Xanthelasma Removal
Yellow deposits on the eyelids — xanthelasma — are lesions that require surgical assessment from both an aesthetic and a general health perspective. Xanthelasma removal is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia following an individual consultation.
Every patient requires an individual consultation. Before a decision is made, the doctor assesses the lesions, discusses the scope of the procedure and explains the possible risks.
specialist in general and oncological surgery
careful excision of the eyelid lesion
outpatient procedure without hospital admission
verification of the nature of the removed lesion
Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
What is xanthelasma?
Xanthelasma, also known as xanthelasma palpebrarum, consists of yellowish cholesterol deposits that most commonly appear on the eyelids, particularly near the inner corner of the eye. They are usually painless and do not directly endanger health, but for many people they are a noticeable aesthetic concern.
Xanthelasma may be a sign of a lipid disorder, such as elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Its appearance is therefore an indication for laboratory testing. The doctor assessing the lesions may order or recommend a lipid profile.
Important: the appearance of xanthelasma may indicate elevated cholesterol. Before the procedure, or at the same time, it is worth having a lipid profile performed and, when indicated, consulting an internal medicine specialist or cardiologist about treatment for a lipid disorder. Surgical removal of the lesion itself does not eliminate the underlying cause.
Who may be suitable for the procedure?
A surgical consultation may be appropriate when xanthelasma:
- is visible on the eyelids and causes an aesthetic concern,
- is increasing in size or new lesions are appearing,
- is associated with a lipid disorder requiring diagnostic evaluation,
- causes discomfort related to facial appearance.
How is the procedure performed?
Xanthelasma removal is an outpatient procedure, so the patient returns home the same day. It is performed under local anaesthesia. The doctor precisely excises the lesions and carefully sutures the eyelid skin. The removed lesion may be sent for histopathological examination to confirm its nature.
The duration of the procedure depends on the number and extent of the lesions. The details are determined by the doctor during the consultation.
Can xanthelasma recur?
Surgical excision removes the visible xanthelasma, but recurrence is possible if a lipid disorder persists. An important part of management is therefore assessing and, if necessary, treating the underlying cause: abnormal lipid metabolism. A healthy diet, physical activity and regular cholesterol monitoring may reduce the risk of new lesions developing.
Contraindications to the procedure
The doctor assesses eligibility individually. Common contraindications include:
- an active infection in the area of the planned procedure,
- blood clotting disorders,
- severe systemic conditions that require prior stabilisation,
- other conditions identified by the doctor after assessing the patient’s health.
Recovery
Healing varies from person to person. Swelling, redness and tenderness may occur around the eyelids after the procedure and gradually resolve. The doctor provides instructions on wound care, eye protection and physical activity. The date for suture removal is agreed during the appointment.
What does the xanthelasma treatment process involve?
The doctor assesses the nature, location and number of xanthelasma lesions. The available correction options are discussed, and lipid testing is recommended if it has not already been performed.
Outpatient excision of the lesions. The removed tissue may be sent for histopathological examination. The patient returns home the same day.
Suture removal at the scheduled time. If a lipid disorder is present, treatment of the underlying cause is continued to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Doctor performing the procedure
A specialist in general and oncological surgery with experience in the surgical removal of skin and subcutaneous lesions. He assesses patients, determines the appropriate scope of the procedure and performs it on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia. The clinic also offers procedures in aesthetic and oncological surgery.
The first appointment is a consultation. The doctor assesses the xanthelasma and asks about your general health and lipid test results. If the procedure is indicated, its scope and date are agreed. The patient has time to ask questions and make a decision before the procedure is scheduled.
Would you like to have xanthelasma removed in Gdańsk?
Book a surgical consultation. The doctor will assess the lesions, discuss the scope of the procedure and answer your questions about cholesterol testing.
Frequently asked questions
Is xanthelasma dangerous to health?
Xanthelasma itself is not a direct health threat, but its presence may indicate a lipid disorder, such as elevated cholesterol or triglycerides. It is worth having a lipid profile performed and discussing the results with a doctor.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain during the procedure itself. Swelling and tenderness may occur around the eyelids afterwards and gradually resolve.
Can xanthelasma return after the procedure?
Recurrence is possible if a lipid disorder persists. Surgical removal eliminates the visible lesions but does not remove their underlying cause. Assessment and, if necessary, treatment of abnormal lipid metabolism are therefore important parts of management.
What is a histopathological examination, and is it mandatory?
A histopathological examination involves a pathologist assessing the collected tissue under a microscope. This helps confirm the nature of the removed lesion. The doctor decides whether to send the material for histopathological examination after consulting the patient.
How long does xanthelasma removal take?
The duration depends on the number and extent of the lesions. For a single lesion, the procedure usually takes between a dozen and several dozen minutes. The surgeon will provide a more precise estimate after assessing the lesions during the consultation.
Will a scar remain after xanthelasma removal?
Surgery leaves a mark: a small linear scar at the incision site. Eyelid skin generally heals relatively well because of its good blood supply, but the final appearance of the scar varies and depends on the patient’s skin and the healing process. The surgeon discusses realistic expectations before the procedure.
When can I return to work after the procedure?
A relatively quick return may be possible for office work or work that does not involve strenuous physical activity. However, this depends on individual healing and any eyelid swelling. The doctor discusses post-procedure recommendations individually.
How much does xanthelasma removal cost in Gdańsk?
The price depends on the number and extent of the lesions and is determined individually during the surgical consultation. The current surgical procedure price list is available on the clinic’s website or by calling +48 600 006 913.
How can I book a consultation in Gdańsk?
You can book a consultation with Piotr Rak, MD, PhD, by calling +48 600 006 913, via WhatsApp or through ZnanyLekarz. The clinic is located at 15 Toruńska Street in Gdańsk.
Related services at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej
Assessment of skin lesions and surgical eligibility for a procedure.
Details →Microscopic assessment of the removed tissue by a pathologist.
Details →Surgical removal of subcutaneous lesions under local anaesthesia.
Details →Price list for surgical procedures at the clinic.
View the price list →Book a consultation in Gdańsk
Xanthelasma removal — lesion assessment, eligibility and treatment at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation. Eligibility for the procedure, health assessment and decisions about management are solely the responsibility of the doctor. Results vary between patients. Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, 15 Toruńska Street, unit AU1, Gdańsk. Tel.: +48 600 006 913.