Xanthelasma are yellow patches commonly found in the inside corners of the eye. In some cases, they involve the upper & lower eyelids. Xanthelasmas are soft plaques of cholesterol deposits. They may be a marker of heart disease.
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What are your chances of having high cholesterol?
Xanthelasma are associated with elevations in lipids in over one third of cases. If you have signs of xanthelasma it is prudent to see your doctor to see if your cholesterol is elevated. Elevated cholesterol levels are a marker of heart disease & stroke.
How to treat xanthelasma?
My primary treatment is with a laser, either an erbium or a CO2 laser. In most cases one laser resurfacing session addresses 60 to 95% of the lesion. For XXL xanthelasma, you may require two sessions of laser. In some cases, I combine surgery with laser (depending on the size and location).
Other methods to treat xanthelasma include TCA or phenol peels as well as RF ablation. Creams do not work.
Do xanthelasmas come back?
Yes. With laser & or surgical excision, xanthelasma can still return. This is because your skin has a genetic abnormality that predisposes to recurrence. Most patients will have remission for 4-10 years.
