Milia
Safe, Professional Milia Removal Using Advanced Electrolysis
Milia are one of the most common skin concerns we see at Jems Health & Beauty. They are tiny white or cream-coloured bumps that often appear around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead. Although they’re completely harmless, many people find them frustrating because they seem impossible to remove at home.
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If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve been trying to squeeze them but nothing happens,” you’re certainly not alone.
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At Jems Health & Beauty in Whitefield, Manchester, we offer professional milia removal using Advanced Electrolysis or, where appropriate, sterile needle extraction. The technique we use depends on the size, location and depth of the milia, as well as what is safest and most suitable for you.
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Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation so we can confirm that the lesion is milia and discuss the most appropriate treatment. Occasionally, what appears to be milia may actually be another benign skin lesion, such as a syringoma, which can require a different treatment approach.
Whether you’re from Whitefield, Prestwich, Bury, Radcliffe, Swinton, Heywood, Middleton or the surrounding areas, we’re here to provide honest advice and professional care.
What Are Milia?
Milia are tiny cysts that form just beneath the surface of the skin. They contain hardened keratin and trapped skin cells, giving them their characteristic white or cream appearance.
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Unlike spots or whiteheads, milia don’t have an opening onto the skin’s surface. This is why squeezing them usually doesn’t work.
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Although they are harmless, many people choose to have them removed because they affect their confidence or have been present for months or even years.
What Causes Milia?
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Milia develop when keratin and dead skin cells become trapped beneath the surface of the skin. They can occur naturally and are extremely common.
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Factors that may contribute include:
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Natural skin renewal
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Sun damage
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Skin trauma or healing after injury
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Heavy or occlusive skincare products in some people
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Genetics
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Ageing
Poor skincare doesn’t cause milia. However, using very rich products that aren’t suitable for your skin type may contribute to them developing or make existing milia worse.
Where Do Milia Usually Appear?​
Milia most commonly develop on:
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Eyelids
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Around the eyes
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Cheeks
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Nose
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Forehead
Although they most often appear on the face, they can occasionally develop elsewhere on the body.
Are Milia Dangerous?​
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No. Milia are completely harmless and are not cancerous. However, not every small white bump is milia.
During your consultation we’ll carefully examine the area under magnification to confirm the diagnosis. Occasionally the lesion may be something different, such as a syringoma, which is deeper within the skin and requires a different treatment approach.
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If we ever have concerns that a lesion isn’t suitable for cosmetic treatment, we’ll discuss this with you and advise you appropriately.
Why Can’t I Remove Them Myself?
This is one of the questions we hear most often.
Unlike a spot, milia don’t contain pus and they don’t have an opening onto the surface of the skin.
Many clients tell us they’ve spent months trying to squeeze them without success. Unfortunately, squeezing often causes unnecessary trauma to the skin while leaving the milia exactly where it is.
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Professional removal is usually much quicker, safer and far less frustrating.
How Do We Remove Milia?
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At Jems Health & Beauty we tailor treatment to the individual.
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Depending on the size, depth and location of the milia, we may:
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Use Advanced Electrolysis to break down the hardened keratin, allowing the body to clear it naturally.
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Carefully remove it using a sterile needle where appropriate and safe to do so.
We’ll explain which technique is most suitable during your consultation and why we’ve recommended it.
What Happens at Your Consultation?
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We’ll first examine the area under magnification to confirm that the lesion is milia.
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We’ll then explain:
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Why the milia has developed.
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Why you haven’t been able to remove it yourself.
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Which treatment method is most appropriate.
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What results you can expect.
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Healing and aftercare.
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Any possible risks or side effects.
You’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.
Does Milia Removal Hurt?​​
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Most clients are surprised by how quick and comfortable treatment is. You may feel a brief sharp sensation, but because the treatment is very precise and usually completed within minutes, discomfort is minimal.
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Many people spend years living with milia because they assume removal will be painful, only to wish they’d had them treated much sooner.
Will the Milia Be Gone Straight Away?
In most cases, yes. The milia is usually removed during your appointment.
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Occasionally, particularly if the milia is deeper or very stubborn, a second treatment may be recommended, but for most clients one appointment is all that’s needed.
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What Will My Skin Look Like Afterwards?
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The treated area may appear slightly pink or red immediately afterwards. A tiny dry crust may develop as part of the normal healing process. This is completely expected and should be left to heal naturally. We’ll explain exactly what to expect before you leave the clinic.
​How Long Does Healing Take?
