What is Xanthelasma Treatment?

Xanthelasma palpebrarum are flat or slightly raised yellow plaques made of cholesterol-rich deposits in the skin. They most often appear on the inner corners of the upper and lower eyelids and may slowly enlarge or multiply. About half of people with xanthelasma have normal blood lipid levels, but in others the plaques are linked to high cholesterol or other lipid disorders. For this reason, a blood lipid check with your physician is recommended alongside skin treatment.

Who it's for

Treatment may be helpful if you have:

• Soft yellow patches on the inner corners of the eyelids
• Plaques that are slowly getting larger or spreading
• Several plaques on both upper and lower lids
• Concerns about appearance or makeup coverage
• A known lipid disorder or a family history of high cholesterol

How we treat it at Egg Clinic

A dermatologist first examines the plaques to confirm the diagnosis and may recommend a blood test to check your cholesterol and lipid profile. Managing lipids does not usually remove existing plaques, but it matters for overall health.

To remove the plaques, we mainly use the CO2 laser, which vaporizes the lipid-laden tissue in very thin layers. This allows precise control near the eye while protecting the surrounding skin. Thicker or larger plaques may be treated in stages to lower the risk of scarring or eyelid tightening. In selected cases, chemical treatment or surgical excision may be discussed instead. Protective eye shields are used during laser treatment.

What to expect

After your consultation, numbing cream is applied and the eyes are protected. The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You may feel warmth or brief stinging. Afterwards, the treated area forms a thin crust that typically lifts within about one week. Redness, swelling and temporary pink or darker skin are possible, and there is a small risk of scarring or pigment change. Many people see improvement after one session, while thicker plaques may need two or three sessions about two months apart. Xanthelasma can recur, so results vary.

Aftercare

• Avoid rubbing the eyes or picking at crusts
• Wash gently and apply the prescribed ointment or moisturizer
• Avoid eye makeup on the treated area until healing is complete
• Skip saunas, alcohol and strenuous exercise for about one week
• Use sunscreen and sunglasses to help prevent darkening
• Follow up with your physician about blood lipid levels

Frequently asked questions

Is xanthelasma a sign of heart disease?

Not necessarily, but it can be linked to high cholesterol. We recommend checking your lipid levels and discussing the results with your physician.

Will xanthelasma come back after treatment?

Recurrence is fairly common, particularly with lipid disorders. Maintenance treatment for new spots may be needed over time.

Is laser treatment safe so close to the eyes?

We use protective eye shields and precise, low-depth settings. Your physician will explain the specific risks during the consultation.

Visit Egg Clinic in Sinsa

Egg Clinic is located at 613 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th floors), directly in front of Sinsa Station Exit 5 on Line 3. We are open weekdays 11:00–20:30 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00–17:00, with a lunch break from 14:00 to 15:00. To book a consultation, call +82-2-542-5540, email eggclinic1@gmail.com, or message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk.