For how long should someone wait before considering chalazion procedure, when hot compress doesn't help improving the chalazion?

The answer depends on the size and behavior of the stye/chalazion but it is usually best to drain a stye after few weeks (if not resolved on its own) since the longer they stay, the firmer they get which makes the drainage harder. I personally have had a stye that needed to be removed and you find the actual video on the following website link below. 

Many ophthalmologists never consider injecting the chalazia with steroids as an alternative to chalazia surgery.  Kenalog injection is highly effective in melting these lesions away.  While it does not alway work, it often works and avoids the need to perform the surgery.  I think that mostly this preference for surgery is due to training but it is worth noting that the ophthalmologist make more performing chalazia surgery rather injecting with Kenalog.

Hello Ali_Nar,Good question. Here are your answers: 1. Wait typically 2-3weeks of compresses etc to see Improvement. If not then start taking next steps injections and or surgery2 don't want to prematurely do surgery earlier if it can possibly go away with conservative treatment. Always err on conservatism before moving on to next step. 3. Side effects depend on what type of surgical procedure you choose. There are risks from this quick surgery and can be potentially high with dry eye syndrome or MGD such as irritation, corneal issues from dry eye and eyelid irritation, scar etc. all correctable but can happen. 4 If the chalazion is located near the ptosis procedure then can complicated  matters with scarring. If it's on a separate eyelid then no. Hope this helps. Get to an Oculoplastic surgeon for detailed exam and best treatment option. Cheers