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Skin Concerns

Professional Milia Treatment in Portland, OR

We confirm the bumps really are milia before anything is touched, treat them in our office, then adjust your routine so fewer new ones form.

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The Condition

What Milia Are and How They Form

Milia are tiny cysts that form when keratin, a protein in the outer layer of skin, gets trapped just under the surface.

They look like firm white or pale yellow bumps about the size of a pinhead. Most appear around the eyes, nose and cheeks. Each one is sealed under a thin layer of skin with no pore opening, which is why squeezing does not clear them.

They appear at any age, on their own or after skin heals from a blister, burn or rash.

Milia or Something Else?
BumpHow it looksWhat it is
MiliaFirm, white, pinhead size, no visible poreTrapped keratin under the skin
WhiteheadSofter, sits in a pore, often with rednessA clogged pore, part of acne
Sebaceous hyperplasiaSoft yellowish bump with a small central dipAn enlarged oil gland
SyringomaSmall skin-colored bumps in clusters, often on lower lidsA harmless sweat duct growth

These look alike in a mirror but need different care, so every plan starts with a skin assessment.

Who Gets Them

Where Milia Show Up and Why

Where your milia sit tells us a lot about the cause.

01

Around the Eyes

The most common spot, where skin is thin and rich eye creams sit.

02

Nose and Cheeks

Sun damage thickens the outer skin here, so keratin stays trapped.

03

Forehead and Jawline

Often linked to heavy makeup or hair products along the hairline.

Common Triggers We Look For

  • Heavy or occlusive creams
  • Sun damage over the years
  • Skin that sheds slowly with age
  • Healing after a blister, burn or rash

When to Have Bumps Checked

Book an assessment when bumps last more than a few weeks, keep multiplying, sit near the lash line, or change in size or color.

Before You Reach for a Pin

Why Squeezing Milia Backfires

Most of the damage we see from milia comes from trying to remove them at home.

Myth

"A needle and a mirror will do it."

Fact: Forcing a milium tears the skin and can leave a scar, worst of all near the eyes.

Myth

"A good scrub will wear them down."

Fact: Harsh scrubs irritate the surface without reaching the cyst underneath.

Myth

"A richer eye cream will fix it."

Fact: Heavy creams are one of the most common triggers. We review what you use with you.

What to Expect

Your Milia Visit, Step by Step

Your milia plan is set at your consultation, after we have looked at your skin.

  1. Skin Assessment

    We examine the bumps, review your products and history, and confirm they are milia.

  2. Your Plan

    We explain the in-office approach suited to your skin and the area. Near the eyes, we tell you plainly whether treatment is appropriate.

  3. In-Office Treatment

    Your treatment is done in our Portland office, as agreed at your assessment.

  4. Home Care

    You leave with a simple routine that supports your skin and lowers the chance of new milia.

Open box of Ortho-Rejuv skincare with a moisturizer, resurfacing serum, vitamin C serum and HA boosting serum
Prevention

A Routine That Helps Prevent New Milia

The last part of your plan is your routine, because the habits behind milia keep producing new ones until they change.

  • Lighter textures where milia keep forming, especially around the eyes
  • Daily sun protection to limit the damage that thickens skin
  • Gentle renewal so skin sheds at a healthier pace
  • Products from our own medical-grade line, matched to your skin

"I was also given several face products to try at home and so far I have loved every one."

Tonya Flaming, Google review
Browse our skincare line
Our Practice

Founded by Dr. Natalie Mesnier, MD

Dr. Natalie Mesnier, MD, founder of Ortho-Rejuv

Dr. Natalie Mesnier, MD

Founder

Dr. Mesnier founded Ortho-Rejuv Wellness and Aesthetics, with a background in aesthetic medicine and certifications in advanced aesthetic procedures.

Milia care and our other skin treatments are provided by our team of Certified Advanced Estheticians and medical staff, who assess your skin and build your plan and home routine.

Investment

Milia Treatment Cost and Financing

Cost depends on how many milia you have, where they are, and whether your plan includes skincare or other treatments. We quote your price at your consultation, before any treatment begins.

