If you notice yellow patches on the inner corners of your eyelids, you may have eyelid xanthelasmas. They are usually not harmful but they can be bothersome as they are unsightly and may draw attention. Trust the plastic surgeons at the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre in Toronto for your xanthelasma removal. We can help you by removing them using the most advanced surgical techniques to minimize scarring.
What are eyelid xanthelasmas?
Xanthelasma are solf, cholesterol-filled yellowish plaques that occur most commonly near the inner canthus of the eyelid, more often on the upper lid than the lower lid.
Do eyelid xanthelasmas need treatment?
Xanthelasmas are always benign, that is they are not cancerous and they don't spread the same way that cancer might. They are harmless and not painful, and do not need to be removed. However, they are unsightly and may attract attention, and for this reason, some patients choose to have them removed.
One thing to note is that xanthelasma may be a sign of hyperlipidemia - high levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, or other fatty lipids in the blood. If you have xanthelasma, it is important to have your blood cholesterol levels checked by your family doctor.
What happens during my xanthelasma removal?
Our board-certified plastic surgeons perform all the xanthelasma removal at our clinic. Local anesthetic is injected into the site of treatment to minimize pain and discomfort. Once the area has been numbed, the xanthelasma is surgically excised and the incisions are closed with dissolving sutures to speed up the healing process.
Will there be any scarring?
As with any surgery, xanthelasma removal does leave a scar. However, it generally heals very nicely and fades well into the eyelid folds. Many of our patients who had xanthelasma removed agree that the resulting scar is far more aesthetically pleasing than the xanthelasma itself.
Minor Procedures - Frequently Asked Questions
Which minor procedures are covered under OHIP?
OHIP coverage status for a procedure is not determined by your family doctor or by the surgeons at the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre. The Ministry of Health has determined a number of procedures to be OHIP covered while others are not. Examples of skin growths and conditions that are generally not covered under OHIP are:
- Lipomas
- Skin Cysts
- Non-suspicious Moles
- Dermatofibromas
- Xanthelasmas
If you are ever in doubt or have specific questions, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to address your concerns in a timely manner.
Who will be performing the minor procedures?
All of our patients being treated for minor procedures are seen by one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. You will get their undivided attention from the initial consultation, physical examination, and the actual procedure itself, followed by follow-up appointments to make sure that everything goes smoothly and even better healing process.
Will my procedure be painful?
All minor procedures are preceded with administration of local anesthetic. This is to ensure that the treatment area will be numb throughout the procedure and minimize any possible pain and discomfort.
Will I get a scar?
It is impossible to escape a scar after an incision is made on your skin. However, with experience and advanced surgical techniques, scarring can be minimized. Our board-certified plastic surgeons have years of experience and the technical expertise to remove your skin growths and lesions while placing strong emphasis on minimizing post-operative scarring.
When can I return to work?
This is a very good question that is difficult to answer as everyone's jobs are very different. The main goal is to minimize the physical strain and tension placed on the treatment area following your procedure. This is done to maintain the integrity of the stitches and minimize potential risk of infections and poor scarring. Our plastic surgeons will give you detailed guidance on your appropriate post-operative course.
How long will my procedure take?
This will depend on the type of procedure being performed. You will get a chance to have all your questions addressed during your private consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. If you simply forgot to ask, then please call our clinic and one of our staff will be more than happy to assist you.
