Acne · Medical Dermatology

Acne Cyst Injections in Gangnam, Seoul

An acne injection is a tiny dose of diluted corticosteroid injected directly into a large, painful acne cyst or nodule to reduce inflammation and swelling, usually within one to three days. At The Heal Dermatology Sinsa Main Branch in Gangnam, Seoul, a board-certified dermatologist decides which lesions are suitable and uses low concentrations to limit side effects.

Written by The Heal Dermatology medical content team · Pending review by a board-certified dermatologist · Updated October 2026

The Heal Dermatology Seoul

How it works

An acne injection, also called intralesional corticosteroid injection, delivers a very small, diluted dose of a corticosteroid such as triamcinolone directly into a large, painful inflamed acne lesion. The steroid reduces inflammation locally, so the cyst or nodule usually shrinks and becomes less painful within about 24–72 hours. It is a targeted treatment for individual lesions, not a cure for acne overall.

Who it's for

It is typically used for adults or teens with deep, painful nodules or cysts, for example before an important event or to reduce the risk of scarring from a large lesion. Small whiteheads, blackheads or superficial pimples are not usually injected. People with frequent cystic acne or adult acne generally need a broader treatment plan.

What to expect at The Heal Sinsa

At The Heal Dermatology Sinsa Main Branch, near Sinsa Station and Garosu-gil in Gangnam, your consultation and treatment are carried out 1:1 by a Korean board-certified dermatologist. The dermatologist decides whether a lesion is suitable for injection, uses a very dilute dose to limit side effects, and discusses longer-term acne control with topical or oral treatment. We aim for honest recommendations without overselling, use genuine full-dose products, and treat in private single rooms. English and Traditional Chinese support is available on request. Pricing is confirmed after consultation; see pricing and payment.

Sessions & downtime

  • Procedure time: a few minutes per lesion
  • Sensation: a quick pinch with a very fine needle
  • Results: inflammation and pain typically improve within about 1–3 days
  • Repeat: individual lesions are not usually re-injected within a few weeks
  • Downtime: none; makeup can usually be applied after a few hours
  • Aftercare: avoid squeezing or picking the treated lesion

Risks & who should avoid

The most notable risk is temporary skin thinning or a small dent (atrophy) at the injection site, and sometimes lightening of skin colour; these usually improve over months but can persist. Using low concentrations reduces this risk. Injection is generally avoided if the lesion is infected and needs drainage, or with allergy to the medication. Tell the doctor if you are pregnant or have diabetes.

Planning around your trip to Seoul

Because it works quickly with no downtime, an acne injection can help calm a painful lesion during a short stay. For ongoing care after you return home, see follow-up after returning home. See international patients and getting here for practical details.

Related

Frequently asked questions

How fast does an acne injection work?

Many people notice less pain and swelling within about one to three days. Large cysts may take a little longer to flatten fully. Results vary with the size and depth of the lesion and how inflamed it is.

Can an acne injection leave a dent?

Occasionally, the steroid can cause temporary thinning of the skin, leaving a small dent or lighter patch. This usually improves over several months. Using a very diluted dose and injecting correctly helps reduce this risk.

Will an acne injection stop future breakouts?

No. It treats individual inflamed lesions only. To reduce future breakouts, a broader plan with topical treatments, oral medication if appropriate, and good skincare is usually needed. The dermatologist can discuss long-term options.

Treated by Korean board-certified dermatologists

At The Heal Dermatology, every consultation and procedure is performed or directly supervised by a dermatology specialist (피부과 전문의). Why board certification matters · Meet our doctors · International patient guide · All treatments

Branches: Sinsa (Main) · Jamsil · Dongdaemun · Mapo-Gongdeok

This page is general medical information and does not replace an in-person consultation. Suitability, number of sessions and results vary by individual.