Dermolipomas are solid choristomas which present as a lateral canthal mass. A series of 35 cases is reported, 27 of whom were female. Six patients had features of Goldenhar's syndrome. Proximity of the dermolipoma to the lacrimal ductules, the lateral rectus and upper lid structures makes extensive surgical excision dangerous. A microsurgical technique of partial excision of the lesion is described and was used successfully in 13 cases without significant complications.