Treatment Overview
Steroid Injection, also known as intralesional corticosteroid injection, is one of the fastest and most effective dermatology treatments for cystic and nodular acne in Korea. It involves injecting a small, diluted dose of corticosteroid (commonly triamcinolone, also known as Kenalog) directly into the inflamed lesion.
This procedure works by rapidly reducing inflammation, redness, pain, and swelling, often shrinking the cyst within 24–72 hours. In Korean dermatology clinics, steroid injections are often used as an emergency acne fix — especially when a cyst appears before a special event — and are frequently combined with LED light therapy or soothing aftercare to minimize risks and speed recovery.
Purpose & Benefits
- Rapid Relief: Flattens cystic lesions within 1–3 days.
- Inflammation Control: Reduces redness, swelling, and tenderness.
- Scar Prevention: Early treatment lowers the risk of deep pitted scars.
- Localized Action: Targets only the affected cyst without affecting the rest of the skin.
- Event-Ready Solution: Popular for patients needing last-minute relief.
Ideal Candidates
Steroid Injection in Korea is recommended for:
- Patients with painful cystic or nodular acne.
- Individuals who need fast results before social or professional events.
- Patients with recurrent cystic flare-ups that risk leaving scars.
- Those who have not responded well to topical or oral acne medications.
- Individuals seeking a localized, quick solution for inflamed breakouts.
Possible Risks & Complications
Steroid injections are safe when done by experienced dermatologists, but possible risks include:
- Skin Thinning or Dimpling: Rare, from too high a concentration or repeated injections in the same spot.
- Temporary Hypopigmentation: Light spots at the injection site, especially in darker skin tones.
- Mild Tenderness or Redness: Resolves within 24 hours.
- Recurrence: Does not prevent future cysts, only treats active lesions.
Korean dermatologists minimize risks by using ultra-diluted, precise micro-doses.
Surgical Techniques Used
- Diluted Triamcinolone (Kenalog): The most common corticosteroid used.
- Micro-Dose Delivery: Ultra-fine needle injects the solution directly into the cyst.
- Customized Concentration: Adjusted based on cyst size, location, and skin type.
Protocol: One-time injection per lesion; multiple cysts can be treated in the same session.
Recovery & Aftercare
Immediately: Slight redness or pressure at the injection site.
24 Hours: Inflammation begins to subside.
48–72 Hours: Cyst significantly flattens and pain decreases.
Aftercare Tips:
- Avoid touching, pressing, or squeezing the treated cyst.
- Use SPF 50+ sunscreen to prevent pigmentation.
- Apply gentle, soothing skincare; avoid retinoids, acids, or scrubs for 2–3 days.
- Keep skin hydrated to support recovery.
Results & Longevity
- After 1 Injection: Rapid shrinkage of the cyst, reduced redness and pain.
- Short-Term: Prevents scarring in treated lesions.
- Long-Term: Does not stop new breakouts; often combined with long-term sebum-control therapies (e.g., chemical peels, RF, PDT).
Treatment Process in Korea
Consultation & Skin Analysis
Dermatologist identifies cystic or nodular acne lesions suitable for injection.
Preparation
Gentle cleansing; numbing cream rarely needed due to fine needle size.
Steroid Injection Session
- Step 1: Diluted corticosteroid prepared.
- Step 2: Injection administered directly into the cyst.
- Step 3: Cooling gel or soothing cream applied after the procedure.
Duration: 5–10 minutes.
Post-Treatment Care
No downtime required; patients return to daily activities immediately.
Follow-Up
Injections repeated only for new cysts; not a preventive treatment.
Unique Korean Advantages
- Precise Micro-Dosing: Korean dermatologists use ultra-diluted formulas for safety.
- Quick Appointments: Often provided as a same-day “emergency acne fix.”
- Combination Programs: Usually paired with LED therapy, acne drips, or Aqua Peel.
- Safe for Asian Skin: Special protocols minimize risk of PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
- Affordable & Accessible: Offered in both dermatology and aesthetic clinics across Seoul.
Cost Range (Estimated)
- Single Steroid Injection (per lesion): USD 20 – 50
- Multiple Lesions (same session): USD 50 – 120
- Injection + LED/Soothing Care: USD 80 – 150
Example Korean Packages:
- Standard Spot Treatment: 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: Emergency cystic acne steroid injections.
- Banobagi Dermatology: Customized intralesional corticosteroid protocols.
- Renewme Skin Clinic: Cortisone/kenalog injections with LED add-ons.
- View Dermatology: Acne care packages including steroid injections.
- Chaum Anti-Aging Center: Premium spot injection programs with scar prevention focus.
