Eyelid Xanthelasma

If you’ve recently noticed yellow raised patches on your eyelids, you may have something called eyelid xanthelasma. Although the patches themselves are harmless they can point to underlying conditions such as high cholesterol or heart disease, so it’s always best to get eyelid xanthelasma checked out by a doctor.

Besides possibly pointing to an underlying health condition, eyelid xanthelasma can be unsightly and cause anxiety for cosmetic reasons. The procedure to remove eyelid xanthelasma is simple and straightforward and you can now have it removed by one of our expert doctors at The Plastic Surgery Clinic without needing a referral from your family doctor.

What is Eyelid Xanthelasma?

Eyelid Xanthelasma is a raised yellow patch that typically forms at the inner corners of your eyelids. It is a patch that forms from the cholesterol that sits under your skin. Eyelid xanthelasma itself is harmless and painless but it may point to high cholesterol or possibly heart disease, so it’s always a good idea to get this skin condition checked out by a doctor.

Eyelid xanthelasma can form even if you don’t have high cholesterol, but approximately 50% of patients with this skin condition do have high cholesterol. Eyelid xanthelasma tends to form in middle age and tends to be more common in women.

The patches themselves do not necessarily need to be treated but many patients find that they prefer to remove them for cosmetic reasons. Eyelid xanthelasma will not go away on its own. If left untreated eyelid xanthelasma typically remains the same size but in some cases it can grow larger.

The Eyelid Xanthelasma Removal Procedure

We will book an appointment for a free consultation in order for one of our doctors to assess your eyelid xanthelasma and take a medical history. We will then schedule you in for your eyelid xanthelasma removal procedure if necessary.

Eyelid xanthelasma removal is an outpatient procedure. The surgery is simple and painless and takes no more than 30 minutes. You will be given a local anesthetic, which may sting, but after that you will feel no pain at all. Your doctor will then surgically remove your eyelid xanthelasma and stitch it up with dissolving sutures. This will speed up your recovery.

Our doctors place incisions strategically in order to ensure minimal scarring. Any scar(s) will be hidden in the natural creases of your eyelids making them imperceptible.

The majority of our patients are very happy with their eyelid xanthelasma removal and find that removing the yellow patch from their eyelids far outweighs any minimal scarring that may occur.

You will be able to return to work and/or your regular activities following your procedure. Your doctor may ask you to avoid strenuous exercise for approximately one week. Your doctor will also teach you to care for your scar in order to ensure proper healing and the best possible result.

The Cost of Eyelid Xanthelasma Removal

The cost of eyelid xanthelasma removal is dependent on the complexity of your procedure. You will receive a firm quote once you have had your consultation with your doctor.

Some minor procedures are covered by OHIP, but because eyelid xanthelasma is not a condition that needs to be treated, OHIP will typically not cover eyelid xanthelasma removal.

How Long Does Eyelid Xanthelasma Removal Last?

If your eyelid xanthelasma is associated with high cholesterol, it can in some cases return if your cholesterol levels remain unregulated. With the right medication and diet to keep your cholesterol levels normal, your eyelid xanthelasma should not return once removed.

To find out more, please contact us by phone or e-mail or by filling out the Request for Information form below.