Milia Removal in Seoul – Diagnosis by Board-Certified Dermatologists
Milia are tiny, firm white bumps filled with keratin that commonly appear around the eyes, cheeks and nose. They are harmless but often persistent. At The Heal Dermatology Sinsa Main Branch in Gangnam, Seoul, board-certified dermatologists confirm the diagnosis and remove milia safely with sterile extraction or gentle laser techniques.
Written by The Heal Dermatology medical content team · Pending review by a board-certified dermatologist · Updated October 2026
What causes milia
Milia form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin surface. They can appear without a clear cause, or follow sun damage, heavy creams, skin injury, burns, blistering conditions, or procedures such as laser resurfacing. Newborn milia are common and usually clear on their own.
How a dermatologist diagnoses it
A dermatologist identifies milia by their appearance and location, often with magnification. They distinguish milia from whiteheads (acne), syringomas, xanthelasma and small cysts, which look similar but need different treatment.
Treatment options at The Heal Sinsa
Milia can be removed by sterile extraction with a fine needle or lancet, or with a precise laser or electrocautery for multiple or recurring lesions. Extraction is quick and usually leaves no mark. Regular gentle exfoliation or retinoids may reduce recurrence. Availability of specific devices varies by branch – confirm at consultation. Every plan starts with a 1:1 consultation with a Korean board-certified dermatologist and imaging-based skin analysis; you will not be pushed toward treatment you do not need. Pricing is confirmed after consultation; see pricing and payment.
Sessions, downtime & side effects
- Usually removed in a single short session
- Tiny scabs may form and typically heal within a few days
- Mild redness for hours to a day
- Risks are low but include temporary marks or, rarely, infection
Home care
Avoid squeezing milia yourself, especially near the eyes, as they are not pores and cannot be popped like whiteheads. Use lightweight, non-comedogenic eye creams and moisturisers, wear sunscreen and consider gentle exfoliation as advised.
When to see a doctor
See a dermatologist if bumps are numerous, keep returning, appear after a skin injury or blistering condition, or are close to the eyes. Any lesion that grows, bleeds or changes should be examined.
Planning around your trip to Seoul
Milia removal is quick with minimal downtime, so it can easily fit into a short visit; see what to bring for your appointment. The clinic is on the 7th floor of Sinsa Square near Sinsa Station, close to Garosu-gil (getting here), and English support is available on request (international patients).
Related
Frequently asked questions
Can I pop milia at home?
It is not recommended. Milia are trapped under the skin and have no opening, so squeezing can damage skin, cause marks or lead to infection, especially around the eyes. Sterile removal by trained staff is safer.
Do milia go away by themselves?
Milia in newborns usually clear within weeks. In adults they may persist for months or longer. Gentle exfoliation can help some resolve, but many people choose quick in-clinic removal for faster results.
Why do I keep getting milia?
Heavy creams, sun damage and certain procedures can make milia more likely. Switching to lighter products, using sunscreen and gentle exfoliation may help. A dermatologist can review your routine and suggest preventive steps.
Diagnosed by Korean board-certified dermatologists
Skin conditions that look alike often need different treatments. At The Heal Dermatology, diagnosis is made by a dermatology specialist (피부과 전문의). Why board certification matters · Meet our doctors · All conditions · Treatments
Branches: Sinsa (Main) · Jamsil · Dongdaemun · Mapo-Gongdeok
This page is general medical information and does not replace an in-person consultation.