How effective is curettage and cautery for milia?

Milia are small keratin-filled cysts beneath the skin, often seen on the cheeks or around the eyes. After confirming the diagnosis, a clinician may open the surface and remove the cyst with curettage. Cautery can treat the tiny site when appropriate. The goal is to clear the selected bump with minimal surrounding injury. Trying to pierce or squeeze milia at home can cause infection, scarring, or prolonged irritation, especially near the eyelids.

Use only the cleanser, ointment, and dressing recommended for the treated area. Avoid picking, exfoliating acids, scrubs, and eye makeup until the surface has recovered as advised. Tell the clinician about sensitive skin, eczema, keloids, or medicines that affect healing. If milia are widespread or keep returning, ask whether skincare changes or another treatment approach would better suit the pattern.

Contact the clinic if swelling, pain, warmth, or redness is worsening, if discharge develops, or if the wound is slow to close. Arrange assessment for a bump that is inflamed, bleeding, changing, or not typical of your previous milia. Seek urgent help for vision changes, severe eyelid swelling, or breathing difficulty after a procedure.

Ask whether the bump is definitely milia, how close it is to the eye, which aftercare products are safe, and what can reduce irritation or recurrence in the surrounding skin.