Fat deposits around the eyes (xanthelasma): causes and treatment

Fat deposits around the eyes, known medically as xanthelasma, appear as yellowish patches on the skin of the upper or lower eyelid.

Causes

• Genetics: in about half of cases, one of the parents has them.
• High blood fats: most commonly cholesterol, which accounts for the other half of cases.

Why treat them?

They bother the patient cosmetically, and over time they can grow and change the texture of the eyelid skin.

Treatment

1. Control blood fats and cholesterol first with an internal medicine doctor, because the deposits can return after removal if the fats are not controlled.
2. Surgical removal: Dr. Mahmoud El Samkary removes the affected skin together with a small part of the underlying muscle, where fat can also be deposited, so the deposits do not reappear.

With cholesterol under control, the operation is simple and the eyelid looks clearly better.