The patches are harmless. Book an appointment if you would like them removed.
What is xanthelasma?
The patches consist of fat-laden cells containing cholesterol that have settled in the skin. They do not hurt or itch, but they often grow slowly and can appear on several eyelids.
Who gets xanthelasma?
- Most often people over 40, slightly more often women
- People with high cholesterol, though many have normal cholesterol
- Xanthelasma in the family
Have your cholesterol checked
Xanthelasma can be a sign of high cholesterol and therefore a higher risk of heart and vascular disease. Have your cholesterol checked by your GP if it has not been done recently.
Treatment
The patches can be removed in a minor procedure under local anaesthetic, in which the yellow skin is cut away and the wound closed with fine stitches. Large patches may need to be removed in stages. Xanthelasma can come back after removal.
Read about the removal procedure
What happens at our clinic?
- We assess the patches and plan the removal, taking both scarring and the function of the eyelid into account.
- We often remove xanthelasma here at the clinic under local anaesthetic.
This text is general information and does not replace an examination. If you are unsure about your symptoms, call us.