General information
As xanthelasma and xanthomas can be an indication of excessive fat values, an examination of the blood fat values should always be carried out before removing the xanthelasma for cosmetic reasons. If there are elevated blood values of cholesterol or triglycerides, normalization should be attempted. The so-called xanthomas often disappear again by themselves as soon as the metabolism has normalized and the blood lipid values are normal again. If the xanthelasmas remain, they can be removed surgically or by other methods (e.g. laser).
OP methods
Several methods are available for surgical removal of the xanthelasma: After the xanthelasma has been removed, 40 – 60% of the patients suffer from recurrence of xanthelasma. For this reason, the surgical procedure for xanthelasma is usually of little use and should only be performed if an aesthetic operation such as an eyelid lift is planned at the same time anyway.
- Surgical excision
- Electrocautery
- CO2 laser, erbium laser ablation
- Cryosurgery
- Argon, dye, KTP laser
- Trichloroacetic acid treatment
If there is a hard deposit of fat, it can sometimes be scratched and then removed by squeezing, but soft fat deposits must always be treated differently.
Argon laser treatment has long been the preferred treatment for xanthelasma and after two laser sessions the fat deposit was successfully treated. Dye lasers are especially suitable for flat xanthelasmas, but several sessions are necessary and increased hematomas (bruises) are to be expected. According to various studies, erbium and CO2 lasers are well effective against xanthelasma, cause only mild side effects and rarely recurrence of xanthelasma.
In general, no standard procedures can be named, but it must be decided from patient to patient which procedure is most suitable for the individual treatment of xanthelasma. The treating dermatologists can choose from the various therapy options which is most suitable for the individual patient and his or her Xanthelasma condition. An operation in the classical sense is now only rarely necessary, but the xanthelasma can be removed in the gentlest possible way with the help of the laser. Private health insurance companies cover the costs of the procedure, but the statutory health insurance does not cover aesthetic surgery, so the patient must pay for the procedure himself. Costs starting from 250€ are to be expected, but the exact costs vary, since they depend on the size, number of xanthelasmas and also the chosen therapy method.
