Fatty Tissue Deposits or Xanthelasma
Cholesterol deposits around the eyes are commonly referred to as xanthelasma. These are yellowish, soft plaques or bumps that form on the eyelids or around the eyes, often near the inner corners of the upper or lower eyelids. Xanthelasma is a form of xanthoma, which are cholesterol-rich deposits that can appear on the skin on various parts of the body.
Causes of Xanthelasma
The primary cause of xanthelasma is the accumulation of cholesterol in the skin. This can occur for several reasons:
- High cholesterol levels: Elevated blood cholesterol, especially high LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or "bad" cholesterol, can lead to the formation of these deposits.
- Genetics: In some cases, xanthelasma can occur in people with a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol or lipid metabolism disorders.
- Underlying health conditions: Conditions such as hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids in the blood), diabetes, and liver disease can also contribute to the development of xanthelasma.
- Age and gender: Xanthelasma is more common in middle-aged or older individuals and is slightly more prevalent in women.
Characteristics of Xanthelasma
- Appearance: They appear as smooth, flat, or slightly raised, yellowish plaques or bumps.
- Location: Most commonly appear on the upper eyelids, near the inner corners. They can also develop on the lower eyelids.
- Size: The deposits can vary in size from small spots to larger patches.
Treatment Options
- Lifestyle Changes: Managing cholesterol through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medications (such as statins) can sometimes help reduce the size of xanthelasma, although the deposits may not disappear completely without medical intervention.
- Cosmetic Treatment: If the appearance of xanthelasma is bothersome, some people opt for cosmetic treatments such as Thermocoagulation which uses a high frequency current to pin-point heat energy to treat fatty deposits. The tiny needle point allows our skin care professionals complete accuracy, ensuring that only the treatment area is targeted.
- Medications: Topical treatments or oral medications designed to lower cholesterol may also be used to reduce cholesterol deposits over time.
FAQ
The fatty deposit will be slightly red and swollen immediately afterwards. Light crusting will form and will disappear within a few days. Discoloration may occur turning the area peach or appearing more blanched. These results will depend on the tissue to begin with and how the person heals.
This is dependable on the person, their health history, how long the deposits have been there, the size, and lifestyle. We have clients who have been able to completely remove these and have no signs they were there, while others have been successful removing the lumps but have a discoloration remaining. Booking a consult with us is the best way to set a plan of action in place.
While xanthelasma itself is typically not harmful and is not a disease, it can indicate an underlying lipid imbalance, which could increase the risk of heart disease or stroke. People with xanthelasma may have a higher chance of having elevated cholesterol levels, even if they aren't aware of it. Therefore, if you notice these deposits, it’s a good idea to have your cholesterol levels checked.
There are various ways to describe these tissues around the eyes, the most common are cholesterol deposits, fatty tissue, and xanthelasma.
