedicated team provides expert treatments to remove xanthelasma, ensuring your eyes look clear and revitalised.
What is Xanthelasma?
Causes of Xanthelasma
Family History of Inherited High Cholesterol
You can inherit xanthelasma from your parents, which increases your risk of developing high cholesterol and these yellowish patches.
Diabetes Mellitus
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increasing the risk of Xanthelasma.
Weight Gain and Obesity
Excess weight, particularly around the midsection, can contribute to high cholesterol and insulin resistance, leading to Xanthelasma.
Thyroid Issues (Hypothyroidism)
An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can cause high cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of Xanthelasma.
Chronic Inflammation
Ongoing inflammation in the body can contribute to high cholesterol and the development of Xanthelasma.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to high triglyceride levels, liver disease, and an increased risk of Xanthelasma.
Low-Fibre Diet
A diet lacking fibre can contribute to high cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of Xanthelasma.
Smoking
Smoking can damage blood vessels, increase inflammation, and contribute to high cholesterol levels, all of which can increase the risk of Xanthelasma.
Treatments for Xanthelasma
Argon Lasers
An argon laser is a good and easy way to treat small xanthelasma lesions that are less than 1 cm. The laser treats the skin’s surface without scarring.
Trichloroacetic Acid Peels
Trichloroacetic acid peels can safely treat xanthelasma by removing the top skin layers, reducing the appearance of the lesions and potentially lightening them.
Xanthelasma Removal Surgery
The surgical correction aims to excise the lesions. This can range from a simple 30-minute procedure to a more complex 90-minute procedure, which involves sliding in a flap of normal skin.
Meet the Expert: Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai
With over two decades of surgical and non-surgical experience, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai is currently considered to be one of the safest, most experienced oculoplastic surgeons in the UK. Her extensive training, in combination with her caring and empathetic nature, makes her a natural choice for patients seeking the very best care. For this reason, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai appears consistently in Tatler magazine as one of the UK’s “Best Eye Surgeon” and “Top Doctors” since 2019, and is the recipient of multiple awards, including “Best Aesthetic Doctor” Safety in Beauty Diamond Award 2023, “Consultant Surgeon of the Year”, “Best Surgical Result” Aesthetic Awards 2021 & Highly Commended “Consultant Surgeon of the Year” Aesthetic Awards 2022. She was voted by “MyFaceMyBody” as one of the Global 100 most influential aesthetic practitioners in 2019 & 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes xanthelasma?
Xanthelasma appears as yellow growths on or near the eyelids. They form when there’s a buildup of cholesterol under the skin. Although xanthelasma is not harmful, it can indicate heart disease.
Can xanthelasma disappear on its own?
Xanthelasma generally does not disappear by itself. However, they may not increase in size if cholesterol levels are managed well. There are also various treatments available if you choose to have them removed by a doctor.
Should I be concerned about xanthelasma?
Although xanthelasma is not harmful, if you’re not happy with how it looks, your oculoplastic surgeon can help you remove it. Remember, having xanthelasma could be a sign of being more likely to develop heart disease, so it’s important not to ignore this skin condition and have it checked out by a doctor.
Is removing xanthelasma painful?
The removal of a small xanthelasma from the eyelids is a simple and painless outpatient procedure that takes around 30 minutes. You will be given a local anaesthetic, which may sting a little, but you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
What makes xanthelasma worse?
High cholesterol, inflammation, being overweight, and having diabetes can make xanthelasma worse. Another cause of xanthelasma is a condition called dyslipidemia, where there is an excessive amount of lipids in the bloodstream.
What are some natural ways to reduce fat from eyelids?
Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and using a cold compress are good home remedies for reducing eyelid fat. If you smoke, quitting can also help because smoking causes dry eyes, leading to more rubbing of the eyes, which can result in baggy eyelids.
