Xanthelasma Laser Removal: The CO2 Laser Explained

Key Takeaways

Xanthelasma laser removal uses a CO2 laser in a clinic to vaporise the patch layer by layer. It can work well on flat patches, but it needs numbing, a metal eye shield and a week or two of healing, and it carries some risk of scarring, colour change and patches returning.

• It’s done by a dermatologist or cosmetic doctor, usually under local anaesthetic.
• Thicker patches may need two or three sessions, a few weeks apart.
• Expect redness, crusting and swelling for one to two weeks.
• Colour changes are more likely on darker skin.
• It’s private in the UK, often from a few hundred pounds per session.
• Xanthel® xanthelasma removal cream is an at-home alternative, made for your skin type.

By the Xanthel® teamUpdated 3 October 2026

How Does Xanthelasma Laser Removal Work?

A CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser is an “ablative” laser. It sends out a beam of light that heats and vaporises the water in skin cells, removing the skin a very thin layer at a time. On xanthelasma, the doctor passes the beam over the patch until the yellow, fat-filled cells underneath have been cleared. Because the laser seals tiny blood vessels as it goes, there’s usually very little bleeding, and the doctor can control the depth closely.

Before treatment, the eyelid is numbed with a local anaesthetic injection or cream, and a smooth metal shield is placed over or under the eyelid to protect the eye from the beam. The treatment itself usually takes 15 to 20 minutes per eyelid. You’ll smell a slight burning and feel heat, but it shouldn’t be painful once numb.

Laser is one of the most common clinic options, and small, flat patches tend to respond best. Thicker or deeper patches are harder, because the laser has to go deeper, which raises the risk of scarring. Some clinics use an erbium laser instead, which works in a similar way with a little less heat spreading into the surrounding skin. Our xanthelasma removal guide compares laser with every other option.

What Does Your Skin Look Like After Laser?

Straight after treatment, the area is raw and pink, and it soon forms a crust. Over one to two weeks, new skin grows underneath. The new skin is often pink for several weeks, then gradually settles. Some people are left with paler or darker skin, or a small scar, especially after deep or repeated sessions. These changes often fade over months, but not always, so it’s worth asking about them at your consultation.

What Happens During Laser Treatment For Xanthelasma?

Most clinics start with a consultation, where the doctor checks that the patches are xanthelasma, looks at their size and depth, and talks you through the risks for your skin type. Some do a small test patch first, especially on darker skin. It’s also a good time to ask how many eyelid patches they’ve treated, which laser they use, and what happens if you need another session.

On the day, your eyelid is cleaned and numbed, and the eye shield is placed. The doctor treats each patch with short passes of the laser, wiping away the treated layers in between. The whole appointment often takes under an hour, and you can go home straight after, though you may want someone to drive you.

Afterwards you’ll be given an ointment to keep the area moist while it heals. Avoid make-up on the area, don’t pick the crusts, and keep the skin out of the sun for several weeks. If a patch hasn’t fully cleared, a second session is usually booked six to eight weeks later, once the skin has fully settled.

Xanthelasma Laser Removal Cost

Laser removal is classed as cosmetic, so it’s almost always private. In the UK, clinics often charge from a few hundred pounds per session, and the total depends on how many patches you have, how deep they are and how many sessions you need. Always ask for a full quote, including follow-up visits and any repeat sessions, before you book. Prices vary between clinics and cities, so it’s worth comparing two or three. Remember that the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value so close to your eyes, and that a specialist’s experience matters.

Is Laser The Right Choice For You?

Laser can be a good option if you have small, flat patches, you’re happy to visit a clinic, and you can take a week or two of redness and crusting. Choose an experienced dermatologist or cosmetic doctor who treats eyelids regularly, and ask to see before and after photos of their own work. A good clinic will be honest about whether laser suits your patches.

It’s less suited to very thick or deep patches, where surgery may be better, or to darker skin, where colour changes are more likely. Like every method, laser doesn’t stop the tendency to form xanthelasma, so patches can return over time. Keeping your cholesterol healthy afterwards gives you the best chance of staying clear.

If you’d rather avoid clinics, needles and downtime, Xanthel® xanthelasma removal cream is a cosmetic gel designed to improve the look of xanthelasma at home, usually in one application, and made to order for your skin type and tone. See real before and after photos. Results vary.

Laser Xanthelasma Removal: Questions People Ask

Does Xanthelasma Laser Removal Hurt?

The area is numbed first, so most people feel heat and pressure rather than pain. It can feel sore for a day or two afterwards.

How Many Laser Sessions Will I Need?

Small, flat patches may clear in one session. Thicker patches often need two or three, spaced a few weeks apart.

Does Laser Leave A Scar?

It can, especially on deeper patches or after several sessions. Paler or darker skin is also possible, particularly on darker skin tones.

Can Xanthelasma Come Back After Laser?

Yes, it can return after any method. Keeping your cholesterol in check gives you the best chance of staying clear.

Is There An Alternative To Laser At Home?

Yes. Xanthel® is a cosmetic gel made for eyelid patches, applied at home, usually once. Never use laser or “plasma pen” devices yourself.