18/11/2025
Milia are tiny, white or yellowish keratin-filled cysts that form just beneath the surface of the skin, often appearing in clusters on the cheeks, nose, and around the eyes. While harmless, many people opt for professional removal for cosmetic reasons.
Milia removal is a minor, in NU Health & Beauty clinic procedure typically performed by a dermatologist or a trained skin care specialist. Unlike a pimple, milia cannot be squeezed or extracted safely at home because the keratin is trapped beneath a thin layer of skin.
The most common professional removal methods include:
• Manual Extraction (Deroofing): The skin over the milium is first cleansed, and then a sterile lancet or needle is used to create a tiny opening (or "de-roof") the cyst. A comedone extractor or small surgical forceps are then used to gently coax the hard, keratinized material out of the skin. This procedure is quick and is often the preferred method, resulting in a tiny, pin-prick wound that scabs and heals in a few days with minimal risk of scarring.
• Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is applied to the milia to freeze and destroy the cyst. The milia eventually sloughs off.
• Laser Ablation: A focused laser beam targets and vaporizes the milium cyst contents. This is a very precise method, often used for delicate areas.
• Chemical Peels/Topical Retinoids: For widespread or primary milia, a dermatologist may recommend professional-strength chemical peels (containing ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid) or prescription-strength retinoid creams to promote exfoliation and skin cell turnover, which can help bring the trapped keratin to the surface over time.
Self-removal is strongly discouraged to prevent infection, bleeding, inflammation, and potential scarring.
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