Skin & Aesthetics · Acne
Acne Injection (Cortisone Shot) for Painful Cysts in Seoul
An acne injection, or cortisone shot, is a tiny injection of diluted corticosteroid placed directly into one painful acne cyst or nodule to reduce swelling, pain and redness, usually within one to three days. At Hommage Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Hwang Seonhwa checks that the lump is an acne cyst rather than an infection, then adjusts the dose to its size and location.
Quick answer
An acne injection(cortisone shot, or intralesional corticosteroid injection) places a tiny dose of diluted steroid, usually triamcinolone, into one painful acne cyst or nodule. At Hommage Women's Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Hwang Seonhwa first confirms the lump is an acne cyst, not an infection. Pain usually eases within a day and the cyst flattens within 24–72 hours. It treats that cyst only; regular cysts need a longer-term acne plan.
Key takeaways
- Best for a single deep, painful cyst or nodule, not whiteheads, blackheads or many small spots.
- The main specific risks are a small dent(atrophy) or a lighter patch, usually temporary; diluted doses and spacing lower the risk.
- Never squeeze a deep cyst at home: it pushes inflammation deeper and raises the risk of scars.
- The 2024 American Academy of Dermatology guideline lists intralesional corticosteroid injection as a good practice add-on, not a stand-alone acne treatment.
Infographic
Acne injection in numbers
Per injection
The whole visit takes only a few minutes.
Pain eases
Most people feel less pressure and tenderness within a day.
Cyst flattens
Visible swelling goes down within one to three days.
Mark fades
Remaining redness or a small mark settles.
Injection per cyst
The same spot is not re-injected for several weeks.
Downtime
Normal activities the same day.
Acne injection at a glance
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Treatment time | A few minutes in total; each injection takes only seconds |
| Comfort | A quick pinch with a very fine needle; numbing is rarely needed |
| Sessions | Usually one injection per cyst; the same spot is not re-injected for several weeks |
| Downtime | Minimal: a tiny puncture mark; normal activities the same day |
| Results visible | Pain and swelling often ease within 24–72 hours |
| How long results last | The treated cyst usually settles; injections do not prevent new ones |
| Performed by | A physician, who sets the dose for the size and site of each cyst |
An acne injection may suit you if you have
- A single large, painful red lump (nodule or cyst) under the skin
- A deep breakout you want to calm quickly, for example before an event
- Occasional cysts while your main acne treatment takes effect
- A cyst in a visible spot where you want to lower the risk of scarring
Choose another approach or discuss first if you have
- Many cysts at once or cysts that keep returning: longer-term treatment is needed
- A hot, spreading, very tender lump or fever, which may be an infection
- A known allergy to corticosteroid injections
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: tell the doctor before any injection
What is an acne cortisone injection?
An acne injection delivers a small amount of a diluted corticosteroid, most often triamcinolone acetonide, straight into an inflamed acne cyst. The steroid quickly switches off inflammation inside the lump, so swelling, pressure and pain settle and the cyst flattens.
Doctors call this an intralesional corticosteroid injection. It works locally, at a much lower dose than steroid tablets. It does not drain the cyst or kill bacteria; it calms the body's inflammatory reaction, which is the main cause of the pain and of the scarring that deep cysts can leave.
Because the dose and dilution must match the size and depth of each lesion, the injection is given by a physician after examining the lump.
When is an acne injection the right choice?
A cortisone shot is meant for individual, deep, painful acne nodules or cysts, not for whiteheads, blackheads or many small pimples. It is a rescue treatment for one lump at a time.
If you get cysts regularly, you have nodular or cystic acne, which is a moderate to severe form that needs ongoing prescription treatment. Depending on your skin and health, this may include topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, a limited course of oral antibiotics, hormonal treatment for women (such as certain birth control pills or spironolactone), or isotretinoin for severe or scarring acne. Injections then help with the occasional flare while that plan takes effect.
Deep cysts along the jawline and chin that flare with your cycle can be linked to hormones, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) . Our guide to skin care for hormonal changes explains when a hormonal check makes sense.
What happens during an acne injection?
The whole visit is quick, and the injection itself takes a few seconds per cyst.
