Xanthelasma

Skin and Laser Dermatology Center of McLean and Woodbridge, Virginia now offer the latest laser technology to treat a condition known as “xanthelasma.” Xanthelasma often appears as a soft, yellowish deposit of fat around the upper and lower eyelids. These velvety soft lesions often start as small bumps and gradually enlarge over the course of a few months to larger plaques. . While usually benign and painless, xanthelasma may become unsightly. However, it is important to see a dermatologist to differentiate between other similar appearing conditions, which may not be benign. Xanthelasma affects about 1% of the western population and has a higher incidence in females, those over the age of 30, and in many individuals it is associated with elevated levels of cholesterol and/or other lipids. This is why it is important to check the blood lipid levels in patients with xanthelasma to detect any lab abnormalities early on. However, despite normal lipid levels the xanthelasma lesions will not resolve on their own and will persist without treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Xanthelasma often appears as a soft, yellowish deposit of fat around the upper and lower eyelids. These velvety soft lesions often start as small bumps and gradually enlarge over the course of a few months to larger plaques.

Xanthelasma affects about 1% of the western population and has a higher incidence in females, those over the age of 30, and in many individuals it is associated with elevated levels of cholesterol and/or other lipids. This is why it is important to check the blood lipid levels in patients with xanthelasma to detect any lab abnormalities early on.

However, it is important to see a dermatologist to differentiate between other similar appearing conditions, which may not be benign.

While usually benign and painless, xanthelasma may become unsightly. Xanthelasma lesions will not resolve on their own, including in patients who have successfully reduced their elevated levels of cholesterol and/or other lipids. They will persist without treatment.

A state of the art and highly effective laser known as the fractional CO2 resurfacing laser is one of the treatments of choice for xanthelasma. In most cases the lesions disappear in one to two sessions and rarely recur.

Topical numbing cream is applied at the office, and lidocaine injections may also be used for additional anesthesia (numbing) of the treatment area so that the procedure is pain-free. The entire procedure is done within a few minutes.

The treatment areas may take a few days to completely heal following the laser treatment depending on the depth of the lesions. It is critical that the treatment area does not receive sun exposure for the next several days following laser treatment. Patients are also advised to refrain from exercising at this time. Occasionally patients may be instructed to apply aquaphor healing ointment to the treatment areas. Patients will come back for a follow up visit after several days to monitor the healing process.

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Skin & Laser Dermatology Center treats patients for all skin care concerns, including skin cancer surgery, cosmetic dermatology, sclerotherapy, laser peels, laser hair removal, hyperhidrosis, rosacea, and acne treatments.

Testimonials

Our Clients Say

My eyelid surgery results for the facial wrinkles look very natural. Very skilled dermatologic surgeon.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Holly Facebook.com

Dr. Bajoghli always has time for his patients, you never feel that he is rushing you and after you leave if you have any concerns he is very responsive to the point of giving out his cell phone number. I can’t say enough about him and his staff.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – John Google.com

Nurse Rassmussen answers all of my questions, listens to my concerns, examines my skin, goes over my treatment protocol and gets me out the door quickly, but without feeling rushed, so that I can get on with the rest of my day. I have already recommended this practice to a couple of friends, and I will continue to do so with confidence.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Riley Yelp.com

I really appreciate the polite and professional service that Dr. Bajoghli’s practice provides in my dermatologic health. All of his staff make you feel welcome and are concerned for your care. Speaking as someone who neglected his skin care when I was young, I appreciate having a physician who is personally concerned for his patients.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Dennis Google.com

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