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Milia

“Milia” are small, pinpoint white cysts that commonly develop on the central face. These cysts represent tiny foci of surface skin cells (“keratinocytes”) incorrectly located deeper in the skin. Although they are sometimes unsightly, milia are completely benign. Fortunately, they can be safely and effectively treated.

In recent years, insurance companies have stopped paying for treatment of milia. Removal is termed a “medically unnecessary” or “non-covered” procedure. Therefore, removal of milia is considered a cosmetic procedure. We are happy to remove these for you, but your insurance will not pay for this service.

Removal is typically performed after applying a topical anesthetic cream for 10 - 30 minutes, to mildly numb the skin and make removal more comfortable. Tiny surgical instruments are then used to delicately “tease” each individual cyst from the skin through a small slit.

Sutures are not required, and the former milia sites are covered by small droplets of blood at the completion of the procedure. With bathing and application of a moisturizing cream, these sites heal quickly within a few days. Risks of the procedure are limited to mild discomfort and slight scabbing after treatment. Removal of current lesions does not prevent the development of new milia in the future.

The cost for this procedure is $150 for up to 10 lesions, plus $100 for each additional 10 lesions. Payment is due at the time of the procedure. For your convenience, we accept checks, MasterCard, and Visa.