- The doctor examines the lump to confirm it is an inflamed acne cyst and not an infected abscess or another type of bump.
- The skin is cleaned with antiseptic.
- Using a very fine needle, a small amount of diluted corticosteroid is injected into the center of the cyst. You feel a brief pinch and pressure.
- Light pressure is applied to stop any pinpoint bleeding, and you can go about your day.
If a cyst is soft and filled with pus near the surface, the doctor may instead recommend gentle drainage, sometimes combined with an injection.
How fast does an acne injection work?
Most people feel less pain within a day, and the cyst usually looks visibly flatter within 24–72 hours. Some redness or a small mark can take a week or two to fade completely.
Aftercare is simple. Keep the area clean, do not squeeze or pick the treated spot, and avoid heavy makeup over the puncture for the rest of the day unless the doctor says otherwise. Keep using your usual acne treatment unless you are told to pause it.
An injection treats only the cyst that was injected. New cysts can still appear, which is why regular cysts call for a broader plan, such as prescription treatment combined with acne laser treatment or chemical peels for acne .
Risks and possible side effects
Acne injections are generally well tolerated, but they carry specific risks that you should know about before treatment.
- Skin dent (atrophy): the steroid can thin the tissue and leave a small depression at the injection site. This is usually temporary and often fills in over several months, but it can last longer, especially with higher doses or repeated injections in one spot.
- Lightening of the skin (hypopigmentation): a lighter patch can appear around the site. It is more noticeable on medium and darker skin and usually fades gradually.
- Other effects: small visible blood vessels, bruising, brief stinging, and, rarely, infection or an allergic reaction.
Using a diluted dose, injecting only as much as needed and spacing repeat injections reduce these risks. Contact the clinic if the area becomes hotter, more painful or swollen after a day or two, if you develop fever, or if a dent or pale patch has not started to improve after a few months.
Acne injection vs squeezing or draining a cyst
Squeezing a deep cyst at home usually pushes inflammation deeper into the skin, which raises the risk of a larger lesion, dark marks and scarring. An injection settles the cyst from the inside without forcing it open.
Surface blackheads and whiteheads are better treated with professional extraction or peels. If old cysts have already left indented scars, treatments such as rolling scar treatment or fractional laser can be planned once breakouts are under control.
Acne injections at Hommage Clinic
Hommage Clinic is a women's health and skin clinic in Gangnam, about a three-minute walk from Sinnonhyeon Station. A physician examines every cyst before injecting and looks at the bigger picture of your acne, including whether a hormonal assessment with our gynecology team would help. See ourskin and aesthetic treatmentsfor other acne options.
Cost depends on how many lesions are treated and whether other care is combined. Medical consultations and prescriptions may be covered by Korea's National Health Insurance for enrolled patients, while cosmetic procedures are not. The clinic tells you in advance how your treatment is classified and gives you a written quote. Walk-ins are welcome, so come in when a painful cyst appears, or book ahead for a set time.
Mechanism
How a cortisone shot for an acne cyst works
A deep acne cyst forms when a blocked follicle ruptures below the surface and the immune system floods the area with inflammatory cells and fluid. That swelling is what makes the lump hard, red and painful, and it is also what damages surrounding collagen and can leave a scar.
A diluted corticosteroid placed in the center of the lump switches off that local inflammatory reaction. The swelling drains away over the next one to three days and the pressure eases. The steroid does not kill bacteria or empty the cyst, which is why a soft, pus-filled lesion near the surface may be drained instead, and why a hot, spreading lump is examined for infection first.
Know your bump
Cyst, nodule, pimple or abscess: which can be injected?
Not every painful bump on the face is an acne cyst, and not every acne lesion benefits from a cortisone shot. Dr. Hwang examines the lump before deciding, because injecting the wrong kind of lesion brings the risk of a dent without the benefit. A hot, spreading lump with fever can be an infection that needs a different approach entirely.
Deep cyst or nodule
Large, firm, painful lump under the skin. The main reason for an acne injection.
Soft, pus-filled cyst near the surface
May be gently drained, sometimes with a small injection.
Small red pimples
Topical treatment, peels or light work better than injections.
