Hello.
I am Director Jeong Bo-hwang of Cleor Clinic Gangnam.
While looking in the mirror,
marks that look like small millet seeds on the eye area and cheeks
are often discovered by many people.
They try to squeeze them with their fingernails, but they don't come out easily.
After a few days, they seem more distinct,
and they are not easily covered by makeup.
Not all small bumps are the same.
If the names are different, the approach also changes.
Today, for those looking into milia removal in Gangnam,
starting from the differences between moles, skin tags, and syringomas,
I will speak honestly.
Differences between Milia, Moles, Skin Tags, and Syringomas
They look similar on the surface.
Because they are small, raised marks,
patients often ask, "Is this a mole? Is it a skin tag?"
Based on years of direct observation in the clinic,
they are categorized as follows.
Milia
Small, hard grains about 1–2 mm in size.
They are white or yellow granules.
They are clusters of keratin located in the shallow layers of the skin,
and commonly appear in areas where the skin is thin, such as under the eyes, cheeks, and forehead.
Stress, overwork, external irritation, and aging
are known causes.
Moles
Pigmented marks formed by the accumulation of melanin.
There are various types, ranging from flat moles to raised ones.
If the size or color changes suddenly,
or if the borders become irregular,
a consultation to differentiate between benign and malignant is the priority.
Skin Tags (Soft Fibromas)
Soft bumps that vary in color from flesh-toned to brown.
They often appear in areas where skin frequently rubs together, such as the neck, eye area, armpits, and under the breasts.
Since the roots are shallow, they are often resolved relatively simply.
Syringomas
Benign tumors that form in the sweat ducts (eccrine glands).
They are located deep within the dermal layer,
and are known to be influenced by genetics and hormones.
They are easily confused with milia,
but because they have a possibility of recurrence,
they are the most difficult category to treat.
What is Gangnam Milia Removal?
Gangnam milia removal is a procedure that uses a CO2 laser
to remove the keratin clusters inside the milia.
Utilizing the characteristic that 96% of CO2 laser energy
is absorbed by water,
it allows for precise work while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
👉 Why You Should Not Squeeze Them by Hand
Milia look similar to closed comedones (whiteheads),
so many people try to squeeze them by hand.
However, unlike whiteheads, milia consist of hard keratin clusters,
making them difficult to remove by hand.
Instead, the pores may become irritated,
potentially leading to hyperpigmentation or scarring.
For the same reason, if you attempt self-treatment for skin tags or syringomas
using nail clippers or thread hair removal,
there is a risk of bacterial infection, scarring, and further proliferation.
To be honest,
if self-treatment goes wrong even once,
it is not uncommon for it to leave a mark larger than the original one.
Treatment Methods by Category
Even when using the same CO2 laser,
the approach varies depending on the category.
Milia / Skin Tags / Flat Warts
In the case of milia, skin tags, and flat warts,
the method involves using a laser to finely approach the surface
and remove the lesion itself.
Since the roots are often not deep,
they are frequently resolved in a single session.
However, they may reappear in areas other than the treated site,
so ongoing management is necessary.
Mole Removal
The approach varies based on size and depth.
Small moles under 2 mm allow for a precise approach focused on the surface,
while larger moles over 2 mm require reaching deeper melanin,
changing the scope of the approach.
For moles with dark color or irregular shapes,
we first check for benign status during the pre-procedure consultation.
Syringomas
This is the most difficult category.
Because they are located deep within the dermal layer,
simply shaving the surface results in a high frequency of recurrence.
Methods such as the pinhole technique, which involves creating precise holes,
or combining it with Fraxel lasers
to refine the surrounding skin environment are utilized.
Rather than attempting to remove syringomas all at once,
it is recommended to manage them regularly
over several sessions.
Immediately after the procedure,
fine scabs will form at the treatment site.
There may be slight redness and stinging,
most of which will naturally fall off within 1–2 weeks.
If you pick at the scabs by hand,
it may lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring,
so it is safest to wait until they fall off naturally.
Advantages of Removing Milia, Skin Tags, and Moles
with a CO2 Laser
Precise approach to the area is possible,
resulting in relatively low irritation to the surrounding skin.
Milia and skin tags are often resolved
in a single session.
The recovery burden is low, allowing for a return to daily life the next day.
However, syringomas are a representative category
that cannot be completely cleared in one session.
Because they are deep in the dermis and the surrounding skin is fibrotic,
the recurrence rate is high.
A regular management approach over multiple sessions
is the most realistic.
Even if they do not reappear at the treated site,
new marks may appear in other areas.
Depending on skin condition and the progression of aging,
this procedure requires periodic maintenance.
Recommended For
Those who notice an increasing number of millet-like marks on the eye area and cheeks.
Those concerned about small granules that do not disappear even when squeezed.
Those bothered by moles, skin tags, or syringomas that cannot be covered by makeup.
Those who have experienced scarring after attempting self-treatment.
Those who want consistent management for marks with a high chance of recurrence, like syringomas.
If any of the following apply, you must first check eligibility
during a pre-procedure consultation.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you have a history of inflammation or herpes at the treatment site.
If you have a keloid-prone skin type.
If you are taking photosensitizing medications.
If you are regularly taking anticoagulants.
If you have a mole with suspected changes in color or shape.
⚠️ Post-Procedure Precautions
Please avoid touching the treatment area as much as possible
until the scabs naturally fall off.
It is best to avoid saunas, hot baths, strenuous exercise, and alcohol on the day of the procedure.
An increase in body temperature can prolong redness and irritation.
Please apply sunscreen thoroughly
once the treatment site has recovered.
During recovery, UV exposure is the primary cause of hyperpigmentation.
If persistent pain, blisters, oozing,
or intense redness lasts for more than a few days,
please visit the clinic immediately.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can milia really be cleared in one session?
Milia with shallow roots are often
resolved in a single session.
However, since they can reappear in other areas,
periodic management is required.
Q. Does mole removal leave scars?
Small moles often leave almost no scarring.
Large or deep-seated moles may leave a slight mark after recovery,
and hyperpigmentation may occur depending on
UV exposure management.
As this varies by individual,
we will assess this directly during the pre-procedure consultation.
Q. Can syringomas also be completely removed in one session?
It is difficult to say that syringomas will be completely cleared in one session for everyone.
Because they are located deep in the dermis
and the surrounding area is fibrotic, the recurrence rate is high.
A direction of regular management over multiple sessions is recommended.
Q. Can I receive treatment for milia and skin tags on the same day?
Depending on the area and the number of marks,
they are often treated together on the same day.
However, if there are many marks or the area is large,
it may be better to split the sessions considering recovery,
which we will determine during the pre-procedure consultation.
Q. Can I come after squeezing them myself?
If there is inflammation after self-treatment,
immediate treatment may be difficult.
It is better to receive a consultation after the inflammation has subsided.
While we don't force it on everyone,
visiting the clinic without any self-treatment from the start is the safest approach.
Not all small bumps are the same.
Milia, moles, skin tags, and syringomas
have different causes and are located at different depths.
If you squeeze them by hand or attempt self-treatment,
it is not uncommon for the marks to become even more distinct.
Identifying which category your marks belong to
and approaching them accordingly is the safest way.
We will assess this directly during your consultation.
If you are concerned about small marks on your eye area, cheeks, or neckline,
please feel free to contact Cleor Clinic Gangnam.
※ This content is for general informational purposes, and results may vary by individual.
Please decide on an accurate diagnosis and procedure through a consultation with a specialist.