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Specialist Service · Edinburgh

Expert xanthelasma removal in Edinburgh.

About this service

Private xanthelasma
removal,
done properly.

Welcome to our specialised private Xanthelasma removal service in Edinburgh. Xanthelasma are yellowish cholesterol deposits that develop around the eyes, often appearing as soft, flat plaques on the upper or lower eyelids. While harmless, they can grow over time and become a cosmetic concern.

We offer safe and precise removal of Xanthelasma, with a focus on achieving the best cosmetic outcome while ensuring minimal scarring. During your personalised consultation, our consultant plastic surgeon will assess your Xanthelasma and recommend the most effective and safe treatment option.

Edinburgh-based, with patients seen from across central Scotland for meticulous eyelid-plaque excision performed in a single visit.

Consultant using a handheld magnifier near the eye area to assess xanthelasma plaques at Skin Surgeons Edinburgh
Consultant performing a dermatological skin procedure at Waterfront Private Hospital
Your journey

From enquiry to aftercare,
in four simple steps.

01 · Make An Enquiry. Complete our simple online form to receive an accurate price and personalised treatment plan.

02 · Arrange Appointment. We'll send you a booking link so you can schedule a convenient time.

03 · Consultation. Attend for a comprehensive assessment and to discuss treatment options.

04 · Treatment. After having time to consider your options you can return to have your procedure.

05 · Aftercare & Follow Up. Enjoy inclusive, high-quality aftercare and follow-up support to ensure the best results.

On the day

What to expect.

Local anaesthetic, single visit, quick recovery. Here's the shape of an appointment with us.

Type of Anaesthetic: Local. To numb the area for painless surgery.

Duration: 30-45 Minutes. Dependent on extent of removal.

Appointment: Two visits. Consultation followed by a 'cooling off' period to consider options prior to your procedure.

Recovery Time: 0 - 1 week. Quick return to normal activity.

The dermatological surgical suite at Waterfront Private Hospital, Edinburgh
Why choose us

Three reasons patients choose us
for private xanthelasma removal.

01

Specialist Expertise

Consultant Plastic Surgeon on GMC specialist register with expertise in skin cancer, reconstruction and cosmetic excellence.

02

Premier Edinburgh Hospital

Trustpilot 5-star-rated Edinburgh Waterfront Private Hospital offering comfort, discretion, and convenience.

03

Quick Access To Treament

No long waits. Easy access to appointments when you need them with no GP referral required.

Treatment methods

Xanthelasma
treatment options.

We have found that full excision with direct closure and partial excision provide the best balance of safety, function, and cosmetic outcome for lesions near the eyelids, which is why we offer these as our preferred treatment options. For information on alternative approaches, you can explore our comprehensive guide on Xanthelasma removal.

We ensure patients are fully informed and involved in selecting the most suitable Xanthelasma removal option, considering factors such as size, location, and cosmetic outcome. Learn more about treatment options in our comprehensive guide on Xanthelasma. We also provide detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up care to support optimal healing and patient satisfaction.

Full Excision. Completely removes the lesion and closes the wound directly, suitable for smaller lesions where tension won’t distort the eyelid.

Partial Excision. Removes most of the lesion while preserving tissue to minimise tension, reducing the risk of eyelid pulling but may leave some residual tissue.

Consultant in conversation with a patient at a consulting-room desk at Skin Surgeons Edinburgh
Guide pricing

Xanthelasma removal pricing.

Below are guide prices and can vary depending upon the complexity of your procedure. What you pay is always determined prior to committing to any treatment.

Specialist Consultation

£125

  • Consultant Plastic Surgeon
  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Discuss options
  • Treatment on same day

Xanthelasma

£995

  • Consultant Plastic Surgeon
  • Inclusive Aftercare
Dr Kazem Nassar, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Skin Surgeons Edinburgh
Your consultant

Dr Kazem Nassar
Consultant Plastic Surgeon.

Dr Kazem Nassar is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register. The consultant who sees you in clinic is the same consultant who performs your procedure and reviews the scar at follow-up.

Credentials. MBChB, FRCS (Plast).

Membership. GMC Specialist Register · 10+ years' plastic surgery experience.

Specialism. Surgical removal of yellow eyelid plaques (xanthelasma) using fine ellipse excision and meticulous eyelid closure to preserve the natural eyelid contour.

Histology. Where indicated, removed tissue is sent for pathological analysis with the report shared at follow-up.

Frequently asked

About xanthelasma removal.

Xanthelasma removal FAQ

01 What is Xanthelasma?

Xanthelasma are yellowish cholesterol deposits that develop around the upper or lower eyelids. They are benign but can grow over time and may become a cosmetic concern.

