Keep the suture line clean
The fine suture line is normally left uncovered. Keep it clean and dry for the period specified by your clinician, and follow the wound-care instructions provided at your appointment.
Patient aftercare guide
Xanthelasma
removal aftercare
A calm, practical guide to looking after the delicate eyelid area after precise Er:YAG laser removal and fine-suture closure.
Your personalised instructions come first. Your treatment may differ depending on the size, depth and position of the xanthelasma. If your clinician has advised something different, follow their directions.
Why there is a wound
The cholesterol is within the skin.
Xanthelasma is made up of cholesterol-laden cells infiltrating the skin. To remove the xanthelasma, this affected tissue must be removed—not simply lightened at the surface.
Although every lesion is different, treatment may involve precisely ablating the full thickness of affected skin with a 2,940 nm Er:YAG laser. This creates a controlled wound. Where appropriate, we bring the edges together with very fine sutures to support precise healing and minimise the final scar.
01Cholesterol-
infiltrated skin
→
infiltrated skin
02Precise tissue
removal
→
removal
03Fine-suture
closure
→
closure
04Gradual
remodelling
remodelling
01
The day of treatment
Keep it quiet,
clean and protected.
Rest with your head raised
Use two pillows or a recliner for the first 1–2 nights. This may reduce eyelid swelling. Avoid bending low, heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.
Keep hands away
Do not touch, rub or inspect the suture line unnecessarily. If you need to go near the area, wash and dry your hands thoroughly first.
Use only approved products
Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed. Do not apply makeup, skincare, antiseptics, actives or home remedies to the area unless approved by your treating clinician.
02
The first 48 hours
Protect the fine closure.
✓ Do
- Wash your hands before going near the treated area.
- Keep the suture line dry until your clinician says it may get wet.
- Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors without pressing on the wound.
- Attend the scheduled wound check and suture removal.
× Avoid
- Rubbing, picking, scratching or pulling at sutures.
- Swimming, saunas, steam rooms and soaking the wound.
- Contact lenses if insertion pulls on the treated eyelid.
- Smoking or vaping, which can delay wound healing.
03
What to expect
Healing happens in stages.
Settling
Tenderness, mild swelling, pinkness and bruising can be expected. Bruising may look darker before it fades.
Early closure
The wound edges begin to seal. A fine crust, tightness or itch can occur. Do not pick. Sutures are removed only when your clinician decides the wound is ready.
Strengthening
Pinkness and firmness gradually settle. Once fully closed, camouflage makeup may be used if your clinician approves.
Remodelling
The scar continues to soften and fade. It is usually planned to blend with a natural eyelid crease or fine line. The final result takes time.
Because a small amount of skin has been removed, the healed area may look smoother or slightly tighter. This varies by person and is not guaranteed.
04
A quick symptom check
Common changes,
and changes to flag.
Usually expected
- Mild bruising or swelling
- Pink or red wound edges
- Mild tenderness, tightness or itch
- A tiny spot of blood at the suture line
- Temporary firmness as the scar forms
Contact MA360 promptly
- Redness, heat, swelling or pain that is increasing
- Yellow/green discharge, bad smell or wound opening
- Bleeding that will not settle with gentle pressure
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- A rash, blistering or unexpected reaction
Bruising alone is usually not a cause for alarm. What matters is the pattern: symptoms that are severe, rapidly worsening or paired with visual changes need urgent assessment.
Do not wait
Urgent eye symptoms
Seek urgent medical care for sudden or worsening vision changes, severe eye pain, rapidly increasing swelling, a very painful or hard swollen eye, uncontrolled bleeding, or any symptom that feels like an emergency.
In Australia, call 000or attend the nearest emergency department
For non-emergency concerns, contact your treating MA360 clinician using the details provided at your appointment.
Continue to scar care05
After the wound has closed
Help the scar fade well.
Sun protection
Freshly healed skin is vulnerable to pigment change. Once the area is fully closed, use broad-spectrum SPF 50+ and protective sunglasses daily. Do not put sunscreen into an open wound.
Silicone—if advised
After complete wound closure and suture removal, your clinician may recommend silicone gel. Use it only when advised and keep it out of the eye.
Give it time
Scars can be pink, firm or more visible early on. They remodel gradually over many months. Keep follow-up appointments so healing can be assessed.
Clinical reading
Evidence & further information
This guide supports—but does not replace—the directions of your treating clinician.
MA360°
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr Chun-Yen Huang · Updated 6 August 2026