Benign Eyelid Lesions
(And What You Can Do About Them)

Let’s face it: our poor eyelids go through a lot. Sun exposure, pollution, makeup, rubbing (yes, we’re all guilty of that one), and the everyday environmental toxins that seem to surround us everywhere we look. The reality of life is that little lumps and bumps sometimes show up. As much as they can be frustrating, they’re also quite normal and relatively common – that being said,  we know that it’s completely normal to feel a little uneasy when something new pops up.

The good news? Not every bump is cause for alarm. And if you are looking for the best eyelid surgery in Cape Town — both cosmetic and functional — then you’re here for the right reason! It is our passion and priority to help you look and feel like yourself again. Whether it’s a cyst, a wart, or a strange little plaque you just can’t unsee, you’ll be in experienced hands. We even specialise in eyelid lesion removal, eyelid cyst surgery, and eyelid tumour excision.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common benign (non-cancerous, non-spread-y, non-drama) eyelid lesions we see — and what you can expect when treating them:

Chalazion

This one’s a blocked oil gland that got a little too inflamed. It feels like a small lump and is often mistaken for a stye that overstayed its welcome.

• Treatment: It’s simple ~ a warm compress, a steroid injection, or a quick surgical removal if it just won’t quit. It’s really that easy.
• Recovery: You’ll likely heal fast with minimal fuss.

Xanthelasma

Yellowish patches on the inner corners of your lids that look like fat deposits (because… they are). Often linked to high cholesterol, but sometimes they just happen.

• Treatment: Most likely either surgery, laser therapy, or chemical peels.
• Recovery: You may need a few stitches or minor reshaping for cosmetic reasons, but rest assured that this is nothing major and we’ve got you by the hand, love.

Papilloma

Think: tiny, skin-coloured wart-like growths. Not the prettiest — but benign.

• Treatment: A swift, straightforward surgical snip.
• Recovery: Minimal downtime. You’ll blink it off in no time.

Cysts (like sebaceous cysts)

These are the kind of lumps that just… appear. They’re fluid-filled, usually harmless, and mostly just annoying.

• Treatment: A quick drain or small surgical removal if they’re being stubborn.
• Recovery: These cysts often need minimal intervention, and most healing is straightforward.

Molluscum Contagiosum

We agree — it sounds like something out of an ancient Roman medical scroll. But really, it’s just a viral skin condition that shows up as little smooth bumps after close contact with someone who’s already had it.

• Treatment: We might freeze them off (yes, literally), apply topical meds, or gently remove them depending on how many you’ve got.
• Recovery: Most people are back to normal with zero fuss. A little cream here, a little care there, and you’re good to go.

Whether it’s something you’ve had for a while or something that popped up last week, it’s always worth getting it checked out — not just to feel reassured, but to feel like you again. And yes, you can take care of your eye health and your confidence at the same time. That’s the beauty of today’s oculoplastic techniques — they’re about function and aesthetics, so you never have to choose between seeing clearly and looking like your best self.