Q: What happens to the periorbital area as we age?
A: Aging brings noticeable changes to the periorbital area, including deepening wrinkles, dermatochalasis, eyebrow ptosis, lid lesions, fat pad atrophy, and the emergence of xanthelasma.
Q: Define xanthelasma and its common occurrence.
A: Xanthelasma is a benign, asymptomatic lesion associated with lipid abnormalities. It’s commonly present in individuals aged 40 and above, particularly in the eyelids.
Q: What contributes to the development of xanthelasma?
A: The pathogenesis involves acetylated LDL, macrophages, and the deposition of foam cells. The primary lipid stored in xanthelasmata is esterified cholesterol.
Q: Are there secondary causes for xanthelasma, and what are they?
A: Yes, secondary causes include physiological states like pregnancy and obesity, systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, and certain medications like estrogens and prednisolone.
Q: Can xanthelasma appear on other body parts?
A: Absolutely, xanthelasma can manifest on areas like the neck, trunk, shoulders, and axillae.
Q: Is there a link between xanthelasmata and HDL or triglyceride levels?
A: No, there’s no association between xanthelasma and HDL or triglyceride levels.
Q: What cardiovascular risks might xanthelasma predict?
A: Xanthelasma may independently predict risks like myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, severe atherosclerosis, and death, regardless of known cardiovascular risk factors.
Q: What conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of xanthelasma?
A: Chalazion, sebaceous hyperplasia, syringoma, nodular basal cell carcinoma, and necrobiotic xanthogranuloma are part of the differential diagnosis.
Q: What are the available treatments for xanthelasma, and what are their drawbacks?
A: Treatments encompass surgical excision, lasers, topical therapy, and systemic therapy. Drawbacks include potential scarring, infection risks, and the surgeon’s skill dependency on laser treatments.
Q: How effective is plasma-based device treatment for xanthelasma, and what do the study results indicate?
A: Plasma-based devices like Plasmage offer a promising non-invasive solution. In a study of 50 patients, Plasmage demonstrated excellent cosmetic outcomes, minimal side effects, and high patient satisfaction.
Q: What’s the conclusion regarding plasma-based devices for xanthelasma removal?
A: In conclusion, plasma-based devices, exemplified by Plasmage, present a safe and effective alternative for xanthelasma removal, ensuring minimal scarring and high patient satisfaction (Cheles D, Esperienze Dermatol 2021;23:1-6. DOI: 10.23736/S1128-9155.21.00513-6).