Blackheads and whiteheads
Retinoids and professional extraction, not steroid.
Hot, spreading lump with fever
May be an infection; examined before any treatment.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
The doctor checks that the lump is an acne cyst before injecting. Illustrative photo.
Compare
Cortisone shot vs popping vs waiting: what to do with a painful cyst
When a deep cyst appears, there are four realistic options. Waiting with warm compresses is safe but slow, and some cysts take weeks to settle. Squeezing at home is the option to avoid. Drainage suits soft, pus-filled lesions near the surface. An injection is usually the fastest way to calm a firm, deep cyst, at the cost of a small risk of a dent or pale patch.
| Compare | Cortisone injection | Drainage | Warm compress and wait | Squeezing at home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Deep, firm, painful cysts and nodules | Soft, pus-filled lesions near the surface | Mild lumps when you can wait | Not recommended |
| Speed | Usually 24–72 hours | Relief soon after | Days to weeks | Often makes it worse |
| Main risk | Temporary dent or lighter patch | Small mark; infection if not sterile | Lasting inflammation can scar | Deeper inflammation, dark marks, scars |
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Come in as soon as the cyst appears; a few days' margin before an event helps. Illustrative photo.
Timing
Acne injection before a wedding, interview or photo shoot
Many people ask for an acne injection because a painful cyst has appeared just before an important day. Because swelling usually goes down within 24–72 hours, coming in as soon as the lump appears gives the best chance it will be much flatter in time. A small pink mark can remain for a week or two and is easy to cover with makeup once the puncture has closed.
Set realistic expectations
A cortisone shot reduces size and pain, but it cannot guarantee a lump will vanish completely by a set date, and very large cysts can take longer. If you have an event planned weeks ahead and tend to get cysts, it is better to start a preventive acne plan early, so you are not relying on last-minute injections. Walk-ins are welcome during opening hours, and you can message the clinic on KakaoTalk if you are unsure whether a lump is suitable.
Healing
Acne injection results timeline: hours, days and weeks
An injected cyst follows a fairly predictable path. Pain usually eases first, then the swelling, and the last thing to fade is the pink mark. Keep an eye on the spot over the following weeks: if a small dent or pale patch appears, it is usually temporary, but let the clinic know if it has not started to improve after a few months.
Aftercare
After an acne injection: do's and don'ts
Aftercare is simple, but a few habits make a real difference to how quickly the cyst settles and whether it leaves a mark.
Do
- Keep the spot clean and let the puncture close
- Continue your usual acne treatment unless told to pause
- Use sunscreen to limit dark marks
- Watch the site over the following weeks
- Contact the clinic if the area gets hotter or more painful
Don't
- Squeeze, pick or press the treated cyst
- Apply heavy makeup over the puncture on the same day
- Ask for repeat injections in the same spot within weeks
- Use strong exfoliants directly on the area for a few days
- Ignore a dent or pale patch that is not improving after months
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Leave the treated cyst alone while it settles. Illustrative photo.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Recurring cysts are a sign to build a longer-term treatment plan. Illustrative photo.
Beyond one cyst
Getting cysts often? How to stop new ones forming
If you need an acne injection more than now and then, you likely have nodular or cystic acne, which deserves a full treatment plan. The 2024 American Academy of Dermatology guideline gives strong recommendations for topical benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and antibiotics (and their combinations), oral doxycycline, and isotretinoin for severe acne, acne causing scarring or psychological burden, or acne that has not responded to standard treatment. For women, combined oral contraceptives and spironolactone are conditional options.
Hormonal cysts along the jaw
Deep, tender cysts on the chin and jawline that flare before periods often have a hormonal side. If they come with irregular cycles or new hair growth, ask about a check for PCOS or hormone testing, which Hommage Women's Clinic can arrange with its gynecology team.
Protecting your skin from scars
Deep cysts are the type of acne most likely to leave indented scars. Bringing them under control early is the best scar prevention. If scars have already formed, options such as subcision or fractional laser for acne scars can be planned once breakouts settle.
Evidence
Are acne cortisone injections evidence-based?
