Milia Seeds Removal

Milia seeds are so common that they affect men and women of any age. They commonly appear around the eyes, cheeks and forehead as small white bumps. Once they appear, they tend to stick around for a long time until you do something to remove them. Rarely, they disappear spontaneously and appear again after a while.

What are milia seeds?

Milia seeds are small cysts on the skin filled with protein known as keratin. They usually appear spontaneously and the cause is  not known.

You can also get milia seeds on skin that has suffered from injury such as blisters, burns, sun damage or long term steroid cream usage. These are known as secondary milia.

Are milia seeds harmful?

Milia seeds are benign skin growths and are completely harmless. However, the appearance of milia seeds can be disturbing for some people. They may also interfere with make up and skin care product applications.

Since they are harmless, removing them is not necessary unless they become a cosmetic concern.

How do I remove them?

Observe

Sometimes, observing may be good enough. Milia seeds occasional disappear spontaneously without any treatment but this can take months or years.

Topical treatment

Topical cream such as retinoids (vitamin A) is the least invasive form of treatment. The efficacy of topical cream on milia seeds varies from person to person. Treatment may take time to work. Some milia seeds may not respond to topical treatment at all.

Laser removal

Milia seeds can be removed with laser and the result is usually instant. Recovery takes about 1-2 weeks.

Unfortunately after laser removal, milia seeds can potentially recur.

Surgical treatment

Milia seeds can be removed by surgery – surgical scraping or de-roofing. This is the most invasive form of treatment. Small sterile needles are being used to remove the contents of the milia seeds. It is usually very effective but can potentially leave scarring.

Dermabrasion and chemical peel

The efficacy of dermabrasion and chemical peel on milia seeds removal is debatable. However, they are very useful for preventing growth of new milia seeds and reducing recurrence.

If you want to get rid of milia seeds on your face, please visit us at S Aesthetics Clinic to speak to our doctors.