Acne & Cortisone Injections

Overview

Cortisone injections are a fast, targeted treatment for cystic acne lesions and raised scars. By delivering a corticosteroid directly into the lesion, inflammation is dramatically reduced within 24–72 hours — flattening the lesion and relieving pain and redness far more quickly than topical treatments alone.

Medications Used

Kenalog (Triamcinolone Acetonide)

Kenalog is a medium-to-high potency corticosteroid with a short-to-medium duration of action. It is the most commonly used agent for intralesional injections and is highly effective for:

• Cystic and nodular acne lesions
• Keloid scars
• Hypertrophic scars

Betamethasone

Betamethasone is a higher-potency, longer-lasting corticosteroid used when a more sustained anti-inflammatory effect is required. It is particularly suited for:

• Severe or persistent inflammation
• Larger or more resistant raised scars
• Cases where longer-duration suppression is clinically preferred

Technique

Each injection is administered using a fine-gauge 30G needle via an intralesional technique — meaning the medication is deposited directly within the lesion or scar tissue. The corticosteroid is diluted to an appropriate concentration to maximise efficacy while minimising the risk of side effects.

Risks & Considerations

Cortisone injections are generally very well tolerated. However, potential risks include:

• Skin atrophy (thinning of the skin at the injection site)
• Hypopigmentation (temporary lightening of the skin)
• Systemic absorption with overuse or high-frequency treatment

These risks are minimised through proper dilution, precise injection technique, and appropriate spacing between treatments.

Pricing

• $60 for the first injection
• $30 per additional injection in the same visit
• Keloid scarring starting at $150 (for scars larger than 1 inch)