What are Acne Steroid Injections?

Acne steroid injections, also known as acne cortisone injections, cystic acne injections, or intralesional steroid injections involve the use of corticosteroids administered transdermally into inflamed acne lesions. 

Corticosteroids are an anti-inflammatory medication that can treat severe acne by reducing swelling, relieving pain, preventing scarring and encouraging healing of the skin. They’re often recommended for patients who experience severe, painful and stubborn acne that are resistant to topical treatments and require immediate relief. 

How do Acne Steroid Injections work?

Acne steroid injections work to treat inflamed and irritated cystic acne in several ways:

• Anti-inflammatory — Corticosteroids suppress the immune system and reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. This reduces inflammation and calms swelling in acne lesions.

• Vasoconstriction — Corticosteroids can cause blood vessel constriction, which further reduces swelling and redness in targeted areas. 

• Tissue repair — Corticosteroid injections can promote skin healing and break down excess collagen, preventing tissue formation that can potentially cause acne scars. 

By working quickly and effectively, Acne Steroid Injections can minimise inflamed lesions and reduce its severity, which, in turn, reduces your chances of acne scarring.

Who is suitable for Acne Steroid Injections?

Acne steroid injections are an ideal treatment option if you experience the following:

• Severe inflammatory acne, such as cysts and nodules.
• Have not seen improvements with other acne treatments.
• Require quick relief from tender and painful lesions.
• Looking to minimise risk of acne scars.

Acne jabs are recommended for large, swollen and inflamed acne; particularly cysts and nodules. They are also sometimes recommended to help flatten keloid or hypertrophic acne scars. It is important to note that this treatment may only be suitable for some. It is important to inform your doctor of any medical conditions you may have to determine your suitability for this treatment option.

Benefits of Acne Steroid Injections

Acne steroid injections provide several benefits when treating severe acne, such as:

• Immediate relief — Acne steroid injections work within 24 to 48 hours of treatment, quickly reducing swelling and inflammation.

• Pain relief — By reducing swelling and inflammation, acne steroid injections can alleviate pain and discomfort caused by irritated acne.

• Minimised scarring — Acne steroid injections can promote quicker healing and minimise acne lesions, lowering your risk of acne scars. 

• Short treatment time — Acne jabs are quick procedures, requiring just a few minutes in your doctor’s office. This makes it a convenient option for those with busy schedules. 

• Improved skin appearance — With time, acne steroid injections can flatten and reduce cystic lesions, smoothing and improving the skin’s appearance. 

What to expect during an Acne Steroid Injection

Getting acne steroid injections starts with a detailed consultation with your doctor to ensure your suitability for the treatment. Clinical photographs may also be taken for future comparison and to track your skin’s progress.

First, the targeted area will be cleaned with an antiseptic to prevent infection. Next, the inflamed lesions are injected directly with a corticosteroid solution and you may experience a brief sting. If pus is present, it will be drained simultaneously. 

After your treatment, you may experience mild swelling or redness at the injection site, which will subside quickly. You can return to your everyday activities right away, and a follow up appointment will be scheduled to assess healing and determine if additional treatments are required. 

How soon will results be seen?

Corticosteroid injections generally work immediately to reduce redness and swelling over a period of 24 to 48 hours. This makes it an ideal treatment if you’re looking for a quick fix for an important event. 

Optimal results can be observed within a week, with the treated lesion significantly reduced or resolved. Results vary depending on your current condition, and further treatments may be recommended. 

What are the risks of Acne Steroid Injections?

Acne steroid injections are generally well-tolerated, effective and safe. However, as with all treatments, acne steroid injections come with potential risks and side effects. 

• Skin atrophy — Repeated acne steroid injection use can lead to skin atrophy or the thinning of the skin at the injection site. 

• Hypopigmentation — Hypopigmentation, or lightening of the skin, can occur in some individuals, especially for those with darker skin tones. 

• Telangiectasia — Telangiectasia is an occurrence where small, dilated blood vessels appear near the skin’s surface. 

• Local infection — Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the injection site. This can be prevented by following post-procedure guidelines and keeping the injection site clean after your treatment session. 

Although acne steroid injections offer quick relief, they are not recommended to be done regularly. Your doctor may recommend combining this with other treatments for a more effective long-term solution for your acne to reduce your likelihood of future breakouts. 

What are the alternatives to Acne Steroid Injections?

There are a variety of treatment alternatives to acne steroid injections, such as medical lasers. Aesthetic doctor, Dr Hoe Ying Min [Link to Dr Hoe’s profile], will provide a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific skin type, skin condition and desired results. 

One such treatment alternative is the Picosure laser [Link to Picosure Laser], which utilises targeted laser energy delivered in ultra-short pulses to kill off acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen and elastin production.  

How much do Acne Steroid Injections cost?

The cost of acne steroid injections at Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa in Singapore are as follows:

• Price of acne steroid injection — $80 per lesion
• Doctor’s consultation fees — $80 (for first-time patients)