Unlike acne, milia have no visible opening, so the contents cannot easily be released. A consultation lets the doctor examine the bumps and advise on removal options suited to your skin.
Milia seeds cluster where the skin is thinnest: under the eyes, along the nose, and across the cheeks. They affect men and women of all ages.
Forms inside a pore that connects to the skin’s surface, so it can be extracted, and topical acne treatments can reach it.
Keratin trapped in a closed sac under the surface. Removal needs a controlled opening, made by a doctor using either a sterile needle or non-fractional CO₂ laser, chosen after examining the bump.
The skin’s outermost protective layer. Creams, serums, and facials mainly act on and within this layer.
Milia are tiny cysts filled with trapped keratin that sits in the epidermis where skincare cannot penetrate.
Unlike normal clogged pores, milia are more difficult to extract because they are trapped beneath the skin's surface.
Milia are grouped into two types. Primary milia form on their own without an obvious trigger, while secondary milia develop after something affects the skin, such as sun damage, injury, or certain medications.
Keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface and forms tiny cysts. Many cases of primary milia develop this way without an obvious trigger.
As skin ages, it can become less effective at shedding dead skin cells, which may contribute to milia forming.
Long-term sun exposure may contribute to slower skin cell turnover and keratin build-up. This can make milia more likely to appear on sun-exposed areas such as the cheeks.
Burns, blistering injuries, or some skin treatments can trigger the formation of milia (or secondary milia).
This laser uses focused energy to ablate a tiny area of the skin over the milia to remove the trapped keratin.
Suitable for: Multiple, persistent, or difficult-to-treat milia
A sterile needle is used to make a tiny opening in the skin covering the cyst before extracting the keratin. This method is recommended over squeezing milia at home as this may cause infection, scarring, or skin injury.
Suitable for: Isolated, superficial milia
The doctor assesses whether the bumps are milia and checks your skin type, as well as the location, number, and depth of the milia.
Before the CO2 laser treatment, the skin is cleansed and numbing cream is applied on the treatment area.
The doctor uses the laser or a sterile needle to remove and extract the trapped keratin. During the laser treatment, the sensation is similar to a rubber band snapping on your skin.
Possible side effects include temporary redness, sensitive, or small scabs. Their duration can vary between individuals.
For the first week, minimise sun exposure to reduce pigmentation risk. You should also avoid exfoliation and skincare that contains AHA as they may irritate your skin and prolong healing.
Allow any scabs to fall off naturally to prevent scarring, use prescribed medications as directed, and apply SPF 50 sunscreen before going out.
Dr. Terence Tan is the founder of Halley Medical Aesthetics and Halley Body Slimming Clinic. He has a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Master of Medicine (Surgery) from the National University of Singapore (NUS). He also obtained his surgical qualifications with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2003.
Under his leadership, both medical clinics received multiple awards including the “Golden Record Award” by Merz Aesthetics in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023 for Ultherapy treatment and the “Merz Aesthetics Singapore Ultherapy Transducers Winner” award in 2022. In the area of anti-ageing and facial contouring with dermal fillers, Halley Medical Aesthetics won Allergan Aesthetics’ Facial Aesthetics Gold Award in 2022 and 2023 as well as Galderma Aesthetics’ Alliance Awards in 2022 and 2023.
Dr. Terence Tan is actively involved in research that will improve the care and treatment outcome of medical aesthetic treatments. He has a special interest in the use of cryolipolysis or freezing temperature to remove unwanted body fat for body contouring. His research has been presented in international meetings from Monaco and Spain to Japan, China, and the Middle East.
Dr. Shoun Tan holds a MBBS from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and a Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (GDFM) from the College of Family Physicians Singapore. He has more than six years of medical aesthetics experience under his belt, and his practice is centred on injectables — including dermal fillers, biostimulators, and botulinum toxins — alongside laser and energy-based skin lifting and firming treatments.
Dr. Shoun is currently part of the Allergan Trainer development pathway and he is also a member of the Society of Aesthetic Medicine (Singapore).
Dr. Shoun has a special interest in designing treatment protocols that combine injectables with device-based technologies such as high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), radiofrequency (RF), and laser to optimise patient outcomes.
Numbing cream is applied before the CO2 laser treatment to reduce discomfort. You will feel a sensation that is similar to the snapping of a rubber band on your skin during treatment.
During the sterile needle extraction, you will feel a short, stinging sensation like an ant bite.
The cost depends on the number of milia and the treatment method used. The doctor will assess your skin during consultation and advise on the cost before proceeding with the treatment.
Milia may persist for months or longer, although some may resolve spontaneously. It is recommended that you consult a doctor who will assess your skin condition and discuss the treatment options if you desire to remove them.
Possible side effects include temporary redness, slight swelling, or minor scabbing which will resolve on its own. The duration varies from person to person.
Milia may persist for months or longer, although some may resolve spontaneously. It is recommended that you consult a doctor who will assess your skin condition and discuss the treatment options if you desire to remove them.
They may help manage certain types of milia. We recommend speaking to our doctors if your concern is to remove existing milia safely and effectively.
Contact the clinic to check available consultation slots. Any treatment decision will only be made after the doctor has assessed your skin.
The doctor will assess the bumps and discuss suitable treatment options, if appropriate. The treatment method and cost will be explained before proceeding.
If treatment is suitable, numbing cream may be applied before the procedure. The treatment approach will depend on the type and depth of the milia. Some cases may require more than one session.
Halley Medical Aesthetics
