Fatty deposits around the eyes: why do they appear and how can they be treated?
In medical terms, they are called xanthelasmas, tend to affect women in particular, and most often appear between the ages of 35 and 55.[1] In this article, we will tell you why these fatty deposits appear around the eyes, and what we can do to get rid of them.
What exactly are fatty deposits around the eyes?
Xanthelasmas are lipid deposits that form under the skin around the eyes. They appear as soft, yellowish-white bumps that can vary in size. Most often, they are located symmetrically, between the eye and nose, on the inner parts of the upper and lower eyelids.
As mentioned above, they are usually harmless, in the sense that they should not affect the ability to blink, open or close the eyes, nor cause pain. That is why they are generally considered an aesthetic problem. However, it should be mentioned that, over time, these fatty deposits that appear around the eyes can grow large enough to cease to be considered strictly a source of aesthetic discomfort.[2] In such cases, when they become uncomfortable or are simply considered unsightly, intervention can be done to remove them, but we will tell you more about this below.
Why do fatty deposits appear around the eyes?
These fatty deposits are often associated with certain health problems. They are especially common among people who suffer from dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by abnormal levels of lipids in the blood. This may include, for example, hypercholesterolemia (when the total cholesterol level exceeds 200 mg/dL) or hypertriglyceridemia (when the triglyceride level exceeds 150 mg/dL).[2]
There are multiple causes that can lead to the development of such a condition. Sometimes, it is a genetic problem that cannot be prevented. However, lifestyle can also be to blame. An unhealthy diet, rich in saturated fats and poor in unsaturated fats and fiber, excessive alcohol consumption, weight gain, smoking, lack of physical exercise – all of these will affect the level of lipids in the blood. The same can be said about certain medications.[2]
Other examples of conditions that may increase the risk of developing fatty deposits around the eyes are kidney disease, hypothyroidism, or diabetes mellitus. Xanthelasmas can also be found in people who have had erythroderma or contact dermatitis. They can also be considered predictive factors for myocardial infarction (heart attack) or systemic atherosclerosis.[1]
How can fatty deposits around the eyes be treated?
The first thing we need to specify is that, once they appear, these fatty deposits will not disappear on their own. On the contrary, as mentioned earlier, they will continue to grow and cause increasing discomfort. It is often recommended to modify the lifestyle and a diet low in fat. This can help manage dyslipidemia, but has limited effects on the problem that interests us.
It is not advisable to try to use various ointments or other products and remedies that promise to make them disappear without first seeking the advice of a doctor. If you have fatty deposits around your eyes, the best and most effective solution would be to consult a specialist for their removal. There are several procedures that can achieve the desired results.[1][2]
One option would be to excise the fatty deposits from the eyes through simple surgical procedures. To obtain the best results, the operation to remove xanthelasmas can be combined with blepharoplasty, a procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It is the perfect solution especially for patients who, in addition to fatty deposits, also face palpebral ptosis or drooping eyelids, wrinkles or other problems that appear with age.[1][3] If you want to find out more about blepharoplasty, you can find all the information you need here.
Surgical removal of fatty deposits is not the only treatment method that can be used. Cryotherapy and chemical peeling are also possible solutions to this problem. They can also be removed with the help of a laser or through radiofrequency treatments.
Each treatment method has its advantages and disadvantages and a certain risk of recurrence.[1] The only way to find out which treatment method is right for you is to schedule a specialist consultation.
Fatty deposits around the eyes or xanthelasmas are often harmless – they do not cause pain or discomfort. However, they can be unsightly and, in addition, over time, they will increase in size and will be even more difficult to treat. If you too have noticed the appearance of such fatty deposits around your eyes, do not neglect them and seek the advice of a specialist.
Bibliography:
- Al, Ahmad M, et al. „Xanthelasma Palpebrarum”, StatPearls Publishing, 4 June 2022. Accessed 30 June 2023.
- Duggal, Neel. „Everything You Should Know about Cholesterol Deposits in Your Eye”, Healthline, 22 May 2023. Accessed 30 June 2023.
- Eun Ha Choi, et al. „A Modified Surgical Method Combined with Blepharoplasty Design for Treatment of Xanthelasma Palpebrarum”, Biomed Res Int. Vol. 2020, 30 Nov. 2020, pp. 1–7. Accessed 30 June 2023.
