Xanthelasma removal treatment (Surgical or Laser) in Turkey | Prices & Reviews

Xanthelasma: What is it?

Xanthelasma is a skin condition characterized by the presence of soft yellowish or beige-ish growths that develop on the eyelids and around the eyes.

They consist of fatty deposits that accumulate under the skin, forming a raised or flat, irregular patch.

This skin condition, technically called xanthelasma palpebrarum, is harmless, but in rare cases, it can be an indicator of various heart conditions.

Causes of Xanthelasma

The appearance of xanthelasma around the eyes is the result of several factors.

Possible causes of xanthelasma include:

• Dyslipidemia
• Hypothyroidism
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Primary biliary cirrhosis
• Pancreatitis

Xanthelasma may be an important marker of underlying systemic disease. It is associated with elevated levels of hyperlipidemia in 50% of cases, particularly in males. The appearance of these lesions before the age of 40 is highly suspicious for familial hypercholesterolemia.

Dyslipidemia is characterized by high levels of lipids in the blood. This usually concerns the levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL (low-density lipoproteins). They are a risk factor not only for atherosclerosis but also, over time, for vascular diseases such as coronary heart disease. High levels of LDL, low levels of HDL in the blood, or familial hypercholesterolemia can lead to the formation of xanthelasmas on the eyelids.

Xanthelasmas do not cause itching or pain in the eyelids and therefore do not cause ocular symptoms.

Diagnosis of the disease

The diagnosis of xanthelasma in Turkey is clinical. If you observe certain spots on the eyelids or around the eyes, it is important to contact your ophthalmologist to understand the cause.

Xanthelasma typically manifests as soft yellowish lesions that are both flat and raised and are most often located on the medial canthus.

Doctors make the diagnosis purely visually, by examining the skin around the eyes, and then performing certain tests, including lipid tests (to check lipid levels in the body).

Lipid tests are a set of blood tests that are useful for determining the concentration of essential fats in our bodies, such as

• Total cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol 
• Triglycerides

Xanthelasma Treatments in Turkey

Our partner clinics in Turkey offer a variety of treatments for xanthelasma:

Surgical removal

Surgical treatment involves the surgical removal of xanthelasma plaques. This surgical excision is usually used for very hard and deep lesions, i.e. larger than 3 mm.

This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis (without hospitalization). The oculoplastic surgeon gently removes the skin patches and uses sutures to close the area.

Surgical removal greatly reduces the risk of recurrence months or years later. If surgical removal is preferred, an upper blepharoplasty with simultaneous palpebral reshaping is usually suggested. In this case, there is no need to be afraid of visible scars. On the contrary, the result is always natural and harmonious.

CO2 ablative laser treatment

If you are looking for a non-invasive method, the CO2 laser is highly recommended. The CO2 laser treatment acts on the surface of the skin thanks to a light beam that pulverizes the xanthelasma without damaging the surrounding tissue. Anesthesia is not required, but an anesthetic cream must be applied before the procedure. The lesion heals quickly and without scarring.

Regardless of the size, location, or cause of the xanthelasma, it is important to consult a physician specializing in aesthetic medicine or dermatology, who will be able to recommend the best method.

In conclusion, xanthelasma is an unsightly but treatable skin condition. If you are concerned about the appearance of patches around your eyelids, consult your physician to discuss the most appropriate treatment options for you.