What are my treatment options to remove keratin bumps on my face?

By keratin bumps, i assume you are referring to Milia seeds?

There are many types of skin bumps that can form on the face (and off), and treatment is largely similar - they can be removed with an ablative laser and the contents within (if any) removed physically.

After removing them, it is important to maintain on a good skin regimen that includes the use of Alpha or beta-hydroxy acid-based toners and adapalene or retin creams; this reduces the recurrence of these bumps and helps rejuvenate the skin.

Some go to spas to have them burnt off, but many of them use heated tips that typically cause burns and resultant post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can take months to subside. This can happen with lasers too, of course, but in the right hands, lasers are much safer and more accurate.

Do feel free to get a proper consult and physical examination to confirm the nature of these bumps so a proper plan can be made for their removal.

Best Regards,
Dr Shane Tan

Keratin bumps on the face are quite common; generally, they are small, skin-colored or whitish bumps just under the surface of the skin and can be multiple. They are also known as “milia”.

Milia most commonly arise on the face, especially the eyelids and cheeks, but may occur elsewhere on the body too, such as at sites of skin injury as skin heals, sites of friction (traumatic milia). Rarely they may be associated with some medications.

Milia are harmless, but may be removed for cosmesis. Sometimes, milia may spontaneously clear up, but this may take months. The least invasive method would be to apply a topical medication called a retinoid. Retinoids reduce keratinization of skin cells and help with cell turn over.

For milia not responding to topical treatment, we can consider a chemical peel, dermabrasion procedure or laser ablation, which has proven to be effective with minimal side effects. The exact treatment decided on usually depends on both actual skin condition, patient factors and physician practices and presences.

Hope this helps and do consult a trusted doctor to go through the treatment options for your case in more detail!

Best regards,

Dr. Joanna Chan