Xanthelasma Removal in London

Treating your eyelid cholesterol deposits

How Xanthelasma are removed
Why is a chemical peel done
You may consider having a Tricholoacetic acid chemical peel if you are keen to avoid surgery and remove the Xanthelasma. A chemical peel is applied and the Xanthelasma may change in colour and turn pale white at the beginning with the surrounding skin becoming slightly inflamed. Over a period of a few weeks the yellowish plaques will reduce in size. This treatment is effective particularly when the area is small and away from the eyeball. You may require repeated treatments to remove the Xanthelasma entirely.
How you prepare
Before having a Xanthelasma removed with surgery you will meet your oculoplastic surgeon who specialises in Xanthelasma to discuss:
- Your medical history including any previous surgery and current eye conditions.
- Your expectations with an honest discussion about what can be realistically achieved.
- A vision examination to check the eyes prior to surgery.
- A physical examination of the eyelids and lower lids to ensure that this is the correct procedure.
- Eyelid photography which can help with surgical planning and to provide evidence for any insurance claim.
It is preferable to stop taking any blood thinner medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin, apixiban and any other medication that can cause increased bleeding during Xanthelasma surgery. Your doctor will discuss these with you to ensure that it is safe for you to do so prior to your Xanthelasma surgery and will tell you how long before the operation.
Stoping smoking several weeks before surgery can help improve the healing after Xanthelasma surgery.
You should arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure and stay with you for the first night following the operation.
What are the risks?
- Infection
- Bleeding from the eyelids
- Dryness and irritation of the eyes
- Difficulty closing the eyes
- Scarring (although this is usually put into the eyelid skin crease to hide it as much as possible)
- Skin discolouration
- Facial asymmetry
- A need for follow up surgery
- Temporary blurring of the vision
- Rarely, loss of vision
- Risks associated with surgery more general including anaesthetic reactions and blood clots
Why is surgery done for Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma removal surgery is an option if:
Excess skin particularly in the upper eyelids around the Xanthelasma
The Xanthelasma is very close to the eye making a Tricholoracetic acid peel difficult
A Tricholoacetic acid peel has been tried and has not been successful in removing the Xanthelasma entirely
An instant removal of the Xanthelasma is required
Insurance coverage for Xanthelasma removal surgery may depend on your policy. If the surgery is only to improve the cosmetic appearance to give a younger and brighter look the most likely won’t be covered by your insurance policy. Xanthelasma surgery is almost always done for cosmetic reasons as the appearance does not affect the peripheral vision and the Xanthelasma surgery cannot be used to improve vision.
What you can expect before the procedure
Xanthelasma removal with surgery is usually done as a day case where you can go home the same day. Your surgeon will inject anaesthetic into your eyelids to numb the area and you can also have medication through a drip to help you relax.


What you can expect during the procedure
What you can expect after the procedure
After surgery you are monitored for complications. You are able to leave later that day to recuperate and begin the healing at home.
After surgery you may temporarily experience:
- Blurred vision from the lubricating ointment applied to your eyes at the time of Xanthelasma surgery
- Watering of the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Double vision
- Puffy, numb eyelids from the anaesthetic and Xanthelasma surgery
- Swelling and bruising similar to having black eyes which will settle within a week
- Pain or discomfort
Your doctor will likely suggest you take the following steps after surgery:
- Use ice packs on your eyes every hour the night you go home after the operation. The following day, use ice packs on your eyes four to five times throughout the day to help reduce the swelling
- Gently clean your eyelids and use prescribed medication.
- Avoid straining, heavy lifting and swimming for a week after Xanthelasma surgery.
- Avoid strenuous activities, such as aerobics and jogging, for a week.
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Not to use contact lenses for about two weeks after surgery.
- Wear darkly tinted sunglasses to protect the skin of your eyelids from sun and wind.
- Sleep with your head raised higher than your chest for 3 days after the surgery.
- After a few days, return to the surgeon to have stitches removed, if needed.
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- An unusual heart rate
- Severe new eye pain
- Bleeding
- Vision problems