Intralesional corticosteroid injection is a long-established technique in dermatology, and it is recognized in the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology acne guideline. However, it rests mainly on clinical experience rather than large randomized trials, and doses vary between clinicians. We think it is important to say this clearly: the injection is a useful tool for a single painful cyst, not a treatment for acne as a whole.
Good practice statement
The AAD guideline lists adjuvant intralesional corticosteroid injection as good clinical practice, without a graded evidence rating.
Reynolds et al., J Am Acad Dermatol, 2024Guideline scope
18 evidence-based recommendations and 5 good practice statements for acne care.
AAD acne guideline, 2024Isotretinoin for severe acne
Strong recommendation for severe, scarring or treatment-resistant acne.
AAD acne guideline, 2024Role of injections
Used alongside, not instead of, ongoing acne treatment.
AAD acne guideline, 2024A dilute dose is the norm
In a survey of 100 dermatology clinicians, 2.5 mg/mL triamcinolone was the most commonly used concentration for acne (52.5%), with 0.05 mL the most common volume per lesion.
Gallagher et al., J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2020Mainly for cysts
Of the surveyed clinicians, 94.9% injected acne cysts; none reported injecting comedones (blackheads or whiteheads). Half said they warn about dents and lighter patches before every injection.
Gallagher et al., J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2020 (self-reported survey)Traveling to Seoul
Acne injection in Seoul for visitors
An acne injection is one of the easiest treatments to fit into a trip: it takes a few minutes, needs no downtime and does not require a follow-up visit in most cases. Walk-ins are welcome during opening hours at Hommage Women's Clinic in Gangnam, a short walk from Sinnonhyeon Station (Line 9 and Shinbundang Line).
What to bring and know
- Your passport for registration and a list of your medicines, including isotretinoin or hormonal treatment.
- Tell the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Message the clinic by WhatsApp, KakaoTalk or the contact form with a photo if you are unsure the lump is suitable, and ask for language support if needed.
- If you fly within a day or two, the cyst may still be settling; that is normal.
If you get cysts often, ask for a written summary to share with your doctor at home so a longer-term plan can continue there.
Hommage · Seoul
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
The clinic is a short walk from Sinnonhyeon Station. Illustrative photo.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Injections are given by a physician using sterile technique. Illustrative photo.
Choosing well
Where to get an acne injection in Seoul: what to check
An acne injection is a medical procedure with a medicine whose dose matters. Whichever clinic you choose, check these points:
- Is the injection given by a physician? The doctor should examine the lump and set the dose.
- Do they check for infection first? A hot, spreading lump needs a different approach.
- Do they use a diluted dose? Lower concentrations reduce the risk of a dent.
- Do they explain dent and pale-patch risks? You should hear about them before the injection.
- Do they look at the bigger picture? Frequent cysts need a treatment plan, not just more injections.
What affects the cost of an acne injection?
The cost depends mainly on how many lesions are treated, whether drainage or other care is needed at the same visit, and whether a consultation for a longer-term plan is included. Medical consultations and prescriptions may be covered by Korea's National Health Insurance for enrolled patients. The clinic tells you in advance how your treatment is classified and gives a written quote.
Your visit
What to expect at your acne injection appointment
01
Examination
The doctor checks the lump, your acne history and medicines, and confirms an injection is appropriate.
02
Injection
The skin is cleaned and a small dose of diluted corticosteroid is injected into the cyst. It takes seconds.
03
Aftercare
Keep the spot clean and do not squeeze it. Swelling and pain usually ease within one to three days.
04
Longer-term plan
If cysts keep returning, you discuss prescription treatment, a hormonal check or procedures to prevent new ones.
Your doctor
Dr. Hwang Seonhwa
Physician · Skin & Aesthetic Treatments
Dr. Hwang injects only lesions that suit this treatment, using a small, diluted dose matched to the size and depth of each cyst. When cysts keep coming back, Dr. Hwang reviews the overall acne plan rather than repeating injections.
Physician for face and skin procedures, including lifting, laser and skin-improvement treatments, planned around facial proportions and skin condition.
Acne injections: frequently asked questions
Does an acne injection hurt?
