Xanthelasma Treatment Perth (Cholesterol Spots)

Xanthelasma are raised yellow spots most commonly at the inner corners of the upper eyelids but can also be the lower eyelids and outer corners as well. People are often concerned that they are related to high blood levels of cholesterol but that is generally unrelated and it is more that there is a genetic tendency towards it so that it does run in families. Typically they begin in your 30’s and gradually increase in size as they can become significantly protruded. Women do tend to display them more commonly than men and people of Asian or Mediterranean descent.

• Surgical: occasionally the Xanthelasma will lie in an appropriate line for surgical removal and the eyelids heal up with a fine, often imperceptible, scar. However, especially larger Xanthelasma, frequently would require too much skin to be excised, or the line that they are in is just not the most suitable for the scar.
• Radiofrequency: I have used radiofrequency extensively for nearly 20 years and this can be a very suitable way to treating Xanthelasma. It initially leaves a raw defect looking “hole” but heals up rapidly over 7-10 days with very low incidence of recurrence and very nice cosmetic result.
• CO2 Laser removal: this is currently my preferred method for removing Xanthelasma. It vaporizes the cholesterol and leaves a clean base and edge and has very low incidence of recurrence. It can heal up with an imperceptible result, especially in the upper lids but is very good in lower lids as well. This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and can take between 10 and 30 minutes depending on how extensive and how many cholesterol deposits you have.
• TCA or other acid can be used to ‘eat away’ the Xanthalasma but I find CO2 laser and radiosurgery much more controlled
• Other lasers. I have heard of other lasers like Q-switched tattoo laser being used, but without great success.

This will depend on how extensive and how many eyelids are involved but will typically be between $500 and $1200.