What is xanthelasma?
Have you ever noticed small, yellowish patches around your eyes, particularly on your eyelids?
If so, you might be dealing with xanthelasma (pronounced zan-the-laz-ma). These soft, fatty deposits form just beneath the skin and are often symmetrical, meaning they appear on both eyes. While they are not painful, many people find them cosmetically bothersome.
Xanthelasma is more common in middle-aged and older adults, though it can occur at any age. While these patches themselves are harmless, they may indicate an underlying health issue, such as high cholesterol or heart disease, which is why understanding them is so important.
Why does xanthelasma occur?
Xanthelasma is primarily caused by the accumulation of cholesterol under the skin. However, not everyone who develops xanthelasma has high cholesterol. Here are some common causes:
- 🫀 High cholesterol levels – Elevated LDL (bad cholesterol) or low HDL (good cholesterol) can contribute to fatty deposits forming under the skin.
- 🧬 Genetics – Some people have a genetic predisposition to developing xanthelasma, even if their cholesterol levels are normal.
- 🧫 Metabolic conditions – Diabetes, obesity, and liver disease can increase the likelihood of developing these patches.
- 🧓 Age and gender – It is more common in people over 40 and slightly more prevalent in women than men.
Think of xanthelasma as a “warning light” on your dashboard – it may not be an emergency on its own, but it’s worth checking under the bonnet to see what’s going on.
What are the symptoms of xanthelasma?
The symptoms of xanthelasma are easy to identify:
- 👉 Flat or slightly raised yellowish plaques around the eyes, particularly on the inner corners of the upper and lower eyelids.
- 👉 Soft or slightly firm texture – They aren’t painful but may feel slightly thickened compared to normal skin.
- 👉 Slow growth over time – Xanthelasma typically expands gradually but does not go away on its own.
- 👉Bilateral occurrence – Often appearing on both eyes, creating a symmetrical effect.
Unlike a rash or a temporary skin issue, xanthelasma doesn’t itch or cause discomfort. However, it can become more pronounced over time, leading many people to seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.
How does xanthelasma affect my life?
Xanthelasma itself doesn’t cause any physical pain, but it can have a significant impact on a person’s confidence and self-esteem. Since it develops on a highly visible area – the eyes – a lot people feel self-conscious and can avoid social situations or photos.
Additionally, if xanthelasma is linked to high cholesterol or another underlying health condition, it’s a sign to pay attention to your overall health. Addressing these risk factors can help prevent future health complications such as heart disease.
Is xanthelasma harmful?
Medically speaking, xanthelasma is not harmful on its own. It won’t turn into cancer, cause pain, or affect your vision. However, because it can be associated with high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, it is important to have a doctor check your cholesterol levels.
Even if your cholesterol is normal, you might still want to remove xanthelasma for cosmetic reasons. Fortunately, there are safe and effective treatments available.
How do you treat xanthelasma?
While xanthelasma won’t go away on its own, several treatment options can remove it. These include:
- ✅ Laser therapy – Uses a laser to break down the fatty deposits.
- ✅ Cryotherapy – Freezing the xanthelasma with liquid nitrogen.
- ✅ Surgical excision – Physically cutting out the patches (effective but can leave scarring).
- ✅ Plasma pen treatment (available at Edwards & Walker Opticians, Doncaster) – A non-invasive treatment that’s quick and offers great results with minimal downtime.
Plasma pen treatment for xanthelasma
At Edwards & Walker, we’re the only opticians in Doncaster that offers plasma pen treatment, which is a cutting-edge approach to removing xanthelasma without surgery.
What does the plasma pen treatment do?
The plasma pen works by delivering a small plasma charge to the skin, which heats and evaporates the affected tissue in a precise manner. This causes the xanthelasma to shrink and eventually disappear, allowing new, healthy skin to form in its place. Pretty is the only trained optician in Doncaster who can carry out the treatment, which heavily leans on her expertise in skin treatment around the eyes too.
You can watch Pretty delivering Xanthelasma treatment to a patient here→
Is the plasma pen treatment safe?
Yes! Plasma pen treatment is considered safe when performed by a trained professional (like Pretty). Unlike surgery, it doesn’t involve cutting the skin, which means there’s less risk of infection and scarring.
Does the plasma pen treatment hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as a mild tingling or warming feeling. A numbing cream is applied beforehand to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. After treatment, you might experience slight redness or scabbing, but this is temporary and part of the healing process.
How effective is the plasma pen treatment?
Plasma pen treatment is highly effective for removing xanthelasma. Patients typically see a significant reduction or complete removal after one or two sessions. The results are long-lasting, and recurrence is rare when underlying health factors (such as cholesterol levels) are managed.
Google before and after pics of Xanthelasma treatment and you’ll see what we mean.
Final thoughts
Xanthelasma may be harmless, but it can be a sign of underlying health issues, and many people choose to remove it for cosmetic reasons. Understanding what causes it and the available treatments can help you make an informed decision about your health and appearance.
If you’d like to learn more about Xanthelasma treatment at Edwards & Walker Optician in Doncaster, or book a consultation, just get in touch with us – you can email us at info@edwardsandwalker.com or call us on 01302 349193.
Your eyes – and your confidence – deserve the best care possible!
