What is Xanthelasma?
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Xanthelasma is the appearance of yellow or white flat plaques on the upper or lower eyelids, usually near the inside of the eye. These plaques are fatty deposits of cholesterol which form around the eyes just underneath the skin. They are made up of cells which have taken up lipids. Our Norwich aesthetic clinic specialises in lesion and blemish removal.
What causes Xanthelasma?
The most common cause of Xanthelasma is high cholesterol. This leads to deposits accumulating beneath the skin, with the eyelids one of the places this can appear. High cholesterol levels can arise due to many reasons including:
- High LDL (bad cholesterol) or low HDL (good cholesterol) levels
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia (a genetic condition of high cholesterol levels)
- Liver disease – primary biliary cirrhosis
Xanthelasma is most common among certain ethnicities, especially those from Asia or the Mediterranean.
Where does Xanthelasma appear?
Xanthelasma will primarily appear around the eye area, with yellow plaques being apparent around the corners of the eyes.
Xanthelasma Treatment
The lesions will not go away on their own, instead staying the same size or increasing. Despite being harmless, Xanthelasma can appear unattractive and can be uncomfortable. Therefore, you may wish to have it removed for cosmetic reasons.
Methods of removal include cryotherapy, surgery, or treatment with an electric needle. However, these methods bring with them a risk of side effects, such as scarring, changes to skin colour, and turned-out eyelid.
Here at The Doctors Laser Clinic Norwich, we offer a removal procedure with the Alma CO2 Pixel laser. This procedure allows for precise removal of tissue at the affected area whilst reducing the trauma on the area and reducing chance of scarring. The laser also only targets damaged tissue, leaving the surrounding healthy unaffected.
Our experienced clinicians can provide Xanthelasma removal with excellent cosmetic results, through a safe and quick method of using a CO2 laser. We have treated many patients for this condition at our clinic in Poringland, Norwich.
Xanthelasma FAQs
When should I see a doctor about my Xanthelasma?
Xanthelasma is usually harmless, but because it can be caused by high levels of cholesterol, it could indicate a lipid disease. High levels of cholesterol can lead to build up of plaques in your arteries, increasing risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke. It can also be linked to diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, so it is important that your doctor checks these out. It should however be noted it is possible to get Xanthelasma without having high cholesterol levels.
What are the benefits of treatment?
The primary benefit of treatment of Xanthelasma is an improvement in cosmetic appearance. The appearance of plaques on eyelids and around the eye can affect your self-confidence and appear unsightly. Treatment with our CO2 laser is a safe and effective method of removing Xanthelasma, whilst reducing the risk of scarring.
As with all skin lesions, the best clinic advice is to have any growths looked at to rule out any other types of skin lesion and other health problems.
Allow us to put your mind at rest and offer you treatment options for Xanthelasma here at our Clinic in Poringland, Norwich. We are experts at removing almost all types of skin lesions, including Xanthelasma. Our clinicians see patients around Norfolk.
You can book a consultation here.