Healing is usually straightforward and depends on the size and location of the milia, as well as your individual healing response.
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Most areas settle within a couple of weeks. We’ll provide personalised aftercare advice before you leave.
Aftercare Recommendations​​
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Looking after the area properly helps your skin heal as quickly as possible.
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After treatment we recommend:
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Keeping the area clean and dry.
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Avoiding touching or picking the area.
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Avoiding make-up until the skin has started to heal unless advised otherwise.
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Avoiding perfumed skincare directly on the treated area.
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Following the aftercare advice provided during your appointment.
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We also stock Et Al make-up, which has been developed for use following professional skin treatments. If appropriate, we’ll be happy to advise you.
Will They Come Back?​​
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Once an individual milium has been successfully removed, it is unlikely to return. However, some people are naturally prone to developing new milia over time.
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If this happens, they can usually be treated just as successfully.
Common Myths about Cherry Angiomas​​​
Myth:
Milia are whiteheads.
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Fact:
Milia are tiny keratin-filled cysts, not blocked pores or spots.
Myth:
If I keep squeezing them, they’ll eventually come out.
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Fact:
Milia don’t have an opening onto the surface of the skin, which is why squeezing is rarely successful and may damage the surrounding skin.
Myth:
They’ll disappear if I scrub my face more.​
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Fact:
Over-exfoliating won’t remove existing milia and may irritate the skin.
Myth:
Milia always disappear on their own.
Fact:
In babies they often resolve naturally. In adults they may remain for months, years or even indefinitely without treatment.
Why Choose Jems Health & Beauty?​​
​​​​Every skin lesion deserves careful assessment before treatment.
When you choose Jems you’ll receive:
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A professional consultation.
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Honest advice.
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Advanced Electrolysis performed with precision.
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Personalised aftercare advice.
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Treatment in an experienced, inclusive clinic established in 2008.
If we’re ever unsure about a lesion, we may recommend our Map My Mole service or advise you to see your GP before any cosmetic treatment is considered.
Questions Clients Ask Every Day​​
Can I Exercise Afterwards?
Light daily activities are absolutely fine. However, we recommend avoiding dirty gym environments and excessive sweating for the first 24–48 hours to reduce the risk of irritation while the skin heals.
Can I Drive Afterwards?
Yes. Milia removal doesn’t affect your ability to drive.
Can Milia Be Removed from the Eyelids?
Yes. The eyelids are actually one of the most common areas we treat. Because this is a delicate area, treatment should always be carried out by an experienced practitioner using appropriate techniques.
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Can children get milia?
Yes. Milia are extremely common in newborn babies and usually disappear naturally. Adults can also develop milia, but these often persist without treatment.
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Are milia caused by poor skincare?
No. They are caused by trapped keratin and dead skin cells beneath the skin. However, heavy skincare products may contribute to them in some people.
Can retinol help?
Yes. Retinol and prescription retinoids can increase skin cell turnover, helping some milia gradually work their way to the surface over time. Existing, established milia often still require professional treatment.
Do I need to see my GP?
Generally no. If we’re confident the lesion is milia, it can usually be treated safely without seeing your GP. If we have any concerns during your consultation, we’ll advise you accordingly.
Can I wear make-up afterwards?
We usually recommend avoiding make-up until the skin has started to heal. If appropriate, we can also advise you on suitable products, including our Et Al make-up range.
How many milia can be treated in one appointment?
This depends on the number, size and location of the milia. We’ll discuss this with you during your consultation.
Jodie’s Advice​​
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“One of the things I hear most often is, ‘I’ve been trying to squeeze it for months but nothing happens.’ That’s because milia aren’t spots, they don’t have an opening onto the skin. Trying to remove them yourself usually just irritates the surrounding skin.
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The first thing I always do is take a proper look under magnification. Sometimes what looks like milia is actually a syringoma or another type of benign skin lesion, so it’s important to identify exactly what we’re treating.
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The best part of my job is seeing clients’ reactions afterwards. Many have lived with milia for years without realising they can often be removed quickly, comfortably and successfully.”
Still Not Sure?​​
If you’d like professional advice about milia removal, we’d be delighted to help.
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Book a consultation with Jems Health & Beauty in Whitefield, Manchester, where we’ll assess the area, confirm the diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.
Ready to Remove Your Milia?
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If you’d like professional advice about milia removal, we’d be delighted to help.
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Book a consultation with Jems Health & Beauty in Whitefield, Manchester, where we’ll assess your skin, answer your questions and recommend the safest and most appropriate treatment for you.
