Xanthelasma Treatment: Yellow Lesions Around the Eyes

Many people are concerned about yellow deposits around their eyelids. What are the characteristics of these lesions, and how can they be managed?

Xanthelasma refers to skin lesions where lipid components such as cholesterol accumulate on the eyelid skin, appearing as yellowish, raised growths.

This condition is not flat and has a certain thickness, making it difficult to achieve the desired changes with topical treatments alone. It is advisable to accurately determine the depth and extent of the lesion before considering appropriate laser treatment.

At Kkeut Han Clinic, we utilize a dual laser technique combining Er:YAG and CO2 lasers to help manage xanthelasma.

Kkeut Han Clinic's Dual Laser Treatment Approach for Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma treatment is not simply about deeply removing the yellow area.

The eyelid skin is a thin and delicate area, so laser energy must be precisely controlled by thoroughly assessing the lesion's thickness, depth of deposit, surrounding skin texture, and the potential for scarring.

Therefore, at Kkeut Han Clinic, the process involves delicately refining the surface and up to a certain depth with an Er:YAG laser, and then, if the lesion is located deeply, finishing with a CO2 laser.

1. Measuring Lesion Size and Depth

Xanthelasma may appear as small yellow lumps on the surface, but in reality, they often spread widely within the skin or have indistinct borders.

Before treatment, Kkeut Han Clinic carefully determines the removal area, considering not only the visible yellow parts but also the actual thickness of the lesion, the extent of the deposit, and the natural wrinkles of the eyelid.

We focus on gently lowering the raised parts and meticulously refining the border areas to connect seamlessly with the surrounding skin, avoiding any unnatural appearance.

2. Precise and Low-Impact Layer-by-Layer Removal Using Er:YAG Laser

The Er:YAG laser is primarily used for precise skin resurfacing, which involves thinly abrading skin tissue. It can be effectively utilized for delicately treating lesions in thin and sensitive areas like around the eyes.

Er:YAG laser is positively evaluated for its precise removal and skin recovery aspects in xanthelasma management.

Kkeut Han Clinic removes the yellowish deposits in stages, confirming layer by layer from the surface, rather than deeply excavating the entire area at once.

This method can help reduce the possibility of damage to normal skin while naturally adjusting the height of the lesion to match the skin texture around the eyes.

3. If Necessary, Finishing the Base and Border with CO2 Laser

Even if the outwardly visible yellow area of xanthelasma is removed, there is a possibility that the underlying deposited tissue may remain and appear elevated again.

The CO2 laser can be used to vaporize or cauterize lesional tissue, making it one of the options considered for xanthelasma management.

However, compared to the Er:YAG laser, redness and scarring may persist longer, requiring careful use.

After precisely refining the lesion with an Er:YAG laser, Kkeut Han Clinic can, if deemed necessary, lightly refine the base or border areas that tend to remain using a CO2 laser.

Rather than approaching with excessively strong methods, the laser output and treatment area are finely adjusted considering the depth of the lesion and the condition of the eyelid skin.

4. Natural Finish Considering the Skin Texture Around the Eyes

Xanthelasma management goes beyond simply removing the yellow parts.

The eyelid is an area sensitive to even small scars or pigment changes, so a natural connection with the surrounding skin is important for a smooth skin surface after treatment.

Kkeut Han Clinic gently refines not only the central part of the lesion but also the border areas to help the eye line recover as naturally as possible after the procedure.

5. Management Plan Considering Recurrence Potential

Xanthelasma can reappear even after treatment. Especially if there is a connection with lipid metabolism or cholesterol levels, there is a possibility of recurrence after the procedure, so it is advisable to consider blood tests or lifestyle improvements together if necessary.

Based on the size and depth of the lesion, Kkeut Han Clinic provides a step-by-step treatment plan, focusing on reducing the risk of scarring or hyperpigmentation rather than attempting to remove the lesion too deeply at once.

We place as much importance on the natural recovery process of the skin around the eyes as we do on effectively removing the lesion.

Features of Xanthelasma Dual Laser

Removes yellow deposits around the eyes while reducing the risk of scarring.

Enables precise and thin layer-by-layer ablation using an Er:YAG laser.

If necessary, a CO2 laser can delicately treat the base and border of the lesion.

Finely adjusts laser output to suit thin and sensitive areas like the eyelids.

Customized treatment can be performed according to the individual size and depth of the lesion.

Naturally refines the border area with surrounding skin to reduce an unnatural appearance.

Can expect improvement in external appearance that may arise from the protruded look or yellowish discoloration around the eyes.

If you have the following concerns:

If yellow lumps have appeared on your eyelids or around your eyes.

Those who initially thought it was melasma but now see yellow, raised lesions.

Those bothered by yellow lesions around the eyes that are not easily concealed with makeup.

Those who feel that the size of the lesion is gradually increasing over time.

Those concerned about scars or pigmentation after treatment around the eyes.

If the lesion has reappeared in the same spot despite previous removal.

Those who prefer precise laser removal of lesions over surgical methods.

Those concerned that yellow lesions around their eyes make them look tired or older than they are.

Treatment Procedure

STEP 01. Individual Consultation

The medical team first differentiates whether the yellow lesions around the eyes are xanthelasma and checks the extent and depth of the lesions.

STEP 02. Preparation of Treatment Area

The skin around the eyes to be treated is thoroughly cleaned, and the area to be removed is carefully marked.

STEP 03. Application of Topical Anesthetic Cream

Anesthetic cream is applied to minimize discomfort during treatment around the eyelids.

STEP 04. Precise Er:YAG Laser Removal

The yellow-pigmented lesions are delicately removed layer by layer from the skin surface.

STEP 05. CO2 Laser Finishing Treatment

If necessary, the base and edges of the lesion may be lightly cauterized to address any remaining parts.

STEP 06. Soothing and Regeneration Care

Post-Treatment Precautions

After the procedure, redness, swelling, stinging, oozing, and fine scabs may occur.

Do not forcibly remove any scabs that form; it is best to let them fall off naturally.

To prevent the treated area from drying out, consistently apply a regenerating cream or products like Duoderm or Duogel.

Please refrain from excessively rubbing or vigorously scrubbing the eye area.

It is advisable to avoid using color makeup, eyeshadow, or eyeliner until the treated area has fully recovered.

It is best to avoid jjimjilbangs (Korean saunas), saunas, swimming, alcohol, and smoking for about one week after the procedure.

UV exposure can cause pigmentation in the treated area, so special attention should be paid to sun protection.

If the lesion is deep or extensive, repeated treatments may be necessary for satisfactory improvement.

Xanthelasma may recur depending on an individual's constitution or lipid metabolic status.