Xanthelasmas are a fairly common cosmetic problem: yellowish patches that form on the upper or lower eyelids, usually towards the inner corner of the eye. Although they are made of cholesterol deposits, they are often unrelated to blood cholesterol levels. They are not a health problem, but patients often ask for their removal because they can noticeably spoil the appearance of the eye area.
They can be treated in several ways, for example with peels or laser. With these treatments, however, the chance of recurrence is fairly high.
Dr Brunelli prefers complete surgical removal of the xanthelasma with a small outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia. Surgical removal leaves a tiny scar that soon becomes practically invisible, unlike laser treatment, which can cause changes in skin colour that are sometimes as visible as the xanthelasma itself. Stitches are removed after 3–4 days.
In this way the chance of recurrence is kept to a minimum.