Milia
Tiny, firm white bumps under the skin — assessed first, treated where suitable.
Milia are tiny, firm, white or pearly bumps that sit just under the surface of the skin, most often around the eyes, cheeks and nose. They are harmless, but they do not squeeze out like a spot and can persist for months or longer. At Feonix Aesthetics in Coventry, milia are examined by a clinician first and treated with the Fotona laser where that is appropriate.
What it is
A milium is a small cyst filled with keratin, the protein found in the outer layer of the skin. Milia are usually one to two millimetres across, white or yellowish, and feel firm. They often appear in small clusters around the eyes and on the cheeks, nose and forehead, and can occur at any age.
They are not the same as whiteheads. A whitehead is a blocked pore that sits in an oil gland and can become inflamed; a milium is a tiny trapped pocket of keratin under the skin, which is why squeezing does not shift it and only irritates the area.
Treatments for Milia
More about milia
Why it happens
Many milia appear for no obvious reason. Others develop after the skin has been damaged or irritated — for example after a burn, blistering, long-term sun damage or the use of heavy creams around the eyes — when keratin becomes trapped as the skin repairs. Newborn babies commonly have milia that clear on their own; adult milia are more likely to persist.
How we assess it at Feonix
Every lesion is examined by a clinician before anything is done. If a lesion looks atypical, is changing, bleeds, or the diagnosis is uncertain, we will not treat it — we will advise you to see your GP, who can arrange a dermatology review.
Small white bumps are not always milia. Other lesions, including sebaceous hyperplasia and some that need medical review, can look similar, so a clinician confirms what the bumps are before treatment is discussed. The area around the eyes is delicate, and suitability is assessed with that in mind.
What treatment can and cannot do
Where milia are confirmed and suitable, the Fotona laser can be used to open and clear them precisely. Small treated areas typically form tiny scabs that settle within about a week, and some temporary redness is common.
Results vary from person to person, and some people have more than one session if they have many milia. Treatment clears the milia present at the time but does not stop new ones forming, particularly if the underlying trigger continues. We explain realistic expectations and aftercare at your consultation.
Common questions about milia
Can I squeeze milia out myself?
It is best not to. Milia sit under the skin rather than in an open pore, so squeezing rarely removes them and can cause redness, broken skin or marks. Having them assessed first also confirms that the bumps really are milia.
Do milia go away on their own?
In babies they usually clear without treatment. In adults they can persist for months or longer, which is why many people choose to have them treated once they have been assessed.
Can milia around the eyes be treated?
Often, yes — but the eye area is delicate, so suitability is assessed carefully at your consultation and treatment is only carried out where it is appropriate.
Will they come back?
Treated milia are cleared, but new milia can form in the future, particularly if something such as heavy eye creams or skin damage is contributing. We discuss possible triggers and how to reduce them.
How do I start?
Book a consultation for assessment at our Coventry clinic (15 Little Park Street). A clinician examines the area first and, where milia are confirmed and suitable, treatment is discussed. Clients come to us from across the Midlands.
How we decide what’s right
Every plan starts with a consultation. We assess your suitability, discuss your goals and review your medical history before recommending anything — and we will tell you if a treatment isn’t right for you. If a prescription-only treatment may be appropriate, this will be discussed and assessed by an appropriately qualified prescriber before anything is prescribed.
£50, held as credit for 12 months against any treatment or product.
Clear stubborn milia
Milia are harmless but can be persistent. Book a consultation at Feonix Aesthetics — a clinician confirms what the bumps are and explains whether treatment is suitable.