What is it?
The popular acne injection procedure is known by many names – Pimple Injection, Cortisone Jab, Intralesional Corticosteroid Injection, Steroid Shots etc.
It helps to shrink and improve the appearance of large inflammatory acne cysts and cystic acne over 24 hours.
Done by doctors, this treatment reduces inflammation, flattens swollen cystic acne and speeds up healing and recovery of your acne breakout.
How does the Cortisone Injection work?
The medical term for this procedure is - intralesional corticosteroid injection which means the injection of a diluted solution of corticosteroid / cortisone directly into the active acne cyst.
Cortisone has anti-inflammatory properties. When injected, it works by reducing inflammation of the swollen acne cyst, helping to decrease redness, swelling and pain.
The acne cyst will shrink and flatten noticeably over the next 24 hours. While some acne cysts may not flatten or disappear completely, most cystic acne and blemishes will resolve within a week of treatment when combined with the Acne Spot Cream.
Dr Edwin’s enhanced Acne Cortisone + Antibiotic Injection combo
In addition to cortisone, Dr Edwin prefers to include an injectable Antibiotic in the same injection to increase the effectiveness of the procedure.
By pairing the bacteria-killing properties of an injectable antibiotic with anti-inflammatory benefits of corticosteroids, this 2 in 1 combination is superior to the conventional cortisone jab done elsewhere.
Is it painful?
Dr Edwin uses the smallest available needle in the market to deliver the injection, reducing pain and discomfort. The procedure is quick and relatively painless. Each injection lasts a few seconds and will feel like a tiny pin-prick / ant bite.
When will I see results?
After injection, both the antibiotics and corticosteroids start to work immediately, reducing inflammation in the cystic acne over the next 12 to 24 hours.
The acne cyst will gradually shrink and flatten with reduction in redness, pain and swelling. An added benefit of the procedure is the decreased risk of acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Am I suitable for the treatment?
The procedure is ideal for candidates with cystic acne. It will not work on whiteheads / blackheads!
For best results, pus in the acne cyst should be drained before the injection.
This treatment is an excellent option for those who require (brides to be, front line staff, important upcoming events etc) a fast-acting treatment to quickly reduce and improve the appearance of big unsightly cystic acne bumps.
Side effects
The procedure is best done by an experienced doctor because of 2 possible side effects.
- Skin atrophy
Seen as a depression / pitting in the skin, this side effect occurs when too high a concentration or dose of corticosteroid is injected resulting in skin atrophy.
Fortunately, most of these depressions will heal slowly over time. Some may take up to 6 months to heal while in rare cases, the pitting may be permanent.
Of note, depression and pitting after the treatment can also be simply due to the natural acne scarring process and not related to the injection.
In fact, the procedure helps to reduce the risk of acne scarring!
- Hypopigmentation
In people with dark skin tone, cortisone injections may leave an area of lighter skin (termed hypopigmentation). This is usually temporary and disappears over time.
Treatment Advice
Cortisone injections are best used as a SOS emergency quick-fix treatment for large cystic acne. Unfortunately, they do not act to prevent new acne breakouts.
Word of caution - The procedure is not meant to replace a proper acne treatment regime which should consist of Acne Skincare, Acne Medications, Medical Facials and Acne Lasers.
How do I find the Best Acne/Pimple Injection Singapore has to offer?
Every clinic offers different acne / pimple treatment options. No one clinic is same as the other. If you want to make sure that acne and pimples are treated safely and effectively, make sure that the clinic is experienced in acne treatments and offer information on the various treatment options before proceeding.
