Xanthelasma – Causes, Clinical Features and Treatment
At RPM Health Clinic, we know Xanthelasma. Though harmless, they can be aesthetically concerning. We offer safe, removal to help you achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin, whether for cosmetic reasons or to address underlying cholesterol issues.
If you’re looking for an effective, non-surgical solution to xanthelasma, RPM Health Clinic is here to help. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward clear, healthy skin.
What is XANTHELASMA?
Xanthelasma is a form of xanthoma—a condition where cholesterol or lipid deposits accumulate in the skin, creating yellowish plaques. Although these plaques are typically benign, their appearance can signal lipid metabolism issues, prompting many patients to seek both medical evaluation and aesthetic improvement.
Causes of Xanthelasma
- Xanthelasma is primarily linked to cholesterol imbalances, but it can occur even in individuals with normal cholesterol levels. Key contributing factors include:
- Hyperlipidemia: Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood increase the likelihood of xanthelasma development. High cholesterol often results from genetic factors, diet, or lifestyle choices.
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Individuals with a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease may be genetically predisposed to xanthelasma due to inherited lipid metabolism disorders.
- Liver Dysfunction: The liver plays a central role in processing and managing cholesterol. Conditions that affect liver function, such as cirrhosis or fatty liver disease, may contribute to xanthelasma formation.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Certain metabolic and endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and pancreatitis, are associated with abnormal cholesterol levels and a higher likelihood of xanthelasma.
- Age and Ethnicity: Xanthelasma most commonly appears in middle-aged individuals and is more frequently seen in certain ethnicities, including those of Mediterranean, Asian, or Middle Eastern descent.
Clinical Features of Xanthelasma
- Yellowish Plaques: Xanthelasma presents as soft, yellow to yellow-orange plaques or deposits that are primarily composed of lipids, including cholesterol. These plaques tend to have a slightly raised, waxy appearance.
- Location Around the Eyes: Xanthelasma typically forms on the upper and lower eyelids near the inner corners of the eyes. They may appear symmetrically around both eyes and often grow larger over time.
- Size and Shape: The plaques can vary in size, ranging from small, barely noticeable spots to larger, more pronounced patches. Xanthelasma is usually well-defined and smooth, with borders that blend into the surrounding skin.
- Non-painful but Persistent: These lesions are generally painless and do not itch or cause physical discomfort. However, they are persistent and, once formed, are unlikely to resolve without treatment.
- Potential for Recurrence: Even after removal, xanthelasma may recur, particularly if underlying cholesterol imbalances are not addressed.
Treatment Options for Xanthelasma at RPM Health Clinic
1. Medical and Lifestyle Management
- Lipid Control: For patients with elevated cholesterol levels, we recommend managing lipid levels through diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medications. Controlling cholesterol can help prevent xanthelasma from worsening or recurring.
- Medical Evaluation: Our team may recommend a lipid profile and additional testing to assess cholesterol and triglyceride levels and screen for any associated conditions.
2. Cosmetic Removal Options
- Electrodesiccation with Hyfrecator : non-surgical electrocautery, is highly effective in removing xanthelasma with minimal scarring. Hyfrecator treatment precisely target the affected area, allowing for accurate plaque removal.
- Chemical Peels: Specialized chemical peels can help reduce xanthelasma’s appearance by exfoliating the top layers of skin. These treatments are suitable for small, shallow deposits.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen can be effective for xanthelasma removal, especially for smaller plaques. This treatment minimizes scarring and downtime.
- Surgical Excision: For larger or thicker plaques, minor surgical excision offers immediate removal. Our skilled clinicians use techniques to minimize scarring and ensure a smooth aesthetic result.
Our Hyfrecator Xanthelasma Removal Procedure
Our clinic specializes in using the hyfrecator—a state-of-the-art device that delivers low-powered electrical energy to the xanthelasma, allowing for controlled, safe removal without causing damage to the surrounding tissues. This non-invasive method is ideal for delicate areas like the eyelids.
Key Benefits of Hyfrecator Treatment:
- Non-Surgical: No incisions or stitches are required, meaning less risk and faster recovery.
- Precision Targeting: The hyfrecator allows for precise removal of xanthelasma, reducing the risk of scarring or injury to surrounding skin.
- Minimal Downtime: Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.
- Long-Lasting Results: Once removed, xanthelasma is unlikely to reappear in the treated area, though monitoring cholesterol levels is recommended for prevention.
Step-by-Step
Treatment Process
Initial Consultation: You will meet with our dermatology specialist for a thorough assessment of your xanthelasma. During this consultation, we’ll discuss your medical history, cholesterol levels, and the best treatment options available.
Procedure Day: On the day of your procedure, the hyfrecator will be used to safely and effectively remove the xanthelasma. The process typically takes between 15-30 minutes, and local anaesthesia is applied to ensure a comfortable experience.
Aftercare: After the procedure, you may experience mild redness or swelling at the treatment site, but this usually subsides within a few days. Our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and ensure the best possible outcome.
Follow-Up: We recommend scheduling a follow-up visit to monitor the healing process and discuss lifestyle changes, if necessary, to prevent future occurrences, especially if the xanthelasma was linked to high cholesterol.
FAQs
Is the hyfrecator treatment painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. Worst part is local anaesthesia which is applied to ensure that the procedure is as painless as possible.
Will there be any scarring?
The hyfrecator – electrodessication allows for precise targeting, minimizing the risk of scarring. However, every patient heals differently, and we will provide aftercare instructions to support the healing process.
How long is the recovery time?
Recovery is quick, with most patients returning to their regular activities within a day or two. Any redness or swelling should subside within a few days.
Can xanthelasma return?
While xanthelasma may not reappear in the same spot after removal, it is important to manage underlying causes, such as high cholesterol, to prevent future occurrences.
Price list
Initial Xanthelasma Removal Consultation
Specialized consultation for xanthelasma treatment, including expert evaluation and personalized treatment planning.
Cost of First Eyelid
Effective treatment for xanthelasma on the first eyelid, ensuring excellent cosmetic results and minimal downtime.
Cost of Every Further Eyelid
Additional eyelid treatment for xanthelasma, ensuring comprehensive care and a uniform appearance.
Follow Up Treatment
If you require a second or third treatment within 3 months of your initial session, we offer it at 50% of the original cost. For example, if your first treatment for two xanthelasmas was £390, the follow-up treatment will cost just £195.