Treatment Overview
Combination Injection Therapy is an advanced in-office acne treatment offered in Korean dermatology clinics for cystic, nodular, and inflammatory acne. Unlike single cortisone injections, this approach combines corticosteroids, antibiotics, and/or anti-inflammatory agents in a carefully diluted solution to shrink acne cysts, calm redness, reduce bacterial activity, and prevent scarring.
By addressing multiple factors of cystic acne—inflammation, infection, and oil buildup—Combination Injection Therapy provides faster and more comprehensive results. In Korea, dermatologists often customize injection formulas based on lesion size, skin sensitivity, and patient history.
Purpose & Benefits
- Rapid Shrinkage of Cysts: Flattens inflamed nodules within 24–72 hours.
- Anti-Inflammatory Action: Corticosteroids calm swelling and pain.
- Antibacterial Effect: Antibiotics in the formula reduce bacterial growth.
- Scar Prevention: Early intervention lowers the risk of deep acne scars.
- Customized Formulation: Tailored mix ensures maximum results with fewer side effects.
- Emergency Acne Solution: Ideal before important events.
Ideal Candidates
Combination Injection Therapy in Korea is recommended for:
- Patients with painful cystic or nodular acne.
- Individuals with acne that doesn’t respond to oral/topical medications.
- Those needing fast results for an upcoming event.
- Patients prone to acne scarring from inflamed cysts.
- Individuals with recurrent cystic breakouts.
Possible Risks & Complications
When performed by a dermatologist, Combination Injection Therapy is safe. Possible side effects include:
- Temporary Redness or Tenderness: At the injection site.
- Skin Thinning or Dimpling: Rare, from over-concentrated steroid use.
- Hypopigmentation: Temporary light spots, more common in darker skin tones.
- Allergic Reaction: Rare, minimized with patch testing and clinical supervision.
Korean dermatology clinics specialize in precise dilution and micro-dosing, reducing the risk of complications.
Surgical Techniques Used
- Diluted Corticosteroid: To rapidly reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Antibiotic Component: Targets acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes).
- Anti-Inflammatory/Soothing Add-On: Sometimes vitamin or regenerative agents to aid healing.
- Precision Micro-Injection: Ultra-fine needles inject the solution directly into lesions.
Protocol: Spot treatments as needed; multiple cysts can be treated in one session.
Recovery & Aftercare
Immediately: Mild redness or tenderness at the injection site.
24–48 Hours: Significant reduction in size and pain of cysts.
3–5 Days: Lesions flatten, inflammation subsides, and risk of scarring decreases.
Aftercare Tips:
- Avoid pressing or squeezing treated lesions.
- Apply sunscreen daily (SPF 50+).
- Stick to gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers.
- Pause strong acne treatments (retinoids, acids) for 2–3 days on treated spots.
Results & Longevity
- After 1 Injection: Rapid cyst shrinkage and pain relief.
- After 2–3 Injections: Reduced recurrence of stubborn nodules.
- Long-Term: Prevents scarring from active cysts but does not prevent new breakouts (often combined with long-term sebum control therapies).
Treatment Process in Korea
Consultation & Skin Analysis
Dermatologist evaluates acne severity and selects injection formula.
Preparation
Cleansing of the lesion site; sometimes numbing cream applied for comfort.
Combination Injection Session
- Step 1: Custom solution (corticosteroid + antibiotic + anti-inflammatory) prepared.
- Step 2: Ultra-fine needle injects formula into cyst/nodule.
- Step 3: Cooling pack or soothing ointment applied after injection.
Duration: 10–15 minutes.
Post-Treatment Care
Patients can return to daily activities immediately.
Follow-Up
Repeat injections only if new cysts develop; not used as routine prevention.
Unique Korean Advantages
- Customized Formulas: Tailored injections based on lesion size and severity.
- Precise Micro-Dosing: Minimizes side effects like skin thinning.
- Combination Programs: Often paired with LED therapy, acne drips, or scaling.
- Quick & Accessible: Widely offered in dermatology and aesthetic clinics across Seoul.
- Event-Ready Solution: Popular among patients needing last-minute acne relief.
Cost Range (Estimated)
- Single Combination Injection (per lesion): USD 30 – 60
- Multiple Lesions (same session): USD 80 – 150
- Combination Injection + LED/Soothing Care: USD 120 – 200
Example Korean Packages:
- Spot Injection Program (per visit): USD 50 – 120
- Acne Care Program (Injection + LED/Scaling): USD 200 – 350
- Premium Program (Injection + Acne Drip + Regenerative Boosters): USD 400 – 700
Popular Clinics in Seoul
- Oracle Dermatology: Combination injections for stubborn cystic acne.
- Banobagi Dermatology: Customized acne injection therapy.
- Renewme Skin Clinic: Injections paired with LED healing programs.
- View Dermatology: Multi-step acne care including spot injections.
- Chaum Anti-Aging Center: Premium acne injection care with regenerative boosters.
