Laser Milia Removal Sydney
Milia are the small, firm white cysts or bumps that appear on the skin. They are usually around 1 to 3 mm wide and form when keratin (skin proteins) becomes trapped under the skin’s surface. They don’t respond to squeezing or exfoliation as they are covered with a thin layer of skin, making them difficult to remove without professional treatment. Milia typically appear around the nose, cheeks or eyes.
How Laser Treatment Works
Milia can be removed using dual laser technology. The laser creates a very small opening in the skin, allowing the trapped keratin to be carefully extracted. The laser cauterises the entry point, minimising bleeding. This allows the area to be treated as a dry wound, without the need for a dressing.
Laser Milia Extraction: What To Expect
Before treatment, a topical anaesthetic is applied to the area for 30 to 60 minutes. This is usually all that is required to maintain comfort during the procedure. Due to the speed and precision of treatment, it is usually well-tolerated and best described as mildly uncomfortable.
Treatment time varies depending on the number of milia being removed. Typically, the laser removal only takes a few minutes; however, an appointment usually takes 30 minutes to allow for the consultation, documentation and receiving after-care instructions.
Recovery
After your appointment, a tiny scab will form at each treatment site and usually remains for one to two weeks. During this time, you may experience tenderness, redness, mild swelling and slight exudate (yellow/clear fluid).
Once the scab falls off, the underlying skin will be pink and will slowly heal over the following weeks.
You’ll be given a topical medical-grade cream to apply three to four times a day until the scabs have fully resolved.
Follow-up Care
We recommend a follow-up appointment 3 to 4 days after your treatment. During this appointment, we might use light-based therapy to support your healing process. We will also determine whether subsequent appointments are required, based on how your skin is healing.
Cost Of Laser Milia Removal
To determine the cost of laser milia removal, you’ll need an in-person consultation at our clinic. The cost will depend on how many milia need to be removed and the time required to remove them.
Alternative Treatments
It is possible to treat milia using a sterile needle to open the cyst and then manually extract the contents. Although effective, it is less controlled and precise than an ablative laser, particularly for deeper lesions.
Manual extraction is a popular ‘at-home’ treatment, but is not recommended as it can lead to irritation, incomplete removal, scarring and inflammation.
Laser Milia Removal FAQs
What are milia?
Milia are small, white cysts that develop when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface. They typically occur on the face, particularly around the eyes, cheeks and nose.
Can milia be removed in one treatment?
Most milia can be removed in a single session. However, additional treatments may sometimes be needed, depending on the depth of the lesion and individual healing responses.
Is laser milia removal painful?
The laser removal procedure is generally well tolerated. A topical anaesthetic is typically applied beforehand to help maintain comfort during treatment.
Will a scab form after treatment?
Yes. A small scab usually develops at each treated site and generally lasts 7–14 days. It is essential not to pick or disturb the scabs while the skin is healing.
Can milia return after removal?
Although the treated milia are removed, new lesions may develop over time, particularly in individuals prone to milia.
Will laser milia removal leave a mark?
A temporary pink mark is commonly seen once the scab has resolved. In most cases, this gradually fades, though healing outcomes vary, and pigmentation changes or scarring may occur.
Can I remove milia at home?
Attempting to squeeze or extract milia at home is not recommended. This may cause inflammation, infection or scarring and often does not fully remove the lesion.
How much does laser milia removal cost?
The cost of laser milia removal varies depending on the number of lesions requiring treatment and the time involved. A personalised treatment plan and quotation will be provided during consultation.
Request a Consultation
Sydney Clinic
Suite 413, 29-31 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista NSW 2153
Call Us