Xanthelasma treatment in Birmingham and the Midlands
We offer surgery, ablative laser and TCA for Xanthelasma in Birmingham
At Midland Skin we offer Xanthelasma treatment for patients in Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Worcester and the Midlands.
Xanthelasma treatment in Birmingham
Midland Skin has a selection of lasers that can improve hyperpigmentation, serving Birmingham, Solihull, and the West Midlands. Hyperpigmentation is, in fact,Xanthelasma (pronounced “zan-the-laz-ma”) are yellow plaques that develop around the eyelids. They are rich in cholesterol. In some people they are caused by having high levels of blood cholesterol, however in many xanthelasma happen for unknown reasons. Treatment options include surgical excision and chemical peels.
Our xanthelasma service covers Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and the Midlands.
Quick facts about Xanthelasma [TO UPDATE]
- You need three 45 minute treatments – one every 3 to 4 weeks
- The results get better with time and at one year there is an average reduction in inflammatory spots of 97% according to clinical studies
- There are no harmful side effects
- The treatment is safe in all skin tones and all year round
- You do not need to take long-term tablets or creams
- There can be short-lived purges which can be managed with medications
What is Xanthelasma?
Xanthelasma are typically soft, flat, or slightly raised plaques that appear symmetrically on the inner corners of the upper and lower eyelids.
Although xanthelasma are harmless, they can be cosmetically bothersome and, in some cases, may indicate underlying lipid abnormalities. They may occur on just one, or on all four eyelids.
What does Xanthelasma look like under the microscope?
Under the microscope, xanthelasma consist of types of foamy histiocytes in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin). These are white blood cells which have ingested lipids.
Scarlett Greenwood
Diagnosis
An ophthalmologist or dermatologist can usually diagnosis xanthelasma is typically clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the lesions. However, additional investigations may be required:
- Lipid profile testing to assess for underlying cholesterol abnormalities.
- Dermoscopy to examine lesion characteristics more closely.
- Skin biopsy in rare cases to differentiate from other eyelid lesions, such as syringomas or sebaceous hyperplasia.
Treatment Options
A variety of treatments have been shown to improve xanthelasma, each with its own benefits and considerations.
- Surgical Excision: In cases where the plaques are large or recurrent, or there is abundant loose skin, surgical removal may be recommended.
- Chemical Peels: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can help break down the lipid deposits. Usually 2 to 6 treatments are required.
- Laser Therapy: Fully ablative CO2 and Erbium:YAG lasers can effectively vaporise xanthelasma.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen can be an option, but carries a significant risk of pigmentation changes.
- Electrocautery: Using heat energy to remove xanthelasma is another treatment approach, though again, the heat diffusion may cause pigmentation changes.
While xanthelasma are benign and do not require treatment, many patients seek removal for cosmetic reasons. Sometimes a combination of treatments may be required. Treatments offered at Midland Skin include surgical excision and chemical peels.
Risks of treatment
While treatment options can be highly successful, there are risks with each, such as scar formation and pigmentation changes. Lesions can recur, and new lesions can occur in the future.
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Ready to get started? Book a consultation with our team at Midland Skin. Friendly, expert advice tailored to you.
Why Choose Midland Skin for Xanthelasma Treatment?
At Midland Skin, we offer expert-led treatments for xanthelasma, combining surgical expertise and non invasive options such as TCA under one roof, to deliver the best cosmetic outcomes. This allows us to offer treatment options which are best suited to your xanthelasma rather than a one size fits all approach. Our specialist clinicians offer:
- Comprehensive aftercare to ensure the best healing and recurrence prevention.
- Expert-led care
- State-of-the-art treatments tailored to individual needs.
- Minimally invasive options for reduced downtime and optimal results.
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References used for this article
About the Author
This page has been written and/or medically reviewed by Dr Sajjad Rajpar, Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Director of Midland Skin, Birmingham.
Dr Rajpar is on the GMC Specialist Register in Dermatology and has over 20 years’ experience in clinical dermatology. He provides clinical oversight to ensure the information on this page is accurate, balanced and consistent with current dermatology practice.
Dr Sajjad Rajpar
Date last updated: 6th Mar 2026
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Expert, consultant led care in dermatology, skin surgery, eyelid surgery, lasers and aesthetics.
Disclaimer
The content on this website is provided for general information only. It is not, and must not be treated as, medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation for any particular treatment. We make reasonable efforts to keep information accurate and up to date, but medicine and technology change, and content may not reflect the most current evidence, guidance, product information, or individual practice. You should not rely on this website to make decisions about your health or treatment. Always seek personalised advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Any examples, images, testimonials, and outcome descriptions are illustrative only. Results vary between individuals and no outcome can be guaranteed.
