Treatment Overview
Injection Therapy, often called acne steroid injection or cortisone injection, is a fast-acting acne treatment commonly performed in Korean dermatology clinics. It involves injecting a diluted corticosteroid solution (usually triamcinolone) directly into inflamed acne cysts or nodules to rapidly reduce swelling, redness, and pain.
Unlike extraction or topical treatments, Injection Therapy works at a deep dermal level, targeting inflammation inside the lesion, making it particularly effective for cystic or stubborn acne. In Korea, it is often used as an emergency treatment before important events due to its quick results.
Purpose & Benefits
- Rapid Acne Reduction: Shrinks cystic acne within 24–48 hours.
- Pain Relief: Decreases tenderness and pressure in inflamed nodules.
- Scar Prevention: Reduces risk of deep acne scarring.
- Emergency Fix: Popular before weddings, interviews, or photoshoots.
- Localized Treatment: Targets only the affected pimple without affecting surrounding skin.
Ideal Candidates
Injection Therapy in Korea is recommended for:
- Patients with cystic or nodular acne.
- Individuals with a single, large, painful breakout.
- Patients prone to acne scarring.
- Those needing quick results before important events.
Possible Risks & Complications
Injection therapy is safe when performed by dermatologists in Korea, but potential side effects include:
- Temporary Redness or Tenderness: Fades within 24 hours.
- Skin Thinning or Indentation: Rare, if too much steroid is injected.
- Hypopigmentation: Possible in darker skin tones (minimized with precise dosing).
- Overuse Risks: Should not be repeated too frequently to avoid skin atrophy.
Surgical Techniques Used
- Diluted Corticosteroid Injection: Triamcinolone (usually 2.5–5 mg/mL) is injected directly into the lesion.
- Precision Targeting: A very fine needle is used to avoid surrounding tissue damage.
- Protocol: Usually performed as a spot treatment; not recommended for multiple widespread pimples at once.
Recovery & Aftercare
Immediately: Slight redness at the injection site.
1–2 Days: Acne cyst rapidly shrinks, pain relieved.
3–5 Days: Lesion flattens completely, healing begins.
Aftercare Tips:
- Do not press or squeeze the treated lesion.
- Apply soothing ointments if mild redness persists.
- Use SPF 50+ sunscreen to avoid pigmentation.
- Avoid repeated injections on the same site within a short timeframe.
Results & Longevity
- After 1 Injection: Significant reduction in acne swelling within 24–48 hours.
- After 2–3 Days: Lesion flattens noticeably.
- Long-Term: Works for current breakout but does not prevent future acne.
Often combined with long-term acne management (peels, lasers, medications) in Korea.
Treatment Process in Korea
Consultation & Skin Analysis
Dermatologist identifies if the acne lesion is suitable for injection.
Preparation
Skin cleansing and disinfection of targeted pimple.
Injection Session
- Step 1: Fine needle delivers corticosteroid into acne cyst.
- Step 2: Lesion immediately begins to calm.
- Step 3: Cooling ointment applied.
Duration: 5–10 minutes.
Post-Treatment Care
Patients can resume daily activities immediately.
Follow-Up
Usually performed as a one-time spot fix, but repeat treatments may be used for stubborn acne.
Unique Korean Advantages
- Quick Access: Same-day appointments widely available.
- Safe Dosing: Korean dermatologists use very low, diluted steroid concentrations to avoid side effects.
- Combination Programs: Often paired with acne extractions, peels, or Gold PTT for long-term control.
- Affordable Spot Treatment: Widely accessible and low-cost compared to more invasive therapies.
Cost Range (Estimated)
- Single Lesion Injection: USD 20 – 40
- Multiple Spots (Small Area): USD 50 – 80
- Injection + Acne Extraction: USD 100 – 200
Example Korean Packages:
- Spot Injection (per cyst): USD 20–40
- Acne Control Program (Injection + Extraction): USD 200–300
- Premium Acne Care (Injection + Laser + Peels): USD 500–900
Popular Clinics in Seoul
- Oracle Dermatology: Cortisone injections for cystic acne.
- Banobagi Dermatology: Injection + extraction combo for stubborn acne.
- Renewme Skin Clinic: Spot injection + post-care calming masks.
- View Dermatology: Emergency acne programs with injection + peel.
- Chaum Anti-Aging Center: Premium acne care packages with injections and regenerative boosters.
