Chalazion & Eyelid Cyst Removal At A Glance

Treatment Time

Time

45 minutes

Treatment Price icon

Price

£650

Treatment Info icon

Treatment

Surgery with an Oculoplastic Consultant

Recovery Time icon

Recovery

1-2 weeks initially

Recommended icon

Do

Keep the eyelid clean

Avoid icon

Don't

Rub the treated eyelid

Chalazion and Eyelid Cyst Removal

A chalazion is a common eyelid lump or cyst caused by a blocked oil gland in the eyelid. Many people first notice a small swelling, bump or pea-sized lump in the upper or lower eyelid. Other types of eyelid cyst appear similar.

They may be painless, tender, red, uncomfortable or cosmetically noticeable. Left untreated, a chalazion can keep growing, keep recurring, or start affecting your vision.

At Skin Surgery Clinic, chalazion and eyelid cyst removal is carried out by a Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon. This is a specialist eye surgeon with expertise in the eyelids and the delicate structures around the eye.

Many chalazia settle without surgery, but many return or continue to irritate, affect vision or look unsightly. Other types of eyelid cyst will not resolve on their own. In many cases, a minor procedure may be appropriate.

Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, with the eyelid carefully numbed before the lump is drained or removed.

chalazion removal surgery

Chalazion and Eyelid Cyst Removal Treatment prices

All procedures are carried out by specialist Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeons.

Free Online Nurse Consultation
If you would like to check suitability and then book straight in
FREE
Start Here
Consultation with Consultant
If not having surgery in same appointment
£225
Chalazion/Eyelid Cyst Removal
Including in-person consultation with your surgeon
£650

If your eyelid cyst is assessed as suitable after your online consultation, you can book straight in for surgery without also paying for an in-person consultation with your Consultant.

Start your free assessment

We offer a free online consultation to assess your condition. Fill in a simple form and we will let you know your treatment options.

Who carries out this procedure

Chalazion and eyelid cyst removal at Skin Surgery Clinic is carried out by eye surgeons with additional specialism in surgery around the eye area. This is important for specalist eyelid procedures, where appearance, eyelid function and eye comfort all need to be considered together.

What is a chalazion?

A chalazion is a blocked oil gland in the eyelid. These oil glands, called meibomian glands, help produce the oily layer of the tear film. If one of the glands becomes blocked, oil can build up and form a lump within the eyelid.

A chalazion may be described as:

  • an eyelid cyst
  • a meibomian cyst
  • an eyelid lump
  • a blocked eyelid gland
  • a persistent stye

Strictly speaking, a chalazion is not the same as a stye. A chalazion is usually deeper, longer-lasting and caused by a blocked gland rather than an infection.

However, patients often use the words "stye", "cyst" and "lump" interchangeably. A specialist can confirm what type of eyelid lump you have and whether minor surgical treatment is suitable.

When might chalazion removal be needed?

Many chalazia settle with time. Warm compresses and gentle eyelid massage are often recommended in the early stages, especially when the lump is recent.

Surgery may be a good option if the lump:

  • has persisted for several weeks or months
  • is uncomfortable or tender
  • causes a visible swelling in the eyelid
  • affects confidence or appearance
  • presses on the eye and causes blurred vision or astigmatism
  • keeps recurring in the same area
  • has not settled with simple eyelid care
  • needs diagnosis or assessment because the appearance is unusual

NHS treatment isn't always available or may have a long waiting list. Private assessment gives you a faster route to a specialist.

Why see an oculoplastic surgeon for an eyelid cyst?

The eyelids are delicate structures. Even minor procedures need specialist treatment.

An oculoplastic surgeon is trained in both eye surgery and plastic surgery around the eyes. This is important because treatment may involve the eyelid margin, tear film, eye surface, eyelashes and surrounding eyelid tissues.

Our free online consultation can help confirm:

  • whether the lump is a chalazion or another type of eyelid lesion
  • whether it is inflamed, infected or suitable for surgery
  • whether removal can be carried out safely under local anaesthetic
  • whether any further investigation is needed
  • how best to minimise scarring or eyelid disruption

Most chalazia are benign, but not every eyelid lump is a simple cyst. A lump that is changing, bleeding, ulcerated, distorting the eyelid margin, causing lash loss or repeatedly recurring in the same place should be assessed carefully.

If our team believe you need a full assessment following your free online consultation, they will recommend you book for a consultation with one of our specialist consultants. If your eyelid is suitable for treatment, this can take place in the same appointment.

Get a free assessment

What happens during chalazion removal?

Chalazion removal is a minor surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic.

The eyelid is numbed with local anaesthetic. Once the area is numb, the surgeon makes a small incision, often from the inner surface of the eyelid where appropriate, and drains or removes the contents of the cyst.

In many cases, this means there is no visible external skin incision. The exact approach depends on the position, size and nature of the lump.

The procedure is usually relatively quick, but the 45 minute appointment allows time for assessment, preparation, treatment and aftercare advice.

Will chalazion removal leave a scar?

Where possible, chalazion removal is carried out from the inside of the eyelid, which means there is usually no visible skin scar.

Some eyelid cysts or lumps may need a different approach, depending on their position and the tissues involved. Your surgeon will explain this before treatment if it applies to you.

As with all minor surgery, healing varies from person to person. There may be temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness or redness after treatment.

Is chalazion removal painful?

No. The eyelid is numbed with local anaesthetic before treatment. You may feel pressure, movement or handling around the eyelid, but the procedure should not be painful once the anaesthetic has taken effect.

Some soreness, bruising or swelling is common afterwards. This usually settles with time and will be discussed with you before you leave the clinic.

Recovery after eyelid cyst removal

You should expect some temporary swelling or bruising around the eyelid after chalazion removal. The eyelid may feel tender, gritty or slightly irritated for a short time.

Your surgeon will give you specific aftercare instructions. These may include advice about cleaning the area, using prescribed ointment or drops if needed, and avoiding eye make-up or contact lenses for a short period.

Most people can return to normal light activity quickly, but it is sensible to avoid rubbing the eye, swimming, dusty environments and strenuous activity until advised.

Can a chalazion come back?

Yes, a chalazion can recur. Removal treats the existing cyst, but it does not stop the eyelid oil glands from becoming blocked again in future.

Some people are more prone to chalazia because of blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, rosacea or naturally oily eyelid glands.

If you have recurrent eyelid cysts, your surgeon may discuss longer-term eyelid care or recommend further assessment. A lump that repeatedly returns in exactly the same place should always be reviewed carefully.

How much does chalazion removal cost?

We offer a free online consultation to assess your suitability. The cost of surgery shown on this page is fixed and includes consultation with your surgeon in the same appointment.

If surgery isn't right on the day - for example if the lump is actively infected - you would only pay the standard consultation fee.

Who is suitable for chalazion or eyelid cyst removal?

You may be suitable for treatment if you have a persistent eyelid cyst, chalazion or eyelid lump that has not settled and is causing discomfort, irritation, visual disturbance or cosmetic concern.

You may not be suitable for immediate removal if the lump is very recent, actively infected, or if the diagnosis is uncertain and further investigation is needed first.

A free online consultation is the best first step to confirm what the lump is and whether minor surgical treatment is appropriate.

What happens next?

Your treatment journey begins with a free online consultation submitted through our website. This is assessed by the surgical nurses at your preferred clinic with the input of our specialists wherever needed.

After assessing your details, we will contact you with your options. Most patients can immediately book an appointment for treatment. Our clinics have no waiting lists.

Reviews

Patient feedback is collected through our reviews partner, Feefo.