Xanthelasma

Skin and Laser Dermatology Center of McLean and Woodbridge, Virginia now offer the latest laser technology to treat a condition known as “xanthelasma.” Xanthelasma often appears as a soft, yellowish deposit of fat around the upper and lower eyelids. These velvety soft lesions often start as small bumps and gradually enlarge over the course of a few months to larger plaques. . While usually benign and painless, xanthelasma may become unsightly. However, it is important to see a dermatologist to differentiate between other similar appearing conditions, which may not be benign. Xanthelasma affects about 1% of the western population and has a higher incidence in females, those over the age of 30, and in many individuals it is associated with elevated levels of cholesterol and/or other lipids. This is why it is important to check the blood lipid levels in patients with xanthelasma to detect any lab abnormalities early on. However, despite normal lipid levels the xanthelasma lesions will not resolve on their own and will persist without treatment.

What is Xanthelasma?

Xanthelasma often appears as a soft, yellowish deposit of fat around the upper and lower eyelids. These velvety soft lesions often start as small bumps and gradually enlarge over the course of a few months to larger plaques.

Who gets xanthelasma?

Xanthelasma affects about 1% of the western population and has a higher incidence in females, those over the age of 30, and in many individuals it is associated with elevated levels of cholesterol and/or other lipids. This is why it is important to check the blood lipid levels in patients with xanthelasma to detect any lab abnormalities early on.

Why seek medical evaluation for xanthelasma?

However, it is important to see a dermatologist to differentiate between other similar appearing conditions, which may not be benign.

Why remove xanthelasma?

While usually benign and painless, xanthelasma may become unsightly. Xanthelasma lesions will not resolve on their own, including in patients who have successfully reduced their elevated levels of cholesterol and/or other lipids. They will persist without treatment.

How is xanthelasma treated?

A state of the art and highly effective laser known as the fractional CO2 resurfacing laser is one of the treatments of choice for xanthelasma. In most cases the lesions disappear in one to two sessions and rarely recur.

Does it hurt?

Topical numbing cream is applied at the office, and lidocaine injections may also be used for additional anesthesia (numbing) of the treatment area so that the procedure is pain-free. The entire procedure is done within a few minutes.

What is the aftercare for xanthelasma removal?

The treatment areas may take a few days to completely heal following the laser treatment depending on the depth of the lesions. It is critical that the treatment area does not receive sun exposure for the next several days following laser treatment. Patients are also advised to refrain from exercising at this time. Occasionally patients may be instructed to apply aquaphor healing ointment to the treatment areas. Patients will come back for a follow up visit after several days to monitor the healing process.