Eyelid Lump Treatment (Chalazion, Xanthelasma)

Benign eyelid lumps can take many forms - the most common types are chalazion, papilloma/seborrhoeic keratoses, xanthelasma and cysts.

Benign eyelid lumps can take many forms; however, the most common types are:

Chalazion

A chalazion is a Greek word meaning "small lump". It refers to the swelling of an oil-producing gland (or "meibomian gland") in the eyelid. A chalazion can often be confused with a stye, which also appears as a lump in the eyelid. While a stye is an infection of the lash follicle, a chalazion is an inflammatory reaction to trapped oil secretions. When a chalazion is small, it may disappear on its own; however, if it is large, it can cause blurred vision, discomfort and, in some cases, can cause the entire eyelid to swell suddenly (preseptal cellulitis), which needs to be treated with antibiotics. Occasionally, if a chalazion has been present for a long time, it can cause a thickening within the structure of the eyelid, which can be difficult to treat.

Chalazion lump on the eyelid

Papilloma / Seborrhoeic Keratoses

An eyelid papilloma is any lesion on the eyelid that is smooth, rounded, or has a pedunculated elevation. It is most probably caused by a virus and is essentially a wart on the skin. A seborrhoeic keratoses is also called a "senile wart", but does not have a viral origin. However, it is possible that other benign eyelid lesions may take on the same appearance, as well as malignant skin lesions, especially squamous cell carcinoma (papilloma) and melanoma (pigmented seborrhoeic keratoses).

Xanthelasma

A xanthelasma, otherwise referred to as a cholesterol deposit, is a soft yellowish subcutaneous plaque within the skin of the eyelid. They are often associated with hyperlipidemia, familial hypercholesterolemia, or primary biliary cirrhosis, but can also be seen in menopausal, diabetic and in normo-cholesterolemic patients. Some studies have shown a link between xanthelasma and an increased risk of coronary heart disease.

Xanthelasma lump on the eyelid

Cyst

There are various cysts that can arise around the eye. Common ones include sebaceous cysts (as with any other part of the body), cysts of Moll (benign, non-tender translucent lesions arising from the apocrine sweat glands) and cysts of Zeiss (similar to cysts of Moll but containing oily secretions). However, it is possible that other malignant eyelid skin lesions may take on the same appearance, especially basal cell carcinoma.

Eyelid Lump Surgery Cost

Dr Shah-Desai's charges are from £600 per chalazion removal at 121 Harley Street. Xanthelasma and cyst removal is from £1,000 onwards, depending on the size and reconstruction required; costs can vary.

Real Patient Results

Before & After Eyelid Lump Surgery

Disclaimer: your results may vary. Any specific claims or length of results vary for each patient and are not guaranteed.

5 cases

Individual results vary. All photographs are of real patients treated by Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai and are published with consent.

Patient questions about Eyelid Lump Treatment (Chalazion, Xanthelasma)

Frequently asked questions

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  • Chalazions are treated with any of a combination of the following methods:

    Warm compresses and massage, twice per day: Soak the eyelids for 10 minutes with a hot washcloth, or wrap a just-boiled egg or new potato in a wet washcloth (as it will maintain the heat for a long time). Be careful not to burn your skin!

    Steroid Injections: Steroid injections can work well if the chalazion is fresh. These can be performed in the clinic with topical anaesthesia.

    Surgery: The aim of surgical correction is to incise and drain the lump. This is a simple 10-minute procedure, often performed under a local anaesthetic.

  • Complications from steroid injections are rare and include less than a 1% chance of skin hypo-pigmentation. Vision loss has been reported, but it is extremely rare. Bleeding and infection, which are potential risks with any surgery, are very uncommon, while minor bruising or swelling, which settles in 1-2 weeks, can be expected. The chalazion rarely recurs.

  • Xanthelasmas are treated with any of a combination of the following methods:

    Argon Lasers / Trichloroacetic acid peels: The xanthelasma can be ablated with an argon laser or TCA peel. This is very useful in treating xanthelasma around the inner corner of the eye or where there is a lack of skin.

    Surgery: The aim of surgical correction is 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, generally performed under local anaesthetic.

  • These are treated with surgical correction, with the aim being to excise the lump. It is generally a simple, 10-30 minute procedure, performed under local anaesthetic.