Many patients spread the cost of a treatment series with monthly payments through Cherry.

Related Care on Our Menu

When texture or slow shedding is part of the picture, your plan may pair milia care with one of these.

FAQ

Milia Questions We Hear Often

Answers to what patients ask us most about milia.

What kind of doctor gets rid of milia?

Dermatologists and trained medical aesthetic teams both treat milia. At Ortho-Rejuv, milia are treated by our team of Certified Advanced Estheticians and medical staff. What matters most is a provider who confirms the bumps are milia before treating them.

Can I remove milia at home?

We recommend against it. Milia sit under a thin layer of skin with no opening, so squeezing or picking tears the skin and can lead to irritation and scarring.

How long does skin take to heal after milia removal?

Mild redness or a tiny mark where a milium was removed usually settles within a few days. Keep your hands off the area while it heals. We give you aftercare for the method used in your plan.

Can milia around the eyes be treated?

Often, yes, but the skin around the eyes is delicate. We assess the area first and tell you plainly whether in-office treatment is appropriate for it.

Will milia come back after treatment?

A milium that has been treated does not usually return, but new ones can form. Adjusting your products and routine lowers the chance of that.

Are milia harmful?

No, milia are harmless. The reason to have them checked is that other bumps can look very similar and need different care.

Do you treat milia on darker skin tones?

Yes. Our estheticians work with all skin types and tones. Your plan accounts for how your skin heals and pigments, so the approach suits your skin.

Portland Skin Care

Get Your Bumps Checked

Find out whether those white bumps are milia, from a team that looks first and treats second.

Venus Nova, Certified Advanced Esthetician at Ortho-Rejuv

Venus is a Certified Advanced Esthetician, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, and pre-nursing student with a passion for medical aesthetics and patient-centered care. She is dedicated to helping clients achieve healthy, radiant skin through result-driven, customized treatments tailored to their unique needs. As a patient advocate at heart, Venus loves working with all skin types and creating long-term skincare plans that focus on both visible results and overall skin health.

Her favorite treatments include Aerolase, NeoGen, and microneedling, innovative treatment options that deliver real, transformative outcomes. Outside of the treatment room, Venus enjoys creating social media content, exploring new food spots, and spending time with friends and family

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Certified Advanced Esthetician

Woman with long dark hair smiling at camera against white background
Katherine is a Certified Advanced Esthetician dedicated to helping every client feel confident and comfortable in their skin. She takes a personalized approach to skincare, creating customized treatment plans and at-home routines that work for you. Katherine is passionate about finding effective, thoughtful skincare solutions for all skin types and tones, with a special emphasis on acne-prone skin. She aims to provide a safe space in the treatment room to ensure every client feels welcomed and supported no matter where they are in their journey. She looks forward to meeting you soon!
Nancy, woman with long brown wavy hair wearing black top, smiling at camera
Dr. Nancy Yen Shipley experienced in the use of ultrasound and orthobiologics in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. And is additionally certified in Laser treatment of medical conditions, post-surgical and post-traumatic scars, PRP, injectable neuromodulators for medical and aesthetic applications.
Kyline, woman wearing white coat and gold chain necklace, smiling at camera
Ms. Kylie Farwell is a board-certified Physician Assistant and a native Idahoan. Trained in orthobiologics, PRP, ultrasound-guided interventions, laser therapy, and neuromodulators such as botox, and fillers, Kylie is passionate about helping patients overcome their post-surgical and post-traumatic scars, and present their best selves forward to the world.
Natalie, woman with shoulder-length dark hair wearing black top and pearl necklace

Dr. Natalie Mesnier, the driving force behind Ortho-Rejuv Wellness and Aesthetics, stands at the forefront of aesthetic innovation. With a rich background in the aesthetic realm, she is notably skilled in anti-aging laser therapies, skin revitalization, and the meticulous use of injectables and fillers. Alongside her certifications in advanced aesthetic procedures, including PRP and neuromodulator applications, Dr. Mesnier’s mission is singular: to empower patients to experience and radiate their utmost beauty and confidence.