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In chalazion surgery, a curette is the preferred instrument used to remove the contents of the chalazion, which is typically a cyst or nodule caused by blocked oil glands in the eyelid. The curette is a spoon-shaped tool with a sharp edge that allows for effective scraping and removal of the thickened material inside the chalazion. This instrument's design facilitates the precise and controlled action needed to excise the lesion, making it optimal for this specific procedure.

Other surgical instruments mentioned have different uses. A dilator is generally utilized to expand or open an orifice or duct but is not suitable for excising a chalazion. Forceps are designed for grasping or holding tissues but do not offer the necessary scraping capability needed in chalazion surgery. A scalpel, while it can be used for making incisions, is not the primary tool for addressing the contents of a chalazion after incision; thus, the curette's function in this context is indispensable for effective surgical treatment.