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What are acne cyst injections?
This treatment involves injecting a diluted synthetic steroid (cortisone) to help reduce the inflammation, swelling and pain of cystic acne. It is the quickest solution when you have a painful, inflamed acne cyst you want gone fast.
It is usually reserved for tender, swollen acne nodules or cysts unresponsive to typical acne therapies, and can be very effective in quickly shrinking nodules and cysts. The injections can be used on both the face and the body.
Not sure this is the right treatment?
Every plan starts with a medical consultation, with a $50 deposit that goes toward your treatment. How a consultation works
What it treats
- Tender, swollen acne nodules
- Acne cysts unresponsive to typical acne therapies
- The inflammation, swelling and pain of cystic acne
What patients say
Conservative
“She will not attempt to up-sell you services, and I have found her to be quite conservative in her approach while still ensuring I have wonderful results.”
Since 2019
“There has never been any pressure, upselling, hidden costs, or overdone results. Just honest guidance, education, and beautifully natural enhancements that always leave me looking and feeling like myself, but better.”
Botox & lips
“She took the time to understand exactly what I wanted and delivered beautiful results that enhanced my features while still looking like me.”
3 syringes
“Michelle is a true example of experience. Very knowledgeable and professional. I did not feel a single pinch.”
What to expect
Injection
The shot is injected directly into the acne cyst or nodule. It typically contains a small amount of a steroid, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory. You can have multiple injections in one session, each into a different area.
Results
Cysts and nodules may take weeks to resolve on their own. A steroid injection can reduce the swelling, redness and pain in just a few hours to a few days.
Repeat treatments
Wait about 6 weeks between injections in the same spot. These injections are meant to be an occasional treatment for specific cysts and nodules, not a regular part of your acne treatment or skin care regimen.
FAQ
Do cortisone injections work?
Yes, but they are only used for short-term relief of inflammation and to shrink large cysts. The injections can be used on both the face and the body.
When should I expect results?
Cysts and nodules may take weeks to resolve on their own. A steroid injection can reduce the swelling, redness and pain in just a few hours to a few days.
How often can I get injected?
You can get multiple injections in one session, with each injection going to a different area. You must wait about 6 weeks between injections if the same spot is involved. These injections are meant to be an occasional treatment for specific cysts and nodules, not a regular part of your acne treatment or skin care regimen.
What is cystic acne?
Cystic acne is considered the most severe form of acne and is usually painful. If left untreated, it can produce cosmetically disfiguring scars. An acne cyst can form when a clogged pore breaks deep inside the skin, forming a large, tender, painful bump: a cyst (pus-filled) or a nodule (inflamed). Cysts can last for weeks or longer.
What causes cystic acne?
Cystic acne, like other acne, is caused by the interaction of a number of factors: hormones such as androgens (including testosterone) and estrogen; genetics, if one or both of your parents had cystic acne; environment, since high humidity can perpetuate it; the skin environment, including excessive perspiration, makeup, lotions and certain cleansers; and drugs and chemicals, with lithium, topical corticosteroids, isoniazid and phenytoin associated with cystic acne.
What other treatments are there for cystic acne?
Cleansing twice a day, applying topical retinoids such as ZO Retinol, using ZO acne pads, and keeping the skin exfoliated are foundational for clear skin. We offer a range of acne solutions; ask at your consultation.
