Chalazion drainage & steroid injection cost in the UK

A chalazion is a blocked, swollen oil (meibomian) gland in the eyelid that forms a firm lump. Many settle with warm compresses, but a persistent or large chalazion can be treated quickly in clinic. In the UK in 2026, a steroid (triamcinolone) injection costs from £295 per eyelid, and surgical drainage — incision and curettage — from £495 per eyelid, all-inclusive of the consultant assessment, local anaesthetic, the procedure and follow-up. Both are minor, same-day treatments under local anaesthetic.

What is a chalazion?

The eyelids contain dozens of tiny meibomian glands that produce the oily layer of the tear film. When one becomes blocked, oil builds up and the gland swells into a firm, usually painless lump — a chalazion (sometimes called a meibomian cyst). It differs from a stye, which is an acute, painful infection at the lash line; a chalazion is a chronic, sterile blockage that develops more slowly.

Most chalazia improve over several weeks with warm compresses and lid hygiene, which soften the blockage and help the gland drain. When a chalazion is large, lingers beyond four to six weeks, blurs vision by pressing on the eye, or keeps recurring, an in-clinic procedure clears it reliably. Read more about the chalazion condition and our chalazion treatment options.

When to treat a chalazion

• It has not cleared after 4–6 weeks of warm compresses
• It is large or unsightly, or causing eyelid heaviness
• It blurs vision by pressing on the front of the eye (astigmatism)
• It keeps coming back in the same spot
• It is uncomfortable or repeatedly becomes inflamed

Treatment options

There are three levels of treatment. Your consultant recommends the right one based on the size, position and history of the chalazion.

For other eyelid procedure prices, see our oculoplastics price guide or the dedicated chalazion price page.

What happens during treatment

Both treatments are quick, done under local anaesthetic while you are awake and comfortable, and you go home straight afterwards.

Steroid injection

1. The eyelid is cleaned and a numbing drop or small local anaesthetic is given.
2. A tiny amount of triamcinolone (a steroid) is injected directly into the chalazion.
3. The steroid reduces the inflammation and the lump gradually shrinks over the following weeks.
4. The whole thing takes just a few minutes.

Incision and curettage (drainage)

1. Local anaesthetic is injected to fully numb the eyelid.
2. A small clamp holds the lid and a tiny incision is made — usually on the inner surface, so there is no visible scar.
3. The trapped contents are gently scooped out (curetted).
4. Antibiotic ointment is applied; stitches are not usually needed. The procedure takes 15–20 minutes.

Recovery

Recovery is quick and most people return to normal activities the same or next day.

Complications are uncommon. Steroid injections carry a small risk of lightening the skin at the injection site, which is more noticeable on darker skin, so your consultant will discuss the best option for you. A chalazion that keeps recurring in the same spot in an adult is occasionally sent for analysis to rule out rarer causes — a sensible precaution your consultant will explain.

Chalazion treatment cost

Our pricing is all-inclusive of the consultant assessment, local anaesthetic, the procedure itself, post-procedure ointment and your follow-up:

• Steroid (triamcinolone) injection: from £295 per eyelid
• Incision & curettage (drainage): from £495 per eyelid
• Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva and others — we handle authorisation
• Access: usually within one to two weeks, no GP referral needed

Looking for other eyelid treatments? Explore our oculoplastics treatments or the wider price guide.

Frequently asked questions