Xanthelasma

Patients across the Southeast have trusted Eye Center South with their eye health for over forty years, and that isn’t something we take for granted. Whether you’re coming to us for surgery or for treatment for a chronic eye condition, you can rest assured that with our advanced technology, compassionate staff, and experienced eye surgeons, you’re in the best possible hands. To better serve you, we’ve expanded our offerings to include treatments for areas around the eyes, such as the eyelids, brows, and facial muscles.

One treatment is for xanthelasma palpebrarum, a condition that isn’t usually harmful on its own, but can be an indicator of other health issues; and its visible effects — the bumpy yellow patches called xanthelasma — can affect your appearance and self-confidence.

What is Xanthelasma?

Xanthelasma is soft, yellowish, fatty deposits that form under your skin, usually in the inside corners of your eyelids or around your eyes. It is made up of cholesterol or other fats in the body, and most people who get them are middle-aged or older, although they can occur at any age.  The condition is also more common in women than in men.

In about half of cases, the appearance of xanthelasma points to a larger health issue, such as high cholesterol, heart disease, or liver disease, so it’s important to see a doctor if you have xanthelasma.

— it may gradually grow larger. Xanthelasma generally don’t impair the functions of your eyelids, but if it grows large enough, it can cause significant discomfort. It’s also common to feel self-conscious about these deposits, which can be quite obvious and hard to cover up.

How is Xanthelasma Treated?

Unfortunately, xanthelasma won’t go away on its own, but there are treatments available to remove it. These include cryotherapy (freezing the deposits off using a small amount of liquid nitrogen), chemical cauterization (using controlled acid to remove the deposits), and surgical removal.

Is Xanthelasma Removal Covered by Insurance?

Xanthelasma removal is usually considered a cosmetic procedure, so it’s unlikely to be covered by insurance. If your xanthelasma is so severe as to impair your vision and eyelid function, removal may become medically necessary, and be covered by your health insurance provider.