What is Milia and Why Does It Occur?
Milia are small, white cysts filled with keratin that form when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the skin’s surface, commonly appearing around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. They can be effectively removed with CO2 laser resurfacing, which vaporizes the top skin layers and promotes regeneration.
Milia, also known as milk spots or oil seeds, are small, white cysts that typically form on the skin’s surface, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. These tiny bumps are filled with keratin, a protein naturally found in the skin, hair, and nails. Milia occur when keratin gets trapped beneath the skin’s surface instead of being shed naturally. This leads to the formation of these hard, white cysts that can be frustrating to deal with, especially when they appear in noticeable areas.
Interestingly, secondary milia, which result from skin trauma, are more common in adults. Factors such as excessive sun exposure, skin grafting, dermabrasion, or radiotherapy can contribute to their development.
Common Causes of Milia Formation
Sun Damage
Over time, exposure to UV rays can damage the skin and clog pores, leading to the development of milia. Sunburns or sunspots can also trap keratin in the skin, triggering these tiny cysts.
Aging
As we age, the skin loses its natural ability to exfoliate, causing dead skin cells to accumulate. These cells can become trapped, forming milia, especially around delicate areas such as the eyes.
Clogged Pores
Heavy creams, makeup, or products that aren’t suited for your skin type can clog pores, trapping keratin and leading to milia. Improper skincare habits, like skipping exfoliation or using overly thick skincare products, can exacerbate this issue.
Improper Skincare
Using products that don’t allow the skin to breathe or fail to properly exfoliate can cause a buildup of dead skin cells. This, in turn, can block the pores and promote the formation of milia.
Milia are not harmful, but they can make your skin appear rough or uneven. At Alpha Medical Aesthetics, we understand the importance of overall skin health and the need for advanced treatments to address these issues. Ablative CO2 Laser Resurfacing offers a solution that not only targets milia directly but also helps improve skin texture, smooth out fine lines, and stimulate collagen production.
Why Traditional Milia Removal Methods Fall Short
Many people turn to traditional treatments like extractions, exfoliation, or chemical peels. While these methods can provide temporary relief, they often fall short in addressing the underlying skin texture issues that lead to milia formation.
- Extractions: While extractions can remove individual milia, they don’t prevent new ones from forming and may cause skin irritation or scarring.
- Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation helps with cell turnover but may not fully address deeper keratin buildup.
- Chemical Peels: While they exfoliate the skin, they do little for improving elasticity or stimulating collagen production.
This is where Ablative CO2 Laser Resurfacing provides a superior solution. The ULTRApulse® Alpha CO2 laser not only removes milia by vaporizing the top layer of skin but also stimulates collagen production for long-term skin rejuvenation.
How Ablative CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treats Milia and Enhances Skin Rejuvenation
The ULTRApulse® Alpha CO2 laser is an advanced treatment that effectively removes milia while also offering comprehensive skin rejuvenation. It works by vaporizing the top skin layers, clearing clogged pores, and removing trapped keratin. Additionally, the laser stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture, elasticity, and overall appearance.
Unlike traditional methods that only address the surface-level appearance of milia, Ablative CO2 Laser Resurfacing penetrates deeper into the skin, offering lasting improvements in skin firmness and smoothness. It also provides non-surgical facial resurfacing, reducing wrinkles and enhancing overall facial contours.
How Ablative CO2 Laser Resurfacing Addresses Other Skin Concerns
In addition to milia treatment, Ablative ULTRApulse® Alpha CO2 Laser Resurfacing effectively treats a variety of skin conditions, including:
- Lentigines (Age Spots or Liver Spots): This laser helps fade dark patches caused by sun damage, restoring an even complexion.
- Sebaceous Hyperplasia: CO2 laser treatment shrinks enlarged sebaceous glands, improving skin texture.
- Keratosis Pilaris: By breaking down keratin buildup, the laser smooths rough, bumpy skin.
- Scarring: The CO2 laser effectively treats all types of scars, including:
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- Contracture scars
- Atrophic scars (acne scars, chickenpox scars)
- Hypertrophic scars
- Keloids
- Stretch marks
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- Actinic Keratosis: This treatment precisely removes rough, scaly patches caused by sun damage, reducing the risk of skin cancer.
- Skin Tags & Fibromas: CO2 laser technology offers a safe, precise removal method with minimal scarring.
- Warts: The laser vaporizes wart tissue, offering a non-invasive solution for stubborn cases.
- Birthmarks & Neurofibromas: The CO2 laser can remove certain birthmarks and neurofibromas with precision, minimizing damage to surrounding skin.
- Rhinophyma: This laser treatment reshapes and smooths thickened skin on the nose caused by rosacea.
- Corns, Calluses & Café-au-lait Spots: The laser effectively removes hardened skin and lightens pigmentation disorders.
These conditions are typically difficult to treat with traditional methods, but Ablative CO2 Laser Resurfacing offers targeted, lasting results.
The Ultimate Skin Renewal Plan at Alpha Medical Aesthetics
At Alpha Medical Aesthetics, Dr. Kaveh provides unmatched quality of care with a personalized approach to every treatment. As one of the only doctors in Las Vegas directly involved in each procedure, he ensures that all treatments, including Ablative CO2 Resurfacing, are performed with precision and expertise.
For those searching for Non-Surgical Facial Resurfacing near me, Dr. Sassan Kaveh’s expertise guarantees top-tier care in a comfortable and professional environment.
Call us now at 702-683-2156 to get started. or book your appointment to experience the best in non-surgical facial resurfacing in Las Vegas!
