Milia Extraction by a Professional: What to Expect, Tools Used, and How to Prevent Milia from Coming Back

If you are struggling with small white bumps around your eyes that just will not go away, you may be dealing with milia. While these tiny cysts are harmless, they can be stubborn and frustrating. The safest and most effective way to remove them is through professional milia extraction performed by a trained provider such as a dermatologist. 

In this guide, you will learn:

• What milia extraction by a professional involves

• The tools dermatologists use

• What before and after milia extraction looks like

• How to prevent milia from returning with the We Love Eyes Milia Defense Routine

What Is Milia?

Milia are small, firm, white cysts that form when dead skin cells become trapped under the surface of the skin. They are especially common around the delicate eyelid area.

Unlike acne, milia:

• Do not contain oil or pus

• Cannot be squeezed out

• Often require manual extraction

Because eyelid skin is thin and sensitive, attempting to remove milia at home can cause scarring, infection, or pigmentation.

 

 

Why Professional Milia Extraction Is Recommended

Professional extraction is performed by a board certified dermatologist or licensed medical provider such as those affiliated with the American Academy of Dermatology.

Benefits of professional removal include:

• Safe sterile technique

• Minimal trauma to the skin

• Reduced risk of scarring

• Proper assessment of underlying causes

For milia around the eyes, this is especially important due to proximity to the ocular surface.

 

Tools & Equipment Used for Milia Extraction

During professional milia extraction, your provider will use sterile instruments designed for precision and safety.

1. Sterile Lancet or Needle

A tiny sterile lancet creates a very small opening in the skin to access the trapped keratin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Comedone Extractor

A small metal instrument with a circular loop that gently applies pressure to express the milia.

3. Magnification and Proper Lighting

Providers often use magnifying loupes or exam lighting to ensure precision and reduce trauma.

 

 

 

 

4. Electrodessication / Diathermy (ThermoClear)

This is a commonly used "lighted" or energized device that uses low-level radiofrequency (RF) to heat and destroy the milia, making it disappear.

 

5. CO2 Laser Ablation

A focused laser beam is used to vaporize the milia, which is effective for treating multiple or persistent, stubborn milia.

 

 

What Happens During Milia Extraction?

The procedure is typically quick:

1. Skin is cleansed

2. A sterile lancet creates a tiny opening

3. Gentle pressure removes the keratin plug

4. Area is disinfected

There is minimal bleeding and usually no need for stitches.

 

Before and After Milia Extraction

Here is what before and after milia extraction typically looks like. The BEFORE - white bumps visible under the skin surface. The AFTER - the white bump is removed. Large milia leave an open wound that requires healing, supportive care and protection from the sun for a few days after extraction. Small milia appear slightly pink for 24 to 48 hours. 

 

 

Why Milia Often Come Back

Many patients assume milia are caused by oily skin. In reality, recurring milia are often linked to:

• Poor exfoliation

• Heavy occlusive products

• Compromised eyelid skin barrier!!! 

• Thick creams around the eyes

If the root cause is not addressed, milia may reappear.

 

 

Post Extraction Care: The We Love Eyes Milia Defense Routine

After professional milia extraction, prevention is key.

As an Optometrist and Founder of We Love Eyes, Dr. Tanya Gill created the We Love Eyes Milia Defense Routine to address milia formation at its source.

The focus is on:

• Gentle physical exfoliation

• Proper eyelid cleansing

• Supporting the eyelid skin barrier

• Avoiding pore clogging ingredients

 

Step 1:

Gentle Physical Exfoliation

After healing from extraction, controlled exfoliation helps prevent dead skin buildup.

Use superGLA® Eyelid & Eyelash Foaming Cleaner with Mini Mitt Cleansing Brush once a day for a gentle physical exfoliation. The foaming cleaner is formulated for EYECARE which means the ingredients are specified in concentrations specific for the thin eyelid skin. The silicone mitt is designed to be soft and pliable. Mini Mitt eliminates the risk of chronic scrubbing too hard. 

This helps reduce the risk of recurrent milia after extraction.

 

More About superGLA® Eyelid Safe Cleanser

Daily cleansing removes debris, makeup residue, sunscreen buildup, and dead skin cells that contribute to trapped keratin.

SuperGLA® benefits for milia:

• Lightweight formula

• Non occlusive ingredients

• Ingredients that support the skin barrier

 

Step 2: Avoid Heavy Eye Creams

Thick occlusive products can increase the likelihood of trapped keratin. The eyelid skin is 4X thinner than the face and has less oil glands. Over scrubbing and over-exfoliating can damage the eyelid skin barrier, stripping away the natural lipid layer. This backfires because the eyelid skin barrier will try to compensate by secreting more oil which can contribute to more milia. Stop this vicious cycle!

Instead, reset with A.M. Eyelid Gel, an eye safe, lightweight gel. The Vit A Like™ technology encourages gentle cellular renewal, which helps reduce the buildup of trapped keratin that contributes to milia formation. By supporting natural exfoliation without irritation, this formula helps keep the eyelid surface smooth and clear.

 

TL;DR

If you have persistent milia around your eyes, the safest approach is professional milia extraction by a qualified provider, such as a dermatologist. The eyelid skin is 4X thinner than the face. Attempting removal at home can lead to scarring to this delicate tissue and long term damage.

Once milia are removed, prevention becomes the priority.

With the right daily routine, including the We Love Eyes Milia Defense Routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of milia returning and reset long term eyelid skin barrier health.

If you are prone to milia, think beyond removal. Think prevention, BARRIER HEALTH, and gentle, eye safe forms of exfoliation.

 

 

 

About Dr. Tanya Gill, OD: Dr. Tanya Gill is the passionate founder of We Love Eyes and a dedicated expert in eye care. With years of experience in helping patients achieve optimal eye health, Dr. Gill offers personalized advice and innovative solutions for your eye concerns. To learn more about maintaining healthy eyes or to address any issues, please visit weloveeyes.com. Also visit the collection MILIA to explore Milia Eye Care Routines & Duos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Milia extraction by a professional

• Professional milia removal

• Dermatologist milia extraction

• Milia around eyes treatment

• Before and after milia extraction

• How to prevent milia

• Recurring milia treatment

• Milia removal near eyes

• Safe milia extraction

• Post extraction skincare routine