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Table of Contents
- What Is Xanthelasma?
- What Causes Xanthelasma?
- Is Xanthelasma a Sign of High Cholesterol?
- How Is Xanthelasma Treated?
- Laser and Radiofrequency Treatment of Xanthelasma
- Recovery After Treatment
- Does Xanthelasma Come Back?
- Why Are Home Remedies Risky?
- Xanthelasma Treatment in Antalya
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Xanthelasma?
Xanthelasma consists of soft, flat or slightly raised yellowish plaques on the eyelids, most often near the inner corner. They form when lipid-laden cells accumulate under the skin.
They are benign and do not hurt or itch, but they can grow over time and be a cosmetic concern. They are more common in middle-aged and older women.
What Causes Xanthelasma?
High blood lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides) are an important risk factor. However, about half of people with xanthelasma have normal blood lipids.
Genetic predisposition, diabetes, liver disease, thyroid disorders and smoking are other associated factors.
Is Xanthelasma a Sign of High Cholesterol?
Xanthelasma can sometimes be the first sign of a lipid metabolism disorder. Therefore, checking cholesterol and triglyceride levels is recommended when xanthelasma is noticed.
If high levels are found, follow-up with internal medicine or cardiology is important, since controlling blood lipids is also essential for overall cardiovascular health.
How Is Xanthelasma Treated?
Xanthelasma does not go away on its own; treatment is cosmetic. Depending on size, depth and number, laser, radiofrequency, chemical (TCA) application, cryotherapy or surgical excision may be used.
Because eyelid skin is very thin, the method should be chosen and performed by an experienced doctor to minimize the risk of scarring and changes in eyelid shape.
Laser and Radiofrequency Treatment of Xanthelasma
Laser and radiofrequency allow the lesion to be removed layer by layer in a controlled way. Small, superficial plaques often need only one session, while larger lesions may require several.
The area is numbed with an anesthetic cream or injection beforehand, and the eyes are protected with shields during the procedure.
Recovery After Treatment
After the procedure there is mild redness and thin crusting, which falls off within 5–10 days. During this time it is important not to touch the area, to apply the cream your doctor recommends and to protect it from the sun.
Temporary color changes may occur in darker skin types; regular sun protection reduces this risk.
Does Xanthelasma Come Back?
Whatever method is used, xanthelasma may recur over time in the same or a different area in some patients. Controlling blood lipids may help reduce the risk.
Small recurrent lesions are easier to treat when addressed early.
Why Are Home Remedies Risky?
Applying creams, acids or caustic pens sold online to the eyelid carries serious risks such as burns, permanent scars, inward or outward turning of the eyelid and damage to the eye.
Any procedure in the eyelid area must be performed by a doctor.
Xanthelasma Treatment in Antalya
In the consultation with dermatologist Dr. Melda Özekinci, the lesions are evaluated, the necessary tests are recommended and the treatment method best suited to your eyelid structure is chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is xanthelasma dangerous?
The lesion itself is harmless, but evaluating blood lipids is important.
Do cholesterol medications remove xanthelasma?
They regulate blood lipids but usually do not remove existing plaques.
Does treatment leave a scar?
With the right method and experienced application, the risk of scarring is low.
How many sessions are needed?
Small lesions often need a single session; larger plaques may need several.
