Xanthelasma removal in London: what causes the yellow patches and how they are treated

Xanthelasma palpebrarum are flat or slightly raised yellow plaques, usually on the upper lids near the nose. They are deposits of cholesterol-laden cells in the skin. They are not dangerous, do not affect vision and do not usually go away on their own.

Should I have a blood test?

Yes. Around half of people with xanthelasma have raised cholesterol or another lipid abnormality, and xanthelasma can be a marker of cardiovascular risk. Ask your GP for a fasting lipid profile before or alongside treatment.

Treatment options

Surgical excision removes the plaque completely and is suited to larger or thicker patches; the wound is closed with fine stitches in the eyelid crease where possible. Other options used in the UK include chemical treatments, cryotherapy and laser, which suit some smaller, flatter lesions. The right choice depends on size, position, skin type and how much eyelid skin is available — removing too much skin can pull the lid out of shape.

Recurrence

Xanthelasma can return after any treatment, particularly if lipids remain raised or multiple lids are affected. Managing cholesterol helps.

Assessment in London

Ms Pearsall examines the patches, discusses whether surgical removal is suitable and plans the procedure to protect eyelid shape and function. See eyelid lump and lesion removal and the background guide to xanthelasma.

Seeing Ms Tahmina Pearsall

Ms Pearsall assesses xanthelasma and other eyelid lesions at Harley Street, London.

Ms Tahmina Pearsall is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon who qualified in 1993 and has more than 30 years of experience and over 50,000 procedures performed. She trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital and Addenbrooke's Hospital, and sees private patients at multiple clinic locations, including Harley Street in London. Read her full credentials.

Ms Pearsall sees patients at Harley Street, London and other clinic locations. Patients travel from across the UK, including Brighton & Hove and Liverpool, and from Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

The first telephone enquiry is free — arrange a free initial call to explain what happened and check whether a review is likely to help. A full clinical consultation with Ms Pearsall costs £250. Treatment prices are listed on the pricing page and confirmed in writing after examination.

This article is general information written for patients and does not replace an individual examination.