Treatment Overview
Localized Anti-Inflammatory Injection is a spot treatment offered in Korean dermatology clinics to rapidly reduce swelling, redness, and pain caused by cystic or nodular acne. Instead of systemic medications that affect the whole body, this treatment delivers a micro-dose of anti-inflammatory medication directly into the lesion, targeting the problem at its source.
The injection is most often used for emergency acne relief — when a cyst appears suddenly before an event — or when a lesion is so inflamed that it risks leaving behind a scar. In Korea, this treatment is often combined with LED therapy, acne drips, or soothing aftercare to speed up healing and ensure balanced skin recovery.
Purpose & Benefits
- Rapid Relief: Shrinks painful cysts within 24–72 hours.
- Inflammation Control: Reduces swelling, redness, and tenderness.
- Scar Prevention: Lowers the chance of permanent scarring by calming inflammation early.
- Targeted Action: Works only on the treated lesion, not the surrounding skin.
- Event-Ready Solution: Ideal before social or professional occasions.
- Alternative to Steroids: In some cases, non-steroidal agents are used for sensitive patients.
Ideal Candidates
Localized Anti-Inflammatory Injection in Korea is recommended for:
- Patients with cystic or nodular acne lesions that are swollen and painful.
- Individuals needing fast results before an important event.
- Patients with acne that does not respond to topical or oral medications.
- Those prone to scarring from inflamed acne.
- Individuals seeking a quick and localized acne fix.
Possible Risks & Complications
This treatment is considered safe, but minor side effects may occur:
- Mild Redness or Tenderness: At the injection site.
- Skin Thinning or Dimpling: Rare, usually from over-concentrated steroid use.
- Temporary Light Spots (Hypopigmentation): Rare and fades over time.
- Recurrence: New cysts can appear elsewhere, requiring future treatments.
Korean dermatologists minimize these risks with precise dilution and micro-dosing techniques.
Surgical Techniques Used
- Micro-Dose Injection: A fine needle delivers anti-inflammatory medication (often a diluted corticosteroid, sometimes combined with antibiotics or soothing agents).
- Customized Formula: Adjusted based on lesion size, depth, and patient sensitivity.
- Localized Delivery: Ensures the medication acts only at the problem site.
Protocol: Spot injections as needed; multiple cysts can be treated in one session.
Recovery & Aftercare
Immediately: Mild redness or pressure at the injection site.
24 Hours: Swelling and tenderness begin to reduce.
48–72 Hours: Cyst shrinks significantly, pain decreases.
Aftercare Tips:
- Avoid touching, pressing, or squeezing the injected lesion.
- Apply soothing moisturizers as advised by the dermatologist.
- Use SPF 50+ sunscreen daily to prevent pigmentation.
- Pause retinoids, scrubs, or strong acids for 2–3 days after treatment.
Results & Longevity
- After 1 Injection: Cyst flattens and redness decreases within 1–3 days.
- Short-Term: Prevents scarring from treated lesions.
- Long-Term: Does not stop new cysts from forming; often combined with sebum-control therapies (lasers, peels, RF) for prevention.
Treatment Process in Korea
Consultation & Skin Analysis
Dermatologist examines the lesion and determines suitability for injection.
Preparation
Gentle cleansing; numbing cream rarely required due to ultra-fine needles.
Injection Session
- Step 1: Diluted anti-inflammatory solution prepared.
- Step 2: Micro-dose injected directly into the cyst.
- Step 3: Cooling gel or soothing ointment applied to calm skin.
Duration: 5–10 minutes.
Post-Treatment Care
Patients resume normal activities immediately with no downtime.
Follow-Up
Only needed if new cysts develop in the future.
Unique Korean Advantages
- Precision Micro-Dosing: Safe, customized delivery for Asian skin.
- Emergency Acne Care: Offered as a quick “event-ready” solution.
- Combination Options: Often paired with LED light therapy, acne drips, or Aqua Peel.
- Affordable & Accessible: Widely available in dermatology clinics across Seoul.
Cost Range (Estimated)
- Single Localized Injection (per lesion): USD 20 – 50
- Multiple Lesions (same session): USD 50 – 120
- Injection + LED/Soothing Mask: USD 80 – 150
Example Korean Packages:
- Spot Injection Program: USD 50 – 100
- Acne Care Program (Injection + LED/Extraction): USD 150 – 300
- Premium Program (Injection + Acne Drip + Regenerative Boosters): USD 300 – 500
Popular Clinics in Seoul
- Oracle Dermatology: Fast anti-inflammatory injections for cystic acne.
- Banobagi Dermatology: Customized spot injection care.
- Renewme Skin Clinic: Injections combined with LED healing.
- View Dermatology: Multi-step acne care including localized injections.
- Chaum Anti-Aging Center: Premium acne spot therapy with regenerative boosters.