02 What causes Xanthelasma?

Xanthelasma is often linked to high cholesterol levels, but it can also develop in people with normal cholesterol. Other risk factors include genetics, liver disease, and metabolic conditions.

03 Does Xanthelasma need to be removed?

Removal is not medically necessary, but many patients choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they grow larger and affect the natural eyelid contour.

04 What are the treatment options?

We offer surgical excision, which provides precise removal with minimal scarring. This is the gold standard for achieving the best cosmetic outcome. Other treatments, such as laser therapy or chemical treatments, may be less effective and carry a higher risk of recurrence.

05 Will Xanthelasma come back after removal?

There is a chance of recurrence, especially if underlying cholesterol levels remain high.

06 Is Xanthelasma removal painful?

No, the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, ensuring complete comfort during treatment.

07 How long does recovery take?

Most patients experience minimal downtime, with the area healing within 1-2 weeks. Some mild swelling or redness is normal but settles quickly.

08 Will there be a scar?

As with any surgical procedure, a small scar may be present, but our expert techniques focus on minimising scarring for the best cosmetic outcome.

09 Do I need a GP referral?

No, you can self-refer directly for a consultation and treatment.

10 How much does xanthelasma removal cost?

Consultations are £100 and removal starts from £995 depending on extent location, and complexity

Patient reviews on Google

What xanthelasma & eyelid patients say.

Top-Rated Service 2026 on Trustindex. We don't filter, edit, or republish — every review is live on Google.

★★★★★ Facial Mole Removal

"Attended for a consultation with Dr Kazem Nassar and subsequent multiple raised mole removal from face. Received really good information and assurance, the procedure went smoothly and relatively pain free. Stitch removal was pain free and all wounds appear to be healing well. Wish I had done this years ago."

— Lesley B

★★★★★ Exceptional Care

"From my first contact with Waterfront Private Hospital to walking out the door after the procedure, I received exceptional care. All staff were professional and approachable, especially Dr Nassar who undertook the procedure. He explained what would happen, the risks and how to manage the wound at home."

— Fiona

★★★★★ Cyst Removal

"The hospital was lovely and clean. The doctor who did the cyst removal on my head was very well informed, told me everything about getting it done. Excellent customer service and care. The procedure took just under an hour, very quick and relatively painless."

— Lindsey W

Exterior of the Waterfront Private Hospital, Edinburgh
Get in touch

Make an enquiry.

Phone, email, or message us — one of our team will respond within one working day. No GP referral required.

Hospital
Waterfront Private Hospital
1 Waterfront Park
Edinburgh EH5 1SD
Hours
Mon–Fri · 08:00–17:00
Access
Step-free entry · Free patient parking
Getting here

How to find us.

Waterfront Private Hospital, 1 Waterfront Park, Edinburgh EH5 1SD. Free patient parking on site. Open one section below for the journey that suits you.

01 Driving & satnav — Satnav postcode EH5 1SD · 5 min from Crewe Toll roundabout

From Waterfront Broadway, turn left at the traffic lights onto Waterfront Park. Pass the hospital on your left, then take the first left — the car park is immediately on your left. Walk through the car park, exit via the metal gate and follow the path round to the hospital entrance. Crewe Toll roundabout (Telford / Ferry / Crewe Road) is the closest major junction.

02 Parking — Free patient parking on site · 3-hr free at Morrisons next door

Free parking is available in the private car park at the rear of the hospital. There is also free 3-hour parking at the Morrisons supermarket a few minutes' walk away. Step-free access to reception.

03 Bus — Lothian routes 8, 9, 16, 19, 22, 24, 38, X37

The hospital is served by Lothian Buses routes 8, 9, 16, 19, 22, 24, 38 and X37, with stops on Waterfront Avenue and Waterfront Broadway only a short walk from reception.

04 Train — Nearest mainline: Haymarket (~15 min by car or taxi)

The nearest major rail station is Haymarket, approximately 15 minutes away by car or taxi. From Haymarket you can connect to the hospital by bus or by tram + short transfer.

05 Tram — Edinburgh Trams · alight Ocean Terminal, then short transfer

The Edinburgh Trams route to Newhaven includes a stop at Ocean Terminal, which is a short bus or taxi ride from the hospital.

06 From the city centre — 20–25 min by bus from Waverley · St Andrew Square · Bus Station

We are approximately 20–25 minutes by bus from central Edinburgh, including Waverley Station, St Andrew Square and the Edinburgh Bus Station. Regular services run throughout the day with stops near the hospital.