  • Minor bruising or swelling, which settles in 1 week, can be expected. Bleeding and infection, which are potential risks with any surgery, are very uncommon. Visible scarring and recurrence of the papillomas can occur.

  • Cysts are treated with surgical correction, with the aim being to excise the lump. It is generally a simple, 10-minute procedure, performed under local anaesthetic.

  • Minor bruising or swelling, which settles in 1 week, can be expected. Bleeding and infection, which are potential risks with any surgery, are very uncommon. Visible scarring and recurrence of the cysts can occur.
Patient stories

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Desi StevensRated 5 out of 5 on Google
“Simply the best dermatologist for skin care and eye surgery. She is a safe and skilled doctor who is highly experienced and will meet your needs, her approach is a soft and natural aesthetic. She listens and communicates clearly, professionally and in a kind and personable manner. I have been looked after by Dr Sabrina for many years have always been extremely happy with her advice, procedures and results. Highly recommend, she is a talented Dr you can trust.”
Kealey HesseyRated 5 out of 5 on Google
“Dr Sabrina is the magic eye fairy. Only 10 days after my lower lid bleph and midface lift and nearly all bruising and swelling has gone. After a lot of research, I knew after my initial consultation with Dr Sabrina she was the one I trusted. Such a warm & kind woman. I am so pleased I put my Trust in Dr Shah. Immensely happy with the results and will be back to get my upper eyes done in the future. Thank you to the whole team.”
Jo KirbyRated 5 out of 5 on Google
“I had been recommended Dr Sabrina by a medical colleague & am extremely glad I made the journey from Southampton to the Perfect Eye Clinic in London to discuss blepharoplasty. The team were all so friendly & very professional and most importantly, Dr Sabrina informed me that I had a bilateral eye ptosis. This explained a number of issues I was experiencing. I will definitely be booking to have a correction of bilateral eye ptosis and upper blepharoplasty. Can't recommend enough.”
Shirley FordRated 5 out of 5 on Google
“I am so very happy with my experiences at Perfect Eyes. Dr Sabrina is an absolute Star. Extremely talented, very personable I just couldn't be happier with my results and her overall professionalism. But a big part of my review is how lovely the support staff are too. Namely Safiya and Lisa who greet you with such warmness and respect. I highly recommend this clinic as I have done so with many friends.”
Radhika RajanRated 5 out of 5 on Google
“Top notch surgeon. Dr.Sabrina Shah is the best. Very meticulous and focused. Very experienced and very skillful. Supported by a great team, Irvana at the office is efficient and directs empathy as well towards nervous patients like myself . All in all a great experience.”
Tina StonelyRated 5 out of 5 on Google
“Dr Sabrina is so so kind and thorough in really assessing and understanding my needs and explaining in detail what works and the pros on cons of each treatment. I trust her implicitly and know she is the best physician in the UK and trainer to physicians for all aesthetic treatments. I cannot recommend her enough. You will not be disappointed choosing Sabrina.”
Tanya Del FedericoRated 5 out of 5 on Google
“Perfect Eyes provides an exceptional experience from start to finish. The team is warm, professional and highly knowledgeable, and every aspect of the consultation feels thorough and personalised. Sabrina combines outstanding surgical expertise with a genuine commitment to achieving natural, elegant results, taking the time to explain every option and ensure patients feel completely at ease. The care, attention to detail and standard of service are second to none. I would highly recommend Perfect Eyes to anyone looking for expert oculoplastic and aesthetic care.”
Minda WangRated 5 out of 5 on Google
“I am so happy with my experience. The results look natural, and I feel like a fresher version of myself since having my Biostimulation treatment with Doctor Sabrina. The whole experience was comfortable and professional, and I felt supported and well cared for throughout. I would definitely recommend this treatment to anyone looking for a natural-looking boost.”
Samantha AndrewsRated 5 out of 5 on Google
“Amazing. I’m so happy with the results. Sabrina is a master. She also has a wonderful bedside manner. I can’t recommend Sabrina and her team enough. Worth double the money. 👏🏻”
Hayley PearsonRated 5 out of 5 on Google
“I was lucky enough to first meet Sabrina 9 years ago & have never used anyone else since. She has helped transform my appearance; with natural looking aesthetics. I currently live abroad, however remain dedicated to stay a patient of Sabrina. What’s 3,500 miles when you have found the best in the business!”

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