A pimple injection—also known as a cortisone jab, steroid shot, or intralesional corticosteroid injection—is a fast-acting treatment used to reduce large, painful acne lesions. In Singapore, this acne injection is commonly sought after for rapid relief from inflamed cystic pimples.
This doctor-administered procedure delivers a small dose of anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, sometimes combined with an antibiotic, directly into the acne lesion. It works by calming inflammation, reducing swelling, and accelerating the skin’s healing process—often flattening the pimple within 24 to 48 hours, making it ideal for managing sudden acne breakouts.
Pimple injections are especially effective for deep, red, and stubborn nodules that do not respond well to topical creams or oral medications.
Medically known as an intralesional corticosteroid injection, this treatment involves injecting a diluted cortisone solution directly into an inflamed acne cyst or nodule. The active ingredient, cortisone, is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce redness, swelling, and pain in the targeted lesion.
By suppressing local inflammation, cortisone injections can visibly flatten cystic pimples within 24 to 48 hours. Most patients experience rapid improvement in both appearance and discomfort, especially for painful, deep-seated breakouts.
For best results, this in-clinic treatment can be complemented with a targeted Acne Spot Cream to further accelerate healing, reduce residual redness, and prevent recurrence.
Pimple injections are ideal for individuals in Singapore dealing with large, painful, and inflamed acne lesions such as cysts or nodules. These deep breakouts often do not respond well to topical treatments and can take weeks to resolve on their own.
You may be a good candidate for a cortisone-based acne injection if you have:
This treatment is best suited for targeted inflammatory acne. It is not intended for blackheads, whiteheads, or mild comedonal acne.
At our clinic in Singapore, Dr Edwin offers an enhanced version of the conventional pimple injection by combining both a corticosteroid and an injectable antibiotic in the same treatment session.
While traditional cortisone injections reduce inflammation, they do not address the underlying bacterial component of acne. By adding an antibiotic into the injection, this dual-action approach offers both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits—helping to reduce swelling while simultaneously targeting acne-causing bacteria.
This combination treatment is especially effective for large cystic breakouts, hormonal acne flares, or recurring nodules that are prone to infection.
Patients often notice faster recovery, reduced pain, and lower risk of residual pigmentation or scarring compared to cortisone-only injections offered elsewhere.
Pimple injections offer several key benefits for individuals struggling with large, inflamed acne breakouts—especially when rapid results are needed.
Inflamed cystic pimples typically shrink within 24 to 48 hours, making this treatment ideal for sudden breakouts before important events or photoshoots.
The cortisone component reduces redness, swelling, and tenderness directly at the lesion site without affecting surrounding skin.
By accelerating the healing process, this treatment helps prevent the prolonged inflammation that often leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or acne scarring.
Pimple injections can be paired with topical treatments such as our Acne Spot Cream to further support skin recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.
All acne injections at our Singapore clinic are performed by experienced doctors, ensuring safety, precision, and reduced risk of complications.
When looking for the best pimple injection treatment in Singapore, it’s important to choose a doctor-led clinic experienced in managing cystic and inflammatory acne. A qualified medical aesthetic clinic should:
At Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we combine medical expertise with advanced technology to deliver safe, effective acne care—including enhanced cortisone + antibiotic injections for rapid relief of deep cystic pimples.
If you're struggling with a swollen, painful breakout or need a fast-acting solution before an important event, our doctor-led pimple injection treatment in Singapore offers safe and effective relief.
Dr Edwin's enhanced cortisone + antibiotic combination is designed to rapidly reduce inflammation, flatten cysts, and minimise the risk of scarring.
📍 Performed in-clinic with minimal discomfort
⏱ Results in as little as 24 hours
Book a consultation to get personalised advice and treatment today.
Most patients find the procedure very tolerable. At our Singapore clinic, we use an ultra-fine needle—the smallest available—to reduce discomfort. The injection feels like a brief pin-prick or mild ant bite and takes only a few seconds to administer.
Results typically begin within 12 to 24 hours. The cortisone and antibiotic work together to reduce inflammation, flatten the cyst, and relieve tenderness. Most patients observe significant improvement within 1 to 2 days, with continued resolution over the week.
This treatment is ideal for individuals experiencing inflamed, cystic acne that is painful, swollen, or rapidly worsening. It is not suitable for blackheads, whiteheads, or mild comedonal acne. If there is pus in the cyst, gentle drainage before injection can improve effectiveness. Patients seeking a fast-acting solution—such as brides-to-be, professionals with upcoming events, or anyone dealing with a sudden breakout—are excellent candidates.
No, this treatment is a targeted emergency fix for individual lesions and does not prevent new acne from forming. For long-term acne control, a personalised treatment plan may include:
- Medical-Grade Acne Skincare to unclog pores, regulate sebum production, and support skin barrier repair
- Prescription Acne Medications such as topical retinoids or oral antibiotics for inflammation control
- Medical Acne Facials to extract clogged pores and reduce bacterial buildup
- Acne Laser Treatments like Pro-Yellow Laser or Fractional Pico Laser to calm inflammation and reduce acne marks
When performed by an experienced doctor, side effects are rare. However, potential risks include:
Skin Atrophy (Indentation): May occur if too much cortisone is injected or if the lesion is already deep. Most indentations improve gradually over several months.
Hypopigmentation: In individuals with darker skin, a lighter patch may develop at the injection site. This is usually temporary and fades over time.
Note: Pitting or depression may also result from the acne lesion itself rather than the injection.
Overall, this treatment helps minimise inflammation and may actually reduce the risk of acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation when administered early.
Multiple acne cysts can be treated in a single session, depending on their size, location, and severity. During consultation, the doctor will assess your skin and determine how many injections are safe to administer in one visit. This ensures minimal side effects and optimal results.
Pimple injections should be used sparingly—as a spot treatment for urgent cases—rather than as a routine acne solution. If new cystic breakouts keep occurring, it may be a sign that your acne requires a long-term management plan involving skincare, medication, or laser treatments.
