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Xanthelasma
If you are bothered by yellowish bumps or patches on your eyelids, you might be dealing with xanthelasma, a typically harmless skin condition. At Mole Institute, we understand how these yellow eyelid plaques can affect your confidence. The good news is that xanthelasma can be safely removed with simple in-office procedures by a physician. We offer expert xanthelasma treatment and removal to patients coming from areas such as Ancaster, Burlington, Oakville and St. Catherines. Our process is straightforward and does not require a doctor’s referral.
What is Xanthelasma?
Xanthelasma palpebrarum, commonly known as XP, refers to yellowish patches that develop around the eyelids. These patches are made up of lipid deposits, which means they contain fats or oils from your body. While xanthelasma itself is not harmful, it serves as a signpost for potential underlying health issues. Clinically, it presents as soft, yellowish plaques or papules around the eyes—usually near the inner corners of both upper and lower eyelid. These patches are typically painless and grow slowly over time. Though they can be unsightly, they don’t cause any physical discomfort.
Your best C.A.R.E. is our priority
To meet with our team of physicians at the Mole Institute, follow our 4 step C.A.R.E. process. Book a consultation online or by calling (905) 906-SKIN (7546).
No referral is needed.
Connect
Call our office or book a free consultation online
Assess
Your condition will be assessed by a trained physician
Remove
Procedures can be done on the same day as your consultation
Enjoy
Enjoy your results with minimal downtime
Are Xanthelasma patches dangerous?
The real concern with xanthelasma lies beneath its surface. While it doesn’t directly harm your health, its presence suggests that there might be an underlying systemic issue, particularly related to lipid metabolism. This condition is often linked to high cholesterol levels and can indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, even if traditional cholesterol tests don’t reflect this.
If you notice unusual yellow patches around your eyes, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. A thorough examination will help confirm whether these are indeed Xanthelasma palpebrarum. Since XP can be a marker for systemic issues like dyslipidemia (an abnormal amount of lipids in the blood) or other metabolic disorders, comprehensive screening is essential. This might include tests for cholesterol levels, diabetes, thyroid function, and liver health.
What happens during xanthelasma removal?
If you’re thinking about removal, talk to our team of experienced physicians at the Mole Institute to get the best treatment possible. The most common procedure is surgical excision, where a physician will clean the area and apply local anesthesia to numb the eyelid or surrounding skin. Then, the doctor carefully cuts out the yellowish lesion with the goal to remove as much of the lipid deposit as possible while preserving healthy skin. After the lesion is removed, the area may be stitched closed with fine sutures. This helps the skin heal properly and minimizes scarring.
It is important to note that surgical excision is a cosmetic procedure, so it’s best done after addressing any underlying health issues (like high cholesterol) that may contribute to xanthelasma.