If you mean milia—the tiny, hard white bumps commonly found around the eyes and cheeks—they aren’t actually “fat cysts.” They’re small keratin-filled cysts that form under the skin and are generally harmless.
How to get rid of milia
Don’t squeeze or pop them. Unlike a typical pimple, milia don’t have an opening, so squeezing can cause scarring or infection.
Use a gentle cleanser twice daily and avoid harsh scrubs.
Try a retinoid such as adapalene if the milia are on an area where it’s appropriate. Start slowly (e.g., a few nights per week) because irritation is common. Don’t use retinoids around the eyelids without medical guidance, and don’t use them during pregnancy unless your clinician says otherwise.
Avoid very heavy or occlusive creams around areas prone to milia if you notice they make the bumps worse.
Professional removal is the fastest option. A dermatologist can carefully open and extract the milia using sterile equipment. They can also use procedures such as chemical peels or laser treatment for some cases.
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist if the bumps are persistent, numerous, recurring, inflamed, changing, or you’re not sure they’re actually milia. Other skin conditions can look similar.
If you want, I can also give you a simple 2-week skincare routine specifically for getting rid of milia around the eyes/face.
