What is Milia Removal?

Milia are small cysts filled with keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of skin. They look like firm, pearly white or yellowish bumps, usually one to two millimeters in size, and are most common around the eyes, eyelids, nose and cheeks. Unlike whiteheads, milia are not connected to an open pore, which is why squeezing does not work and can damage the skin. Milia can appear without a clear cause or develop after sun damage, heavy creams, blistering, burns or skin procedures. They are harmless but can be persistent.

Who it's for

Milia removal may be suitable if you have:

• Small, hard white bumps around the eyes or on the cheeks
• Bumps that do not go away with cleansing or exfoliation
• Milia that appeared after using rich eye creams
• Clusters of milia after a skin injury or procedure
• Bumps that are difficult to cover with makeup

How we treat it at Egg Clinic

A dermatologist examines the bumps to confirm they are milia and not other lesions such as syringomas, sebaceous hyperplasia or xanthelasma, which look similar but need different treatment. Options include:

• Sterile extraction: a tiny opening is made with a fine needle or blade and the keratin is gently expressed
• CO2 laser: useful for multiple or firmer milia, precisely opening and clearing the lesion
• Topical treatment: retinoid-type products may be suggested to help reduce new milia forming
• Skincare review: switching away from heavy or occlusive products that may contribute

What to expect

Treatment is quick, usually 10 to 20 minutes, and numbing cream may be used for comfort. You may feel slight pressure or pricking. Afterward, tiny red marks or small scabs can appear and usually heal within a few days, or up to about a week after laser. Treated milia rarely return in the same spot, but new ones can form, particularly if underlying causes continue. Possible side effects include temporary redness, minor bleeding and, rarely, pigment change or scarring. Results vary.

Aftercare

• Avoid touching, picking or squeezing the treated areas
• Wash gently with a mild cleanser and pat dry
• Avoid makeup directly on open spots until they heal
• Use lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers and eye products
• Apply sunscreen when outdoors

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I just squeeze milia out?

Milia sit under a thin layer of skin with no pore opening. Squeezing usually fails and can cause redness, marks or scarring, especially around the eyes.

Will my milia come back?

Removed milia do not usually recur in the same place, but new ones can develop. Adjusting your skincare may help reduce this.

Is removal safe near the eyes?

Yes, when done by a trained doctor using careful technique. The eye area is one of the most common places milia are treated.

Visit Egg Clinic in Sinsa

Egg Clinic is at 613 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th floors, directly in front of Sinsa Station Exit 5 (Line 3). We are open weekdays 11:00–20:30 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00–17:00, with a lunch break from 14:00 to 15:00. Book a consultation to confirm your diagnosis and have milia safely removed. Call +82-2-542-5540, email eggclinic1@gmail.com, or message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk.