Home Treatments Eye Treatments Chalazion Removal: Expert Treatment in London

Chalazion Removal: Expert Treatment in London

Young woman putting one hand in her left eye

At a glance:

CHALAZION REMOVAL

Symptoms

Quiet non-tender or tender, red, swollen, and warm bump on the eyelid with discomfort or mild pain. There can be multiple chalazion present.

Age group

Can occur in children of all ages, young and older adults.

Diagnosis

Diagnosed through a physical examination by the Consultant eye specialist.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on assessment by Consultant

Medical prescription drops and ointment plus further advice.
Injection long-acting steroid into lesion.
A removal procedure which drains the blocked oil gland, causing the chalazion to disappear. Most chalazion lasting more than two weeks fall into this group.

Our clinic operates as a private surgery and is not affiliated with the NHS (National Health Service)

A chalazion is a common eyelid condition, characterised by the formation of a lump or cyst in the lid itself. Usually, they are painless, and some will fade away within weeks or a couple of months, at most. Some may be more acute and quite inflamed with redness and tenderness, and wax and wane in size. However, many may persist much longer, or cause irritation, discomfort, and even visual difficulties.

If the chalazion has been present for more than 2 weeks or is causing symptoms, specialist chalazion medical treatment, advanced clinic treatments such as Optilight intense pulsed light (IPL) or minor eyelid surgical removal is recommended. Otherwise, the cyst may continue to swell and cause problems. It may even burst if it is quite inflamed. Professional chalazion treatment to completely remove the lump involves a small incision on the under surface of the eyelid, opening up and draining the cyst, allowing the thick contents inside to drain out. This removes the swelling, allowing the eyelid to return to normal and the patient to feel much better.

Recognised and trusted as a premium eye care specialist surgical centre, Clinica London offers the highest London and Harley Street standards of chalazion removal in London. Our highly experienced, ophthalmic consultants are committed to providing honest and transparent treatment in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

What is Chalazion?

A chalazion (plural: chalazia), also called an eyelid or meibomian cyst, is a small bump or growth on the eyelid. Chalazia forms when the meibomian glands (oil glands on the eyelid) are blocked. This oil build-up forms the chalazion, which can grow larger over time. It can be precipitated by anything that will block the oily gland opening: dust, pollen, pollution, dry eye, allergy, lack of sleep, stress and more.

Due to their appearance and formation, chalazia are sometimes confused with styes, another similar eyelid condition. Styes also form due to blocked glands, but are more directly linked with bacterial infections and appear only at the edge of the eyelid by the eyelashes. Meanwhile, chalazia can appear further back in the eyelid. Additionally, styes are often painful, while chalazia are less commonly inflamed and painful. A stye can lead to a chalazion from its swelling blocking the oily gland opening (meibomian gland opening).

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Chalazia are not contagious and, while not painful, may cause tenderness, selling, redness or irritation. If they are big they can also put pressure on the eye and lead to blurred vision or watery eyes. They are most common in those aged 27 to 45, but they may also occur in younger or older individuals. Many chalazia go away with time, but others require specialist removal.

When should you see a doctor?

Chalazion lasting more than a couple of weeks usually requires treatment by a drainage procedure. However, if it is very tender and swollen at the start, it requires either earlier medical or surgical treatment.

Some patients respond to medical prescription drops rather than surgery, and the eye specialist will advise the best treatment for optimal result, depending on the findings.

If you notice a persistent lump on your eyelid, especially if it is causing discomfort or affecting your vision, or persisting, make an appointment with a Consultant eye specialist for an eye and eyelid check-up.

What do patients experience before chalazion treatment?

At Clinica, we specialise in chalazion removal in London. Our experienced team of Consultant Ophthalmic specialists are committed to restoring visual acuity, alleviating discomfort, and improving the appearance of chalazion.

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Chalazion Treatment benefits

Clinica’s chalazion treatment is more than just a procedure – it is a comprehensive experience designed to provide relief and enhance the quality of your life. Our treatment aims to effectively address both the symptoms and underlying causes of the condition, improving overall eye health.

The benefits of chalazion treatment include:

Alleviating discomfort and pain caused by the chalazion
Improving the appearance of the eyelid by reducing swelling and redness
Removing the visible lump, whether a quiet, non-painful or a tender swelling
Restoring visual acuity and reducing any blurry or obstructed vision caused by the chalazion

How long do the results last?

The results of chalazion surgery last permanently for most patients, as the treatment addresses the underlying causes of the condition. In most cases, a single surgical treatment is sufficient to remove the chalazion.

However, if a chalazion recurs, it may indicate that the underlying condition, called blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), is active and needs treatment.

Blepharitis is characterised by inflammation of the eyelids, typically caused by bacteria or abnormal oil production in the eyelid glands. As blepharitis is a distinct condition from chalazion influencing the onset of chalazion, it will require separate longer-term medical treatment.

Non-Surgical Chalazion Treatments

Several medical treatments and home hygiene can speed up your body’s healing response to chalazion formation, potentially leading to faster fading and preventing the need for specialist eyelid chalazion removal. Recommended home remedies and non-surgical treatment options include conventional treatments:

Apply a warm compress gently to the eyelids with the eyes closed and hold it in place for up to 1 minute, three times daily. The heat and moisture may help the blocked gland open and allow the oil inside to drain out. Use cotton wool make-up removal pads, folded, and warm water.
Practise good eyelid hygiene, including not applying eye makeup near the area while the chalazion is present. Also, clean the entire eye area gently and avoid touching it, especially with unwashed hands.
A general doctor may also prescribe topical treatment, like antibiotics and / or steroid drops or ointment. Antibiotics by mouth may help combat any bacterial infection in or around the cyst if there is a cellulitis (marked inflammation, swelling and tenderness). Steroid eyedrops or ointment meanwhile may help shrink the swelling and calm inflammation.

While these conservative medical and home lid hygiene treatment methods are sometimes sufficient to treat a chalazion, in other cases, advanced treatments or minor eyelid surgery are required. Sometimes, private chalazion removal is the only option. Patients should seriously consider chalazion surgery if the chalazion lasts several weeks, without signs of improvement, or if the swelling is particularly large, uncomfortable, or interferes with their vision and quality of life.

The alternative to surgery in certain chalazia is injection of a long-acting steroid solution around the chalazion, which slowly reduced the inflammation if present.

Many patients will present with several chalazion affecting more than one eyelid, and necessitate medical eye drops and ointment, surgery and /or steroid injection and OptiLight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and microblepharoexfoliation (BlephEx).

Surgical Chalazion Removal Procedure

Chalazion removal begins with a consultation with an ophthalmic specialist, who will fully examine the eyelid chalazion, decide the optimal treatment. If surgery is the first choice, the eyelid surgeon will describe the procedure, Incision and curettage (I&C) and advise if a steroid injection alone or with the surgery is indicated. You can ask questions, and the surgeon will advise you how best to prepare.

At Clinica London we try to do a one stop service, assessing your chalazion and proceeding with its surgical removal at the same visit. There will be no visible scar as the surgery is done from the inside of the eyelid, under local anaesthetic.
The local anaesthetic to help numb the eyelid area and ensure that the surgery goes smoothly and comfortably. Using an eyelid chalazion clamp, the eyelid surgery specialist will make a small incision on the inside of the eyelid to gently drain or excise the contents of the chalazion.

Since the incision is small, it will not need stitching. Instead, it will naturally heal on its own, leaving no visible scarring behind. To aid with recovery and guard against possible infection, a special eye dressing will be put in place, to remain for the first 24 hours following treatment. The procedure is straightforward and quick, typically completed in less than half an hour.

Recovery & Aftercare

Since you will have an eye dressing, driving immediately after the procedure will be unsafe, so arrange transport. As your body recovers, you are likely to experience mild swelling and bruising in the early days, and you will be prescribed drops or ointment. This helps prevent infections and promotes healing.

Chalazion removal recovery is generally quick. Most patients can return to much of their routine, such as work or school, within the first 24 to 48 hours following treatment. However, for the next few weeks, avoid applying eye makeup, inserting contact lenses, or doing activities that could put your eyes at risk, such as swimming or contact sports.

Your surgical incision should heal within one to two weeks. To help ease any discomfort or swelling, apply a warm compress to the eye daily. You will be prescribed an antibiotic ointment to put in the eye for a week to ten days and advised on how to keep the eyelid clean.

If you have any concerns, you can contact your specialist for advice. They may also schedule a follow-up appointment to check your progress and provide further advice on preventive treatments that can help you manage eyelid health.

Many people find that they have recurring chalazia or develop multiple chalazia. The chalazion does not necessarily recur in the same place, but may arise from a nearby blocked oily gland (meibomian gland). If you experience this, there is a chance that you will develop more in the future. You can reduce this risk by practising good eyelid hygiene – keeping the eyelid clean and not touching it with dirty hands. Lid wipes and warm, moist compresses are also very helpful, as well as avoiding bad habits like sharing makeup or using old, expired makeup. Get good sleep and avoid overusing digital screens.

Chalazia may also be linked with other eye conditions, like blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction (MDG) or dry eye disease. If you are diagnosed with one of these conditions, seek specialist care to manage your symptoms and maintain good eyelid health.

Other in clinic special outpatient treatments are available including Optilight Intemse pulsed light (IPL) and lid margin microblepharoexfoliation (BlephEx).

For those patients with skin rosacea and chalazion, we recommend assessment by one of our dermatology Consultants and advanced treatments including Optilight intense pulsed light (IPL).

At Clinica London, we aim to help prevent you from getting further chalazia and maintain healthy eyelids. We can provide aftercare and advice on eyelash and lid margin care, dry eye / MGD, diet, Omega 3 supplements, sleeping, work patterns and lifestyle, all designed to help you prevent future chalazion and maintain comfortable eyes.

Risk & Side Effects

Chalazion removals are generally safe procedures, but there are potential risks involved and side effects to be aware of. These may include:

 Bleeding: Some minor bleeding may occur during the procedure, but it is usually minimal and stops on its own. When the eye dressing is removed after 24 hours, the eyelid will appear a little bruised, swollen and pink for a further 4 to 5 days.
 Infection: Although rare, there is a small risk of infection at the incision site. This is treated with antibiotics.
  Scarring: In some cases, a small scar may form and be visible temporarily at the incision site but since this is usually on the under surface of the eyelid, it remains invisible. If the chalazion has been removed via the skin side, it heals rapidly and any scar is usually minimal, and fades over time. Eyelids heal very well after chalazion treatment.
Discomfort: You may experience some discomfort, swelling, or bruising in the treated area for 48hrs following the procedure. This is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses.
 Recurrence: In some cases, chalazion may recur even after treatment. Recurrence of the treated chalazion can happen if there are underlying issues with the oil glands which have very thick secretions or healing is very rapid thus blocking the drainage incision before it has given enough time to drain fully. In over 80% patients the initial treatment is fully effective. Other chalazion can occur in different locations because of the underlying condition, blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Why choose Clinica London for your chalazion surgery?

For the optimal London and Harley Street experience in chalazion removal, choose our centre of surgical excellence, Clinica London. With a team of leading eye and eyelid consultant ophthalmic surgeons and dermatologists, we offer personalised eye and skin care support, tailored to your needs. We are proud of our short waiting times (same day or within up to three days), so you can get the treatment you need with minimal delay. Our clinic is also conveniently situated in central London for easy access, close to several underground and mainline stations.

Join the thousands of satisfied private patients who have entrusted us with their care for their eyelid chalazion treatment. Contact Clinica London today.

OUR CONSULTANTS

Clinica London’s award-winning oculoplastic expert routinely performs all chalazion removal procedures with excellent results.

Miss Jane Olver, a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, founded Clinica London, overseeing Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery. With over 20 years of experience specialising in oculoplastic and cosmetic eyelid surgery, including endoscopic lacrimal surgery for adults and children with watery eyes.

Published extensively in scientific journals on Ophthalmology and Lacrimal Surgery, she is also the author of the books “Ophthalmology at a Glance and “Colour Alias of Lacrimal Surgery’’.

Chalazion in Children of all ages and in all Adults

Miss Jane Olver

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Oculoplastic (Eyelid) & Lacrimal Specialist
Medical Director
A dedicated Oculoplastic Eyelid surgeon, blepharoplasty, ptosis and Adult strabismus (squint) specialist

Ms Naomi Tan

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Paediatric Ophthalmology, Paediatric Strabismus, and Adult Cataract Specialist

Mr Julian Robins

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cataract, Vitreoretinal (VR) and Medical Retina Specialist

Ms Evgenia Anikina

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cataract, Surgical Vitreoretinal (VR) and Medical Retina Specialist

Ms Michelle Ting

Consultant Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Ophthalmologist specialising in oculoplastic (eyelid), lacrimal, orbital and facial surgery.

Chalazion in all Adults

Professor Sajjad Ahmad

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cornea & External Eye Diseases, Cataract, Keratoconus & Refractive Surgery Specialist

Professor Michel Michaelides

Professor of Ophthalmology
Medical Retina & Inherited Retinal Disease Specialist

Our clinic operates as a private surgery and is not affiliated with the NHS (National Health Service)

Pricing

How much does Chalazion removal cost?

Treatment	Price range
Chalazion removal	from £590
Consultation Fees	Not Included

Initial consultation fees are not included.

FAQs about Chalazion Removal

What causes a chalazion to form?

A chalazion forms when an oil gland, or meibomian gland, in the tarsal plate of the eyelid gets blocked at the eyelid margin. This may be caused by dirt, pollen, pollution, dryness, bacteria, or even makeup residue, and is more likely to occur in those aged 27 to 45.

How can I differentiate between a chalazion and a stye?

Styes, caused by bacterial infections in the eyelid glands by the eye lashes, are usually acute, red, painful and short lived. They are always located at the front edge of the eyelid. Chalazia, however, may be located further back in the eyelid and does not usually cause pain, unless it is an acute inflamed chalazion.

Is chalazion removal painful?

Thanks to local anaesthetics that numb the area and surface of the eye before minor eyelid incision surgery, patients should not experience any pain during chalazion removal. There is very little discomfort afterwards.

Can a chalazion recur after surgical removal?

Yes, patients may experience recurring chalazia throughout their lives, in different eyelids and from different oily glands. There are up to 30 eyelid oily glands in each eyelid, but fortunately they never all turn into chalazion.

How long does it take to recover from chalazion surgery?

Most patients can get back to their usual routine a day or two after the procedure. Yet it will typically take up to two weeks for the incision to fully heal and symptoms like swelling or bruising to subside. You can promote faster recovery by applying a warm compress to the eye daily, keeping the area clean, and using the medications prescribed and advice given by the eyelid surgeon.

Can a future chalazion be prevented?

There are ways to prevent chalazion formation, however, such as practising good eyelid hygiene, such as keeping the area clean and not touching or rubbing the eyes. Having adjuvant treatments such as Optilight intense pulsed light (IPL) and lid margin microblepharoexfoliation (BlephEx) or in clinic heating MiboThermoFlo, will help. Longer term medical advice, diet, lifestyle and eyelid hygiene all contribute to better ocular and eyelid health.

Conclusion: Seek Professional Chalazion Surgical Removal Today

While many chalazia will heal naturally and go away, that is not always the case. If you are suffering from particularly large, persistent, or problematic chalazion, specialist treatment, medical or surgical, is the answer. With the help of our expert team, you can rid yourself of chalazia and their associated symptoms in a safe, simple, and effective way. Contact Clinica London today to learn more or book your consultation in our centre of surgical excellence.

Award Winning Clinic in London

Clinica London is a leading ophthalmology and dermatology medical clinic. It has a sense of passion for helping patients. The clinic’s consultants are highly skilled professionals who have received British, European, and international awards in their respective fields. Clinica is honest and offers transparent treatment advice in a relaxed and comfortable environment.