Stye incision and drainage is a quick minor procedure to release a painful, pus-filled stye that has not settled on its own. Performed under local anaesthetic in around 10–15 minutes, the specialist makes a tiny incision to drain the stye and relieve the pressure and pain almost immediately. Most styes improve with warm compresses and do not need surgery, but a persistent, large or recurrent stye responds well to drainage. Private stye incision and drainage at our partner clinics costs from an indicative £395, including assessment and aftercare.
What is a stye?
A stye (hordeolum) is a small, painful, red lump on the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle or one of the tiny oil glands at the lid margin. It usually comes on quickly, feels tender, and may fill with pus like a small boil. Styes are common and most settle within a week or two with simple measures.
A stye is not the same as a chalazion, which is a firmer, usually painless lump caused by a blocked oil gland. A stye that does not drain can sometimes turn into a chalazion — see our pages on chalazion treatment and chalazion cost if your lump is painless and persistent.
When does a stye need draining?
Most styes clear with warm compresses held against the closed eyelid several times a day, gentle lid hygiene, and time. Consider a specialist assessment and possible incision and drainage if:
- The stye is very painful, large or swollen and not improving after several days
- It is pointing with pus but not discharging on its own
- It keeps coming back in the same spot
- Swelling is affecting your vision or the whole eyelid
- You have recurrent styes, which can be linked to blepharitis or meibomian gland problems
Painful stye that won't settle? A specialist can assess it and, if needed, drain it the same day to relieve the pain quickly.
Request an appointmentWhat happens during incision & drainage
Stye incision and drainage is a minor procedure carried out in a clean clinic setting under local anaesthetic. It is quick and the relief is usually immediate.
- The specialist examines the eyelid and confirms the stye is ready to drain.
- Local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area so you feel no pain.
- A tiny incision is made over the point of the stye and the trapped pus is gently released.
- The area is cleaned and a dressing or ointment is applied.
- You are given aftercare advice and can go home straight away.
If your styes keep returning, the specialist may recommend treating the underlying lid inflammation — for example professional lid cleaning such as BlephEx for blepharitis.
Recovery
Recovery from stye drainage is quick and straightforward.
First 24 hours
Immediate relief of pressure and pain. Mild tenderness or a small amount of oozing is normal. Keep the area clean.
Days 1–3
Continue warm compresses and any prescribed ointment. Swelling and redness settle noticeably. Most people carry on as normal.
Week 1
The lid usually looks and feels back to normal. Any follow-up check confirms healing.
Ongoing
If you are prone to recurrent styes, daily lid hygiene and treating any blepharitis helps prevent them returning.
Stye incision & drainage cost
Indicative pricing for private stye incision and drainage:
- Stye incision & drainage: from £395 (indicative), including assessment, local anaesthetic and aftercare.
- Recurrent or complex cases may be combined with treatment of underlying lid disease, priced at consultation.
- Related oculoplastic care is available — see our oculoplastics prices.
Prices are indicative and confirmed at your consultation. For a firmer, painless lump, see chalazion drainage and steroid injection cost.