Xanthelasma
Safe, Professional Xanthelasma Removal Using Advanced Electrolysis
Xanthelasma are soft, yellowish cholesterol deposits that develop beneath the skin, most commonly around the eyelids. Although they are harmless, many people find them upsetting because they are highly visible and can gradually become larger over time.
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Many clients tell us they thought they would simply have to live with them or that surgery was their only option.
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At Jems Health & Beauty in Whitefield, Manchester, we provide professional xanthelasma removal using Advanced Electrolysis. Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation to assess the area, discuss whether treatment is appropriate and explain the results you can realistically expect.
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If we’re ever unsure about a lesion, your safety always comes first. We’ll explain our concerns and, where appropriate, recommend further assessment before any cosmetic treatment is carried out.
What Is Xanthelasma?
Xanthelasma are soft, yellow or cream-coloured plaques that develop beneath the skin, usually on or around the eyelids.
They are made up of cholesterol-rich deposits that collect within the skin.
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Although they are completely benign, many people choose to have them removed because they become more noticeable over time and can affect confidence.
What Causes Xanthelasma?
The exact cause isn’t always clear.
In some people, xanthelasma are linked with raised cholesterol or other lipid disorders.
In others, cholesterol levels are completely normal.
They are more common as we get older and can also run in families.
During your consultation we’ll ask about your medical history and discuss anything that may be relevant.
Is It Definitely Xanthelasma?
Not every yellow or pale lesion around the eyes is xanthelasma.
During your consultation we’ll assess:
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The colour
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The size
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The texture
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Whether the lesion is flat or raised
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How long it has been present
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Whether it has changed over time
If we’re not confident that the lesion is suitable for cosmetic treatment, we won’t proceed until we’re happy it is safe to do so.
Where appropriate, we may recommend further assessment or our Map My Mole service before treatment.
Are Xanthelasma Dangerous?
No. Xanthelasma themselves are harmless and are not cancerous.
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However, because they can sometimes be associated with raised cholesterol, some clients may benefit from discussing this with their GP, particularly if they haven’t had their cholesterol checked recently or have a family history of cardiovascular disease.
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We’ll always advise honestly based on your individual circumstances.
How Does Advanced Electrolysis Remove Xanthelasma?
Advanced Electrolysis uses a very fine sterile probe to deliver a carefully controlled electrical current to the affected tissue.
The treatment breaks down the xanthelasma with precision while minimising damage to the surrounding skin.
Because the eyelid is a delicate area, treatment should always be carried out by an experienced practitioner.
What Happens During My Consultation?
We’ll carefully examine the area and discuss:
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Whether the lesion is suitable for treatment.
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Your medical history.
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Whether you’ve noticed any changes.
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The expected results.
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Healing time.
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Aftercare.
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Any possible risks.
You’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.
Does Xanthelasma Removal Hurt?
Most clients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable treatment is.
You’ll usually feel a brief warm or stinging sensation during treatment, but because the procedure is very precise, it is generally well tolerated.
The exact sensation depends on the size of the xanthelasma and your individual sensitivity.
Will It Be Gone Straight Away?
The xanthelasma begins to break down during treatment.
Immediately afterwards the area may appear slightly darker and a small protective crust usually forms as part of the healing process.
Larger deposits may require more than one treatment session, which we’ll discuss with you during your consultation.​​​
What Will It Look Like Afterwards?
Following treatment you can expect:
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Mild redness.
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A small dry crust.
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Slight swelling, particularly around the delicate eyelid area.
These changes are completely normal and usually settle as the skin heals.
Aftercare Recommendations​​
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The eyelids are one of the most delicate areas of the body, so following your aftercare advice is essential.
To achieve the best possible result we recommend:
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Keeping the area clean and dry.
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Avoiding rubbing or picking the treated area.
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Avoiding make-up until advised.
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Wearing SPF daily once healing has taken place.
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Following your personalised aftercare instructions carefully.
Protecting the healing skin helps minimise the risk of unwanted pigmentation and supports the best cosmetic outcome.
Can Xanthelasma Come Back?
Treatment removes the existing xanthelasma. However, if the underlying cause remains, new deposits can develop over time.
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Although we cannot prevent new xanthelasma from forming, we’ll always discuss ways to help you look after your skin and general health.
Common Myths about Cherry Angiomas​​​
Myth:
Xanthelasma are just a normal part of ageing.
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Fact:
They become more common with age, but they are cholesterol deposits rather than simply a sign of getting older.
Myth:
Myth: Everyone with xanthelasma has high cholesterol.
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Fact:
Many people have normal cholesterol levels, although it’s sensible to discuss cholesterol testing with your GP if appropriate.
Myth:
Surgery is the only treatment.​
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Fact:
Depending on the size and appearance of the lesion, Advanced Electrolysis may be a suitable option.
Myth:
They will disappear on their own.
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Fact:
Xanthelasma usually remain unless treated.
Why Choose Jems Health & Beauty?​​
​​​​Every skin lesion deserves careful assessment before treatment.
When you choose Jems you’ll receive:
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A professional consultation.
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Honest advice.
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Advanced Electrolysis performed with precision.
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Personalised aftercare advice.
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Treatment in an experienced, inclusive clinic established in 2008.
If we’re ever unsure about a lesion, we may recommend our Map My Mole service or advise you to see your GP before any cosmetic treatment is considered.
Questions Clients Ask Every Day​​
Can I drive afterwards?
Yes. Most clients are able to drive home after treatment, although the area may feel slightly sensitive.
Can I wear eye make-up afterwards?
We usually recommend avoiding eye make-up until the skin has started to heal. We’ll advise you based on the area treated.
Can I exercise afterwards?
We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and excessive sweating for the first 24–48 hours to allow the area to settle.
Can I shower afterwards?
Yes. Shower as normal but avoid very hot water and heavily perfumed products on the treated area during the early stages of healing. Gently pat the skin dry.
Can I have a glass of wine after treatment?
Where possible, avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after treatment, as it may increase redness and make the area more reactive.
Will I have a scab?
Yes. A small protective crust usually develops and should be left to fall away naturally.
Will I have a scar?
When treatment is carried out appropriately and aftercare is followed carefully, healing is usually excellent. We’ll discuss any individual risk factors during your consultation.
Can both eyelids be treated at the same appointment?
In many cases, yes. This depends on the size and extent of the xanthelasma and will be discussed during your consultation.
Jodie’s Advice​​
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“The first thing I’ll always say is, ‘Let’s have a look.’ Not every yellow lesion around the eyes is xanthelasma, so it’s important that we identify exactly what we’re treating before we begin.
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If I believe a lesion needs further assessment, I’ll always tell you. Your safety comes first, and I’d much rather recommend further investigation than treat something that shouldn’t be treated. Once we’re confident it’s suitable, we’ll talk honestly about what you can expect from treatment and healing.”
Still Not Sure?​​
If you’ve noticed yellow patches or plaques around your eyelids and you’re unsure what they are, book a consultation.
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We’ll carefully assess the area, explain exactly what we believe it is and discuss whether Advanced Electrolysis is the most appropriate treatment for you.
Ready to Remove Your Xanthelasma?
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If you’d like professional advice about xanthelasma removal, we’d be delighted to help.
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Book a consultation with Jems Health & Beauty in Whitefield, Manchester, where we’ll assess your skin, answer your questions and recommend the safest and most appropriate treatment for you.
