What is a milia?
A milia is a tiny spot that occurs just under the skin. A milia measures between 1 to 2mm in diameter. A milia is quite hard and feels like a tiny grain under the skin. Milia might occur as a single spot but sometimes there can be 5 to 10 milia, or even more. People do not like milia as they are visible.
How do I know if I have milia?
Milia are very firm or hard, shiny white spots that measure 1 or 2mm in diameter. The most common sites are:
- Eyelids and under the eyes
- Along the eyelashes
- Cheeks
- Around the lips
- Anywhere else on the face
Lesions that may be confused with milia are:
- Cysts – if your growth is more than 1 or 2 mm in diameter then it is not a milia, and a cyst. The information on this page does not apply to cysts.
- Comedones
- Sebaceous gland hyperplasia
- Syringomas
How are milia treated?
Milia can be extracted in a small procedure. The skin is first cleansed, and a small local anaesthetic injection is placed to make the area numb. The skin over the milia is incised and the milia is removed. Stitches are not required.
The procedure takes 5 to 10 minutes.
A tiny wound which is the size of a pin prick results. This scabs over and heals in 3 to 4 days time. A dressing is not required and the wound can be covered with Vaseline which is applied 3 times per day.
You are able to return to an office job straight away.
What is the difference between a milia and a cyst?
Milia are very small, about 1 or 2 mm in diameter, and bright white as they are just under the skin. Any thing larger or deeper than this is not a milia. There is more information about cysts here.
Can I remove milia at home or use home remedies for milia?
It is extremely risky to remove milia at home. Milia can not be squeezed out. The more you squeeze and area, the more likely you are to cause inflammation and scarring. Milia can not be removed without using some form of sharp object to incise the skin. We do not recommend you do that at home as you are unable to remove the milia easily, as they are so small, and you may cause infection and damage to the skin. It is advisable to have milia removed professionally.
What can I do to reduce the chance of getting more milia?
It is not clear why some poeple may develop milia. It may be that over exfoliating and using strong scrubs may increase the chance of milia production and so skin care should be gentle at all times.
What is the cost for milia removal?
Please check our fees page for the latest prices for milia removal. Prices for milia are based on the number of lesions. There is a price for 1-3 lesions, 4-7 lesions or more than 7 lesions.
Same day procedures
Same day consultation and treatment is available. Read more about same day procedures.
