Xanthelasma removal is more commonly performed privately than on the NHS, because these cholesterol rich eyelid plaques are usually harmless and mainly a cosmetic concern.
NHS availability and limitations
Many NHS areas restrict funding for xanthelasma treatment, reserving it for unusually large, deforming, or functionally troublesome lesions. Even when approved, waiting times may be long.
- Your clinician can advise on local funding policies
- Health checks for cholesterol and cardiovascular risk are still important
- Treatment, if offered, is usually surgical excision or cautery
- Scarring risk is always weighed against cosmetic benefit
Choosing private care
Private clinics provide more predictable access and choice of technique, but costs are borne by the patient. Selecting an oculoplastic or eyelid specialist helps minimise scarring and lid problems.
- Ask about experience, before and after photos, and recurrence rates
- Ensure you understand downtime, dressing care, and follow up
- Continue cholesterol management to reduce new plaque formation
- NHS services remain available for other eye or health conditions
