What Are Milia & How Can They Be Safely Removed?

You may have noticed tiny white bumps on your skin that simply will not budge, no matter how carefully you cleanse or exfoliate. These are known as milia sometimes referred to as milk spots or white spots.

Milia appears as small, pearly white or yellowish bumps that sit just beneath the surface of the skin. Typically measuring only 1–2 mm, they feel firm to the touch and are quite different from acne. Unlike spots or clogged pores, milia are not filled with oil or pus, they are not inflamed and importantly they cannot be squeezed out.

While milia are completely harmless and not contagious, they can be frustrating from an aesthetic perspective, particularly when they appear on visible areas of the face such as the cheeks, nose and delicate eye area.

What Causes Milia?

In many cases, milia develop when comedogenic pore-clogging ingredients found in skincare or cosmetic products become trapped beneath the skin. Over time, this trapped matter forms its own tiny membrane, creating the characteristic firm bump.

Milia can also be associated with:

• Skin prone to acne or congestion
• Certain hereditary tendencies
• Thickened or sun-damaged skin
• In some cases, they may appear without a clear cause

Because milia form beneath the surface of the skin, they often persist unless professionally treated.

Can Milia Be Removed At Home?

Although prevention is possible, removal is rarely successful at home.

Gentle exfoliation, the use of retinoid-based products and choosing non-comedogenic skincare and makeup may help reduce the likelihood of milia forming. However, attempting to remove milia yourself is strongly discouraged.

Trying to extract milia at home can lead to:

• Skin damage
• Infection
• Scarring
• Persistent marks or pigmentation

For safe and effective removal, professional treatment is always recommended.

Why Consider Professional Milia Removal?

In infants, milia often resolve naturally. In adults, however, milia typically do not disappear on their own and may gradually increase in size over time.

At Emporium Treatment Clinic in Marylebone, we generally recommend removing milia earlier rather than later. Smaller milia are often easier to treat and early removal supports faster healing and smoother results.

How Are Milia Removed In Clinic?

The classic, firm, pearly milia can be safely removed using a precise sterile needling technique; Milia Removal Needle Method.

A fine sterile lance needle is used to gently open the surface of the milia, followed by careful manual extraction to release the milia contents. This process requires a skilled and experienced hand to minimise trauma to the skin and reduce the risk of scarring.

While dermatologists also offer this service, they often charge per individual milia, which can become costly if multiple milia  lesions are present. At our clinic, treatments are structured around time-based sessions, allowing several milia to be addressed during one appointment.

Following treatment, you may notice tiny red marks or micro-scabs, which typically heal within a few days.

Needle-Free Alternatives For Milia Removal

Not all milia are the same.

Some flatter lesions often associated with hyperkeratosis; thickened skin may not be suitable for traditional needle extraction. In these cases, Plasma Skin Correction technology may be recommended as an alternative.

This heat-based method gently targets the lesion without the need for manual extraction. An anaesthetic cream is typically applied beforehand to ensure comfort.

After treatment, the treated area forms a small, dark micro-scab that generally heals within up to 7 days.

How Quickly Will I See Results?

Results are typically visible immediately after treatment, with continued improvement as additional milia are cleared during subsequent sessions if needed.

Do Milia Return Once Removed?

In most cases, removed milia do not return.

However, recurrence can occur if:

• There is a hereditary tendency
• Pore-clogging products continue to be used
• Skin care routines are not tailored to milia-prone skin

Professional aftercare advice and suitable product selection play an important role in maintaining long-term results.

Why Choose Emporium Treatment Clinic For Milia Removal?

At Emporium Treatment Clinic in Marylebone, milia removal is carried out by Angela, an advanced aesthetician with over 37 years of professional experience.

With more than 15 years specialising in Plasma technology.

Angela has helped countless clients improve milia-prone skin and regain confidence in their complexion.

Emporium Treatment Clinic is among a select number of clinics in the UK that specialise in milia removal treatments.

Every treatment begins with a thorough, personalised consultation, ensuring you feel fully informed, comfortable, and confident before proceeding.

During each session, our aim is to remove as many milia as safely possible within the treatment time. As a general guide, approximately 10 milia may be treated in a single session, depending on their size and location.

Supporting Treatments for Optimal Results:

To prepare the skin and make extraction more comfortable, we may recommend treatments such as:

• Emporium Bespoke Facial
• Micro-dermabrasion
• Chemical Skin Peels
• Green Peel Herbal Peeling
• Steam & Pore Extraction

Following removal, Oxygen Therapy may be suggested to support healing and reduce downtime.

Ready To Take The Next Step To Remove Your Milia?

If you are considering professional milia removal or would like personalised advice, we invite you to get in touch.

Angela Taffinder

Emporium Treatment Clinic, Marylebone

07930 662971

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Author: Angela Taffinder the founder of Emporium Treatment Clinic. A practising Aesthetician for 35+ years, holistic and wellbeing advocate and yoga instructor. The creator of Yoga & Vitality.