Xanthelasma - 13 days post op

Hello

So far so good.  It is day 13 and I am pleased with the result.  Although I can still see a few of the stitch marks they seem to be getting less and less noticeable day by day.

Before photo

 After (no makeup)

After (with a tiny bit of concealer applied with a brush)

Xanthelasma - 5-9 days post op

Hello

I was very nervous to have the stitches removed.  It was exactly as I expected, hurt a tiny bit but was bearable.  Both the nurse and surgeon seemed to be pleased with my results although it looked pretty terrible to me!

I was told to try and keep my eyes away from direct water contact.  After showering, if the incision area was damp, it was suggested I dab the area with a soft Kleenex.  Other than this I was told to apply a thin layer of Vaseline (to keep it moist) but other than this leave it alone.  I was also instructed to continue sleeping with my head elevated and to avoid sleeping on my side.  Not comfortable.

As for makeup?  Not allowed for 2-3 days after the stitches were removed.  Sunglasses for a few more days.

This photo was taken 5 days post op.  Same day stitches were removed.

Next photo was taken 1 week post op ( 2 days after stitches were removed).

9 days post op.  Lightly applied concealer with a makeup brush.
I'm excited to go out in public without having to wear sunglasses.

Xanthelasma - Day of surgical procedure (Sept 21, 2016)

Hello

Well, needless to say, I did not get much sleep the night before.  I spent a good portion of the night looking at before and after pictures on the Internet.  This did nothing to calm me!
I was also hungry as I had done my best to eat 'cleanly' several days before the procedure.  My surgeon suggested I lower my salt intake to limit the amount of swelling post op.
Unfortunately,  it turns out practically everything I eat has quite a bit of salt in it.

 I arrived at the surgical suite and was given the option of an Adavan to help calm my nerves.
 It was decided he would remove the Xan while I was awake but numb.  He administered several needles around both eyes and once I couldn't feel anything he began the removal.
Surprisingly it wasn't bad at all.  I knew which area he was working on but there was no pain whatsoever.  The 'yuck' factor came into play when I could hear a ripping sound as he pulled the Xan off the muscle.  The Xan was deep so I'm glad I opted for the surgery.
The entire procedure on both lower lids was complete within 45 minutes.
A follow up appointment was scheduled 5 days later when my stitches would be removed.

For the next week I took it easy and slept on my back with my head elevated by pillows.

This photo was taken the day after surgery.  

Xanthelasma - The Beginning

Hello

I would assume if you are reading this you are either dealing with xanthelasma or know someone who is.  Because I appreciate all those before me who took the time to document their experience I thought I should do the same.

A few months ago I noticed wrinkly looking yellow deposits growing under my eyes.
It initially started as a series of raised bumps that eventually grew larger and joined together forming an unsightly raised mass.

When I asked a plastic surgeon if the wrinkles were sun damage he informed me that no, it was xanthelasma and could be removed surgically.
Although he was relatively certain I inherited this problem from my Dad he also suggested I have my blood work checked for high cholesterol, just in case.

As soon as I got home I began to research xanthelasma and started to panic.  Not only was I concerned about the possibility of having high cholesterol but was also concerned about removal and scarring and the possibility of recurrence after the removal.

After some research and another consult with my doctor we decided the best course of action would be to excise the xanthelasma.  At this point laser did not seem to be the best choice as the growth was quite deep and he felt scarring would be minimal and easily concealed within my natural lines.
I asked to be scheduled asap for my surgical procedure.

Unfortunately I can't pinpoint exactly when the xanthelasma surfaced.  I'm 45 years old and thought these wrinkles were just another lovely part of ageing!  Looking back I think it may have started a year or so ago.

This photo was taken the week before the procedure.
I apologise for the poor quality but I guess it's better than nothing.