Private Milia Removal in Bournemouth and Poole

Milia are tiny white or yellowish bumps that form just beneath the surface of the skin. They develop when keratin, a natural protein found in skin and hair, becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface and forms a small, hard cyst. Unlike a spot or whitehead, milia have no opening onto the skin surface, which is why they cannot be squeezed or popped in the way a spot can.

Milia are extremely common and can affect people of all ages, including newborns. In adults they are most commonly found around the eyes, nose, cheeks and forehead, though they can develop anywhere on the face or body. They are entirely harmless but can be persistent and difficult to shift without professional treatment.

In adults milia are most commonly caused by damage or blockage to the skin’s surface. Common triggers include sun damage, heavy or occlusive skincare products, skin resurfacing treatments such as laser or chemical peels, and prolonged use of steroid creams. They can also develop following skin trauma or blistering. In some cases milia appear without any obvious cause and can simply be a reflection of skin type or genetics. They are particularly common around the eyes, where the skin is thin and delicate.

Milia appear as small, round, dome-shaped bumps, usually white or pale yellow in colour. They are typically between one and two millimetres in size and sit just beneath the skin’s surface, giving them a smooth, pearl-like appearance. They do not have a visible opening or central point like a blackhead or spot, and the skin over them looks intact. They most commonly appear in clusters around the eyes, nose and cheeks.

Home removal of milia is not recommended. Unlike spots, milia cannot be squeezed or popped as they sit beneath an intact layer of skin. Attempting to remove them at home using a needle or other implement carries a significant risk of infection, scarring and skin damage, particularly in sensitive areas around the eyes. Over the counter skincare products may help to prevent new milia from forming but are unlikely to remove existing ones. Professional removal by a Consultant Dermatologist is the safest and most effective option.

At Haven Medical, milia are removed by our Consultant Dermatologists using a precise technique to safely extract each milium individually. A very fine sterile needle or blade is used to create a tiny opening in the skin, allowing the keratin contents to be carefully removed. The procedure is quick, causes minimal discomfort and leaves little to no trace in most cases. Having the procedure carried out by a medical professional also means your skin can be assessed at the same time, providing reassurance that what you have are milia rather than anything requiring further investigation.

Milia on and around the eyelids are extremely common and are one of the most frequently treated areas. Because the skin in this area is particularly thin and delicate, professional removal is strongly recommended over any home treatment. At Haven Medical, our Consultant Dermatologists are experienced in treating milia in sensitive areas including the eyelids, using careful and precise techniques to achieve effective removal with minimal risk.

While not always preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of milia developing. Using lightweight, non-occlusive skincare products, wearing daily SPF to protect against sun damage, and avoiding heavy creams around the eye area can all help. Regular gentle exfoliation may also reduce the build-up of dead skin cells that can contribute to milia formation. If you are prone to milia, our Consultant Dermatologists can advise on a skincare routine suited to your skin type.

The cost of milia removal at Haven Medical will depend on the number of milia being treated. Pricing is confirmed at your initial consultation. Please contact us or book an appointment at our Canford Cliffs clinic, conveniently located for patients across Poole and Bournemouth, to find out more.