Xanthelesma
If you have developed small yellowish-tan nodules on the upper and lower eyelids, you may have a skin condition known as xanthelesma. These nodules are formed as cholesterol crystals deposit within the matrix of the thin eyelid skin.
Xanthelesma likely have a genetic bias, as they are often found in patients with a known family history of the condition. Treatment has centered around the surgical removal of xanthelesma if they occur in large clusters, or electrodessication and unroofing of xanthelesma if they are small and numerous.
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is a double board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in minimally-invasive techniques for the elimination of xanthelesma. At Kare Plastic Sugery + Skin Health Center in Santa Monica, we utilize a combination-approach that minimizes surgical incisions in favor of electrodessication and hyfrecation.
Once your condition is determined to be xanthelesma, Dr. Karamanoukian may recommend a topical skin lightener such as Melarase PM to minimize post-treatment hyperpigmentation. The most commonly used treatment option is hyfrecation in our office, a procedure that uses a small electrical current to dessicate (dry) the xanthelesma and promote its removal from the skin.
Kare Plastic Surgery + Skin Health Center specializes in laser therapies for xanthelesma and other benign skin conditions such as sebaceous gland hyperplasia, milia, and syringomas. A proper diagnosis is always the key to success and an in-person consultation is often required to make a proper diagnosis.
If you are seeking treatment for xanthelesma, call our plastic surgery patient care coordinators at (310) 998-5533 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian.