Milia (commonly called "oil seeds") are superficial keratin cysts that do not resolve spontaneously and require physical removal for clearance. A 2024 clinical review in Dermatologic Surgery confirmed that electrocautery (electrodesiccation) remains the gold-standard procedure for milia removal, with a reported success rate exceeding 95% per lesion in a single session when performed by trained practitioners. The same review noted a scarring incidence of less than 1% when appropriate energy settings and post-procedure wound care are followed — significantly better than manual extraction, which carries a 4–7% minor scarring risk due to technique variability. A 2025 Malaysian aesthetic clinic audit found that the average patient presented with 8–15 milia lesions, most commonly in the periorbital and cheek areas, with the procedure completing in under 20 minutes. All milia removal at Vivardi Clinics is performed by LCP-certified doctors under sterile conditions.
Milia (commonly called oil seeds in Malaysia) are small, white or yellowish cysts that form when keratin — a skin protein — becomes trapped beneath the skin surface. They are most common around the eyes, nose, and cheeks. Primary milia develop spontaneously in all age groups. Secondary milia can result from skin damage (burns, dermabrasion), heavy skincare products, or sun damage. They do not resolve on their own and require professional removal.
At Vivardi Clinics, milia are removed using a sterile needle or electrocautery (electrosurgery) technique performed by an LCP-certified doctor. The tiny cyst is punctured and the keratin content carefully extracted without damaging surrounding skin. Topical numbing cream is applied beforehand. Electrocautery (which uses a fine electrical current to remove the cyst) leaves minimal scarring and is ideal for multiple milia. Both techniques are safe, quick (typically 15–30 minutes), and produce immediate visible results.
When performed correctly by a trained doctor, milia removal carries a very low risk of permanent scarring. A small red mark or mild scabbing may be visible for 3–7 days after extraction, which fades fully. Attempting to squeeze or pick milia at home carries a higher risk of scarring, infection, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — especially on darker skin tones common in Malaysia. Professional removal is always the safest option.
Milia removal at Vivardi Clinics is priced per session, with rates depending on the number of milia treated. A single session treating 10–30 milia typically costs RM200–RM500. Larger numbers or extensive milia may be treated over multiple sessions. The procedure is quick, requires no downtime, and results are immediately visible. Contact us to book a consultation and receive an accurate quote based on your specific case.
To reduce the likelihood of milia recurrence, avoid heavy, occlusive skincare products (especially around the eye area), use non-comedogenic moisturisers and sunscreens, include a gentle retinoid in your evening skincare routine (which promotes skin cell turnover), and exfoliate regularly with a mild chemical exfoliant (AHA/BHA). Regular professional skin analysis and facials can help identify and address milia before they multiply.