At our CQC-registered, consultant dermatologist-led clinic, our therapist team checks the bumps first and removes milia using a sterile technique. Patients travel to us from across Kent, including Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover and Deal.
About the Condition
Milia form when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the surface, creating a tiny cyst filled with keratin. They are common in babies but also appear in adults, around the eyes, cheeks and nose, and sometimes after skin damage or using rich products.
Common features include:
- Small, firm, white or pearly bumps
- Most often around the eyes, cheeks and nose
- Bumps that do not squeeze out like a spot
- No redness, pain or discharge
- Bumps that stay for months
Milia are not the same as whiteheads, and squeezing them at home can cause marks. Other skin lumps, such as sebaceous hyperplasia and syringoma, can look similar, so it is worth having them checked.
How We Treat It
Milia are usually removed in a short appointment with our therapist, after a quick check that the bumps really are milia. If a medical assessment is needed, referral to our dermatology team can be made within the clinic.
The treatment takes 15 to 30 minutes, with minimal downtime, though the skin can look a little red afterwards. Individual results vary, and new milia can develop over time.
When to See a Specialist
Any bump that is growing, bleeding, painful or changing in appearance should be seen by a clinician rather than assumed to be milia.
Book a dermatology consultation if you are unsure what a bump is, or if you have a lot of bumps that keep returning.
Further reading: DermNet – Milia · British Association of Dermatologists
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes milia?
Milia form when dead skin cells become trapped under the skin’s surface. They can appear without an obvious cause.
Can I remove milia myself?
This is not recommended. Squeezing can lead to marks or infection, whereas professional removal uses a sterile technique.
Will milia come back?
Treated milia should not return, though new ones can develop over time.
Is milia removal painful?
Most people feel a brief scratch or sting, and treatment is over quickly.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of lesions.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us, online or by phone.
Get your concern assessed
First step
Skin Consultation with the therapist, £50, redeemable against treatment within 3 months. Milia removal £50 for up to 5 lesions, £85 for up to 10
Appointment
15 to 30 minutes
Availability
Usually within 1 to 2 weeks
Treatments for Milia
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