What are xanthelasma?

Xanthelasmas are fatty lumps near the inner corners of the upper and lower eyelids. In most cases they are due to high cholesterol levels in the blood. The fat deposits are completely harmless and treatment would only be cosmetic

What are the treatment options?

Various options are available including:

•  surgical excision (with or without skin grafting for large lesions)
• chemical treatment
• laser treatment and
• cryocautery.There is also a possibility of the Xanthelasmas recurring even after any of these interventions.

What does surgery entail?

The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia. This means you will be awake during the operation but will have an injection into your eyelid to numb the area before hand.The xanthelasma is then carefully excised and the skin is closed using special plastic surgical techniques. Eye pad may be
applied.

What happens after the surgery?

The eyelid may look bruised and swollen for a few weeks after the operation.
When you get home you should rest quietly for a while. You may work normally the next day.

What problems can occur after the operation?

•  Your eyelid may be bruised and swollen and a little sore for a few days. Usually the lid heals well with little obvious scarring. However, sometimes scars can persist in some patients. It may be possible to correct unsightly scarring with further surgery.
• Occasionally wounds become infected and can then breakdown. If this happens you should contact the hospital as antibiotic tablets would be required. Once the infection has settled down it may be necessary to re-stitch the wound.
• Bleeding after the operation is usually slight and stops within a short time. If bleeding continues you should contact the hospital in case further treatment is required.