Xanthelasma (Eyelid Cholesterol Plaques)
Yellow fat–cholesterol plaques on the inner eyelids, and their surgical removal with almost no scar.
Xanthelasma is a fat–cholesterol plaque usually seen in older patients, on the inner parts of the upper and lower eyelids. When xanthelasma appears at a young age, high cholesterol should be suspected.
Xanthelasma is treated surgically. Because the skin around the eye is thin and has an excellent blood supply, the scar left on the eyelid is usually not noticeable.
How Xanthelasma Is Removed (Excision)
- The areas of xanthelasma on the eyelid are numbed with an anaesthetic injection.
- The xanthelasma is cut out with scissors.
- The skin is stitched and the procedure is complete.
Possible Complications of Xanthelasma Excision
- Infection at the incision
- The xanthelasma coming back
Xanthelasma Excision at a Glance
- Anaesthesia
- An anaesthetic injection in the eyelids
- Duration
- 3–5 minutes per plaque
- Bandage
- The eye is not bandaged. A thin tape is applied to the eyelid.
- After surgery
- The tape is removed the next day. Mild swelling and bruising of the lid may last 5 days. Keep water off the eyelids for a week.
- Stitches
- Removed after 5 days.
- Return to work
- The next day
- Check-ups
- The day after surgery, after 5 days and after 1 month
- Eye drops and ointment
- Antibiotic ointment on the eyelids for 1 week
Have your eyes assessed
Send your prescription history, previous eye reports and any corneal imaging for an individual assessment — in person in İstanbul or over video.
With every surgical or interventional procedure, results vary from person to person. Please obtain a detailed opinion from your doctor before any procedure.
This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical examination or personalised medical advice.