Xanthelasma Removal

Laser therapy is best. We use a combination of erbium, CO2 & in some cases long pulse NdYag lasers. The choice of laser depends on the extent of xanthelasma as well as your skin type.

This procedure is performed by our dermatologists in an accredited laser theatre at Cutis Dermatology, Brisbane.

• One hour prior to the procedure we apply numbing cream, followed by some mild sedation. This means you are totally relaxed during the procedure.
• Your eyes are covered to protect you from the laser.
• The procedure itself takes between 3 to 12 minutes, depending on the extent of your xanthelasmas.

Following the laser procedure, you will be given instructions as to how to look after your skin. We normally perform a check-up 1-3 days after. Your skin will be healed by day 6-7.

1-2 depending on the extent & your skin type.

• Laser ablation using CO2 or erbium (preferable) takes 1-2 sessions. For wide xanthelasma it takes 2 sessions, especially in darker skin types.
• Surgical excision takes 1-2 sessions depending on the extent & location of xanthelasma.
• TCA takes between 3-6 sessions, depending on concentration of TCA & your skin type.
• NdYag takes 2-3 sessions.

Skin is fully healed by day 6-7. There may be some pigmentation changes that linger for another 2-5 months, depending on your skin type.

Yup, it’s a good idea. Get your GP to print you out a fasting TG & cholesterol test. Up to one quarter of patients with xanthelasma will have high cholesterol. 

There are rare reports of xanthelasma regressing after statin drugs. It is worth a go, as the worst that can happen is that you reduce your chances of getting a heart attack or stroke.

Highly unlikely, but it is worth a go, given high cholesterol levels can lead to strokes or heart attacks. There are a few small case reports regarding statins reducing cholesterol deposits & xanthelasmas. Discuss this with your GP prior to seeing a dermatologist.

Possibly, however most patients will have between 2-15 years of remission. Following treatment, xanthelasma may arise in new areas of eyelid skin. If, when & where is not predictable.

Surgery has the most predictable response as we excise xanthelasma lesions completely, even down to the muscle layer. We prefer this method if –

1. Xanthelasma involves the upper eyelid.
2. The area of involvement is longer than it is wider.
3. If the patient has associated laxity of the eyelid skin.

These treatments are useful for patients who would like a slow & steady approach. Chemical peels are an alternative to fast, more effective & efficient laser treatments.

The number of chemical peel sessions required to treat xanthelasma range from 3 to 8 over 6 to12 months. 

Creams do not reliably treat xanthelasma as this lesion lies in the deep dermal, fat & muscle layers of skin- beyond the reach of topical applications.

Our senior dermatologists perform xanthelasma treatments, including ablative laser, TCA, nano-lasers as well as excisions. They have had nearly twenty years of experience in the removal of ocular lesions.