How do you get rid of a chalazion fast? Is surgery the only way?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Saya Nagori
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
A chalazion is a clogged and inflamed oil gland in your eyelid, and it can take weeks to go away on its own.
Many people worry that surgery is the only way to fix it quickly, but that is not true. Small chalazia can shrink with warm compresses, gentle lid massage, and anti-inflammatory drops or ointments.
These treatments help melt the trapped oil and let the gland drain naturally. But, many patients are frustrated because they have been trying warm compresses for weeks, and they still do not see a lot of progress.
Although stye removal with chalazion surgery is effective, most patients want to try non-surgical options first.
Radiofrequency For Meibomian Gland Disease And Stye Treatment
Radiofrequency or RF treatment is becoming a popular option because it helps the problem at its source: the meibomian glands. The meibomian glands sit inside your eyelids and release the oil that keeps your tears healthy.
When these glands get clogged, you are more likely to get both dry eye and chalazia. RF uses controlled heat to warm the eyelid area from the outside. This heat softens the thickened oil inside the glands and helps it flow more normally.
Over time, the glands open up, their function improves, and the eyelid becomes healthier. Because the underlying gland dysfunction is treated, you’re less likely to get recurrent chalazia.
Can RF Also Help Dry Eye?
Yes! Radiofrequency treatment of the eyelids can also help dry eye. This is because one of the biggest causes of dry eye is meibomian gland disease. When the oil layer of your tears is too weak, your tears evaporate faster and your eye dry out faster. This can leave them feeling gritty and irritated.
RF treatments gently heat the glands and improve the quality and quantity of the oil they produce. Patients often notice that their eyes feel more comfortable and stay lubricated longer.
What’s The Downside To RF?
For stubborn disease, patients will need multiple RF treatments to see improvement. With surgery you can get rid of the chalazion faster but surgery does not treat the rest of the eyelid glands. This means you can still get a stye in other parts of your eyelid. Treatment of the eyelids with radiofrequency builds throug a series of treatments. Once the series of treatments is completed – usually over a few months, people continue maintenance sessions 1 to 2 times a year.
What Are The Pros To Radiofrequency For Eyelid Problems?
There are a 4 great pros to RF. The first one is that it is very safe. There are a few contraindications to having it like if you are a patient with a pacemaker, or if you have a history of eyelid cancer, but in general its a very safe procedure. A second advantage is that there is very little downtime. If you have RF in the afternoon, you can put on make up later that night for a dinner. Finally, there is a cosmetic benefit to RF also, because it also tightens the eyelid skin a little. The controlled heat stimulates collagen in the superficial layers of the skin, which can make the eyelids look smoother, firmer, and less puffy. This is why RF is commonly used in aesthetics on the face and around the eyes. The 4th benefit of RF is that it can be used on any skin type. Certain treatments like IPL should not be performed in skin of color. Even medium tone olive skin can have issues with IPL.
If You Want To Get Rid Of A Chalazion Fast, Go In To Your Doctor ASAP.
The earlier you come in, ideally as soon as you feel a stye or tender bump forming, the more effective radiofrequency can be. Early treatment softens the clogged oil before it hardens into a full chalazion, which means the gland can drain faster and heal more quickly. Patients who come in at the very first sign of swelling or discomfort often notice that the bump resolves far sooner than it would with home care alone. Waiting too long allows the inflammation and trapped oil to thicken, making it harder to treat without injections or surgery.
Is IPL another option?
Intense Pulsed Light or IPL is also used to treat meibomian gland disease and chronic styes because it reduces inflammation and improves gland function. While IPL can be effective, one of the biggest downsides is that it is not safe for all skin types. People with more pigment in their skin, such as olive skin tone or darker, are at higher risk for burns, darkening, or discoloration from IPL. For these patients, RF is usually the safer option. Also, RF offers more skin tightening benefits compared to IPL.
How Will I Know If RF Works?
Radiofrequency takes at least 3 to 4 sessions a few weeks apart to make a meaningful difference. Some patients may see effects sooner but some may need more sessions. It’s also important to maintain good eyelid hygiene at home.
