Xanthelasma
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Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma is a cholesterol deposit on or around the eyelids, usually delineated by a contrasting yellow border.
What is it?
Xanthelasma is a benign condition that presents as yellowish plaque around the eyelids and may be associated with high cholesterol, liver disease, atheromatous disease, and/or hereditary factors. It is not harmful or painful but may be a nuisance to the patient who finds the deposits unsightly. People of Asian or Mediterranean descent tend to develop xanthelasma more frequently.
What is Xanthelasma?
Xanthelasma appears on the upper eyelids as small yellow cholesterol deposits/plaque. It is most commonly found on inner aspect of the eyelid, sometimes referred to as the inner or medial canthus.
Who gets them?
Xanthelasmas usually develop as people age, primarily in middle-aged and elderly patients. Frequency is higher in females. Approximately 30% of those developing this condition show a lipid abnormality. Serum cholesterol may possibly be elevated.
General appearance
These yellow deposits of cholesterol start as hard or soft bumps that gradually increase in size. Although both upper and lower eyelids are impacted by this plaque, the upper eyelids tend to be more affected.
Causes
Xanthelasma appears to have a correlation with high levels of blood lipids. These growths seem to be related to structure of proteins that carry fats in the blood (also known as lipoproteins). Xanthelasma is also observed in people with certain genetic conditions: type II and type IV hyperlipidemia.
Clinical features
In addition to the yellowish plaque/deposits around the eyelids, xanthelasma may result in drooping of the eyelids, or ptosis.
Where do they Occur?
The lesions occur near the inner upper eyelids. They are slightly elevated, yellowish, and have sharp borders.
Are they dangerous?
Xanthelasmas are benign and do not cause pain or discomfort.
Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis is straightforward, and patients may be interested in checking blood cholesterol and lipid levels.
Treatment
Although they do not present a danger to the patient, Idaho Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery offers treatment options to remove xanthelasma. If blood lipid levels are found to be high, patients may undergo treatment for their condition. If droopy eyelids occur as a result of the condition, surgical treatment may be offered.
Skin excision is the preferred removal treatment for xanthelasma lesions. Topical application of dilute trichloroacetic acid can yield favorable results. Keep in mind that recurrence can occur with either method.
Prognosis
Xanthelasma recurrence rate is roughly 40%.
