Milia seeds (also referred to as “milk spots”) are small, harmless cysts that form just beneath the surface of the skin. They typically appear as 1–2 mm firm white or yellow bumps and are most commonly found around the eyes, nose, and cheeks.
These bumps are made up of keratin, a protein naturally found in your skin, hair, and nails. Instead of shedding properly, keratin become trapped under the skin, forming these tiny cysts.
Milia are often confused with whiteheads because of their appearance, but they are very different.
Unlike acne:
Milia do not have a pore opening
They cannot be squeezed or popped
They are not caused by oil or bacteria
Milia are common in Singapore and can affect both males and females of all ages, from newborns to adults. While milia seeds are medically harmless, many patients seek milia seed removal because they can make the skin look uneven or textured, especially when they appear in visible areas of the face.
There are different types of milia seeds. Understanding the different types of milia seeds helps determine the most appropriate milia seed treatment.
Neonatal milia occurs in newborns; small white bumps that usually resolve on their own within a few weeks.
Common in children and adults; forms naturally without a clear cause, often around the eyes and cheeks.
Develops after skin injury, burns, or irritation, including after cosmetic procedures.
Associated with genetic conditions; may appear at birth or develop later alongside other skin issues.
A rare type where multiple milia cluster on an inflamed, raised patch of skin.
Milia seeds form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin instead of shedding normally, leading to the formation of small, hard cysts.
Dead skin cells shed regularly on healthy skin. When this process slows down, keratin can become trapped under the skin, forming milia.
When dead skin cells accumulate on the skin surface, the likelihood of keratin being trapped is increased.
Rich creams, oil-based products, and thick eye creams may contribute to trapped keratin in some individuals, especially in delicate areas like the under eyes.
Chronic sun exposure can thicken the outer layer of the skin, making it harder for dead skin cells to shed naturally.
Burns, rashes, laser treatments, and other skin injuries can disrupt normal healing, leading to secondary milia formation.
As we age, cell turnover slows down, increasing the likelihood of keratin becoming trapped beneath the surface.
There are several effective milia seed treatment options available in Singapore, ranging from in-clinic procedures to skincare approaches.
Most patients experience minimal downtime, with skin healing within a few days to a week.
Milia seed removal using CO2 laser is generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort. Most patients describe the sensation as a slight prick or pressure during extraction or laser treatment. Numbing cream is usually applied prior to treatment for a more comfortable treatment experience.
The cost of milia seed removal in Singapore varies depending on the number of milia seeds and treatment method. Please enquire with our front desk to find out more.
Most patients require one to three sessions of laser treatments for optimal results, depending on the number, size, and depth of the milia. Deeper or more stubborn milia may need additional sessions spaced a few weeks apart.
Side effects are usually mild and temporary, and may include:
These effects typically resolve within a few days, especially with proper aftercare.
Yes, some milia seeds can resolve naturally over time, especially secondary milia. However, many persist for months or even years, and professional treatment is often the fastest and safest way to remove them.