An acne injection usually feels like a quick pinch and a moment of pressure, because a very fine needle is used and only a small amount of fluid is injected. A swollen cyst can be tender to touch, but most people find the injection brief and tolerable, and the cyst's own pain often eases within a day.
How fast does a cortisone shot work on a pimple?
Most cysts become less painful within about 24 hours and look noticeably flatter within 24–72 hours. Remaining redness or a small mark may take one to two weeks to fade. Results vary with the size and depth of the cyst, and very large lesions can take longer to settle fully.
Can an acne injection leave a dent?
Yes, it can. The corticosteroid may thin the tissue and leave a small dent (atrophy) or a lighter patch at the site. These changes are usually temporary and often improve over several months. Using a diluted dose and avoiding repeated injections in the same spot lowers the risk.
How often can I get acne injections?
A single cyst usually needs only one injection, and the same spot is generally not re-injected for several weeks. If you need injections often, it is a sign that your acne needs a longer-term plan, such as prescription treatment or a hormonal check, rather than more frequent injections.
Is it safe to get an acne injection while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell the doctor before treatment if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding. The dose used in a single acne injection is small and acts locally, but the decision is made case by case. Gentler options, such as warm compresses or pregnancy-safe skincare, may be suggested first.
Can foreigners get an acne injection in Seoul?
Yes. Visitors and foreign residents can receive acne injections at Hommage Clinic in Gangnam. Bring your passport for registration and a list of any medicines you take. Walk-ins are welcome during opening hours, so come in or book as soon as a painful cyst appears, and contact us before your visit to arrange language support.
Can I get an acne injection the day before an event?
You can, but the earlier the better. Swelling usually goes down within 24–72 hours, so an injection the day before may only partly flatten a large cyst. A small mark may remain for a week or two and can usually be covered with makeup once the puncture has closed.
What steroid is used in an acne injection?
Most often a diluted form of triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid. The doctor dilutes it and adjusts the amount to the size and depth of each cyst. It acts locally at a much lower dose than steroid tablets.
Will an acne injection stop new cysts?
No. An injection calms only the cyst that was treated. If you get cysts regularly, a longer-term plan is needed, which may include topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, oral treatment, hormonal treatment for women or isotretinoin for severe acne.
Should I squeeze a cyst instead of getting an injection?
No. Squeezing a deep cyst usually pushes inflammation deeper, which can make the lump larger and raise the risk of dark marks and scars. If a cyst is soft and filled with pus near the surface, a doctor can drain it with sterile tools instead.
Can acne injections be used on the chest or back?
Yes, painful cysts on the chest, shoulders or back can also be injected. The doctor considers the size of the lesion and the thickness of the skin there when setting the dose. Widespread body acne usually needs broader treatment rather than many injections.
What should I do if the injected spot gets worse?
Contact the clinic if the area becomes hotter, more painful or more swollen after a day or two, if pus appears, or if you develop fever. These can be signs of infection and need to be checked. A small dent or pale patch that has not started to improve after a few months should also be reviewed.
Can I wear makeup after an acne injection?
It is best to avoid heavy makeup over the puncture for the rest of the day unless the doctor says otherwise. From the next day, light non-comedogenic makeup is usually fine once the tiny puncture has closed.
References
Sources used for this page, reviewed by Dr. Hwang Seonhwa. Read our editorial and medical review policy.
- Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017
- American Academy of Dermatology acne guideline summary: recommendations and good practice statements, including adjuvant intralesional corticosteroid injections. Dermatology Times , 2024. Summary
- Gallagher T, Taliercio M, Nia JK, Hashim PW, Zeichner JA. Dermatologist use of intralesional triamcinolone in the treatment of acne. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020;13(12):41–43. Article
This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. Illustrations are original works of Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul; photos marked illustrative are not of patients.
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Calm a painful acne cyst
Book an appointment with Dr. Hwang Seonhwa in Gangnam to have a cyst examined and, if suitable, treated with a small corticosteroid injection.
Hommage Clinic · 4F, Building A, 509 Gangnam-daero, Seoul (near Sinnonhyeon Station) · Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Tue–Thu 10:00–19:00 · Sat 10:00–15:00