Milium removal or curettage

Milia are small, round, white or yellowish bumps about the size of a millet grain — hence they are commonly referred to as "milk spots" or "millets." This skin condition can appear in people of any age. Usually, these bumps occur on the face and around the eyes. Although milia are not harmful to health, they often cause aesthetic discomfort. If you care about your facial appearance and skin condition, their removal becomes an obvious necessity.

Technique for Milia Removal

In our health resort's cosmetic department, milia are professionally removed by experienced dermatologists using surgical tools. This is the only safe and correct way to get rid of them. Home remedies and unprofessional attempts at removal — without proper preparation and sterile conditions — may lead to infection, provoke new skin problems, or even leave scars. The internet is full of photos showing the consequences of amateur procedures, so it’s best not to take risks and instead consult a specialist.

The procedure involves several steps:

1. The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic;
2. To reduce sensitivity, especially in areas with thin skin, local freezing (cryotherapy) may be applied;
3. A single-use sterile needle or lancet is used to puncture the skin over the milium;
4. Using a special spoon-shaped tool called the Unna extractor, the entire contents of the bump are carefully removed;
5. Since this is an aggressive procedure for the skin, no more than 10–15 milia should be removed per session.

The duration of the procedure varies, and the number of sessions required is determined individually based on the severity of the issue. The cost of treatment depends on the number of milia to be removed. Skin trauma during extraction means there will be a short recovery period — usually lasting 4–5 days or until redness and irritation subside.

Prevention

The presence of milia indicates improper functioning of sebaceous glands. The best prevention after removal includes selecting individual skincare products that regulate sebum production, along with revising your diet and lifestyle — factors that may trigger such formations. Most importantly, maintaining proper skin cleansing is essential, since milia develop when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the skin surface. In people with healthy metabolism, milia often stop appearing once this recommendation is followed.

In practice, however, a comprehensive approach is needed — correcting hormonal imbalances and improving gastrointestinal tract function. Preventing recurrence also requires timely treatment of other skin issues (e.g., injuries, burns, allergies) and restoring normal metabolic processes.

Contraindications

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised against removing milia either at home or in a clinic. Contraindications to this specialized procedure include:

• Oncological diseases;
• Thyroid dysfunction;
• Blood disorders;
• Diabetes;
• Cardiovascular pathologies;
• Acute phases of chronic diseases.

If you suspect underlying skin issues, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. For a detailed analysis, blood tests are usually required. Remember: milia removal should only be entrusted to professionals.