Removing white spots around the eyes
Removing white spots around the eyes has become a common cosmetic procedure due to the appearance of small yellowish-white patches on the eyelids that many patients find bothersome. These patches aren’t just regular spots, they’re known as xanthelasma, cholesterol deposits beneath the skin. While they don’t usually cause health issues on their own, these fatty white deposits can be a sign of high cholesterol levels and often pose a cosmetic concern that affects confidence. The good news is that xanthelasma can be safely and effectively removed with the right procedures.Removing white spots around the eyes has become a common cosmetic procedure due to the appearance of small yellowish-white patches on the eyelids that many patients find bothersome. These patches aren’t just regular spots, they’re known as xanthelasma, cholesterol deposits beneath the skin. While they don’t usually cause health issues on their own, these fatty white deposits can be a sign of high cholesterol levels and often pose a cosmetic concern that affects confidence. The good news is that xanthelasma can be safely and effectively removed with the right procedures.
What is xanthelasma?
Xanthelasma are yellowish-white, flat or slightly raised fatty deposits that most commonly appear on the eyelids, especially near the inner corners of the eyes. They’re soft to the touch, well-defined, and usually painless, without affecting eyelid function. These changes are benign and are most often removed for cosmetic reasons.
They can appear in both men and women, typically in middle-aged or older individuals. The likelihood of developing xanthelasma is higher in people with high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or those who smoke. However, they can also occur in individuals with normal blood lipid levels. That’s why anyone who notices these deposits should have their lipid profile checked with a blood test.
Why it's important to watch your intake of fatty foods
Consuming large amounts of saturated fats, fried foods, processed snacks, and cholesterol-rich meats can raise the levels of fat in your blood. This, in turn, increases the risk of cholesterol building up in tissues, including the area around the eyes.
That’s why maintaining a healthy diet is crucial: moderate intake of healthy fats (like olive oil, nuts, and fish), avoiding trans fats, and including fibre and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables. A balanced diet not only helps prevent xanthelasma, but also reduces cardiovascular risk and helps manage weight.
Cholesterol deposits on the face – symptoms, causes, and the right time to act
Xanthelasma appear as flat or slightly raised yellowish patches on the eyelids, most often near the inner corner of the eye. They’re painless, soft to the touch, and can gradually grow or appear on both sides.
They don’t go away on their own and tend to become more prominent over time.
The main causes of xanthelasma include
- High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Genetic factors
- Liver disease and fat metabolism disorders
- Unhealthy habits: poor diet, smoking, lack of physical activity
The best time to take action is as soon as the changes are noticed. Early treatment can help prevent further cosmetic concerns and possible progression.
Xanthelasma removal methods at Georgijev Clinic
Georgijev Clinic offers expert, personalised care for the safe removal of xanthelasma. Several treatment options are available, depending on the size, depth, and location of the deposit.
- Laser removal – ideal for smaller and more superficial xanthelasma. The laser gently evaporates the fatty deposit layer by layer, without damaging the surrounding skin.
- Surgical excision – recommended for larger or deeper xanthelasma. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, the incision is closed with fine stitches, and the scar is barely visible.
- Radio wave removal – a modern technique that uses a precise radio knife to remove the deposit. It’s highly effective and leaves only a minimal trace.
These procedures can also be combined with eyelid surgery if additional aesthetic correction is needed. Treatments are suitable for both men and women and require minimal recovery time.
While xanthelasma aren’t dangerous, they may signal an issue with fat metabolism. Aside from affecting appearance, they could indicate an increased cardiovascular risk. That’s why early diagnosis and removal are essential.
At Georgijev Clinic, we offer successful xanthelasma removal for both women and men, using a tailored approach, safe procedures, and excellent results. If you’ve noticed white deposits around your eyes, we invite you to book a consultation and find out which method is best for you.
Frequently asked questions about removing white spots around the eyes
How can I tell whether the white spots around my eyes are xanthelasma or milia?
Xanthelasma usually appears as yellowish-white, flat or slightly raised deposits on the eyelids, while milia are small, firm white spots beneath the skin. As the difference is not always easy to recognise, an examination is important before removal and before choosing the most suitable treatment method.
Can white deposits on the eyelids be removed with creams?
Creams generally cannot remove xanthelasma that has already formed. They may help care for the skin, but they cannot break down deposits beneath the surface of the eyelid. Particular care should be taken when using strong creams, acids or peeling products around the eyes, as they may cause irritation, redness or damage to this delicate area.
Can I try to remove white spots around my eyes at home?
Trying to remove, squeeze or pierce white spots around the eyes yourself is not recommended. The skin on the eyelids is thin and sensitive, and attempting removal at home may cause irritation, infection, dark marks or scarring. The safest approach is to have the skin change examined by a specialist first.
Does xanthelasma removal hurt?
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic, so the patient does not feel pain during treatment. Mild pressure or discomfort may be felt, but the procedure itself should not be painful. After treatment, slight tightness, redness, swelling or a small scab may appear, which is expected during the healing process.
How long does it take to remove white spots around the eyes?
The duration depends on the number and size of the deposits, as well as the treatment method used. Smaller areas are usually treated quickly, while larger deposits or changes affecting both eyelids may require more time and careful planning.
Will xanthelasma removal leave a scar?
Any skin procedure can leave a mark, but incisions and treatment areas on the eyelids are planned as precisely as possible to keep scarring discreet. With smaller deposits, any mark is often minimal and becomes less visible over time. The final appearance depends on the size of the deposit, the removal method, the skin type and the healing process.
How long does recovery take after removing white spots around the eyes?
Recovery is usually short, although it depends on the removal method and the size of the affected area. During the first few days, redness, mild swelling, tenderness or a small scab may appear. It is important not to rub the area, remove the scab forcibly or ignore the aftercare instructions provided following the procedure.
Can I return to my normal daily activities straight away?
After a minor procedure, patients can usually return to their normal daily activities quite quickly. However, visible signs of treatment, such as redness, swelling or a small scab, may remain for several days. It is therefore sensible to plan the procedure for a time when you do not have an important event immediately afterwards. For larger deposits or combined procedures, advice on returning to normal activities is given individually.
Can xanthelasma come back after removal?
Yes, xanthelasma can return in some patients, particularly where there is a tendency towards high blood lipid levels or a genetic predisposition. Removal treats the existing deposits, but it cannot always prevent new ones from developing. For this reason, blood lipid testing and management of relevant risk factors are often recommended alongside removal.
Where in Belgrade can I safely have white spots around my eyes removed?
White spots and deposits on the eyelids should be removed only after an examination, as the area around the eyes requires precision and a careful approach. At Georgijev Clinic, you can book a consultation to determine whether the change is suitable for removal and which treatment method is safest for your individual case.
How much does it cost to remove white spots around the eyes?
The cost of removing white spots around the eyes depends on the type and number of skin changes, their size, their position on the eyelid and the removal method used. An exact price cannot be provided without an examination, as the extent of the procedure can only be assessed at that stage. Following the consultation, you will receive a recommendation, a treatment plan and clear information about the cost.
How can I book a consultation and white spot removal treatment?
For more information about the consultation, cost and removal of white spots around the eyes, visit our contact page and call us.