Cortisone Injections for Acne in Singapore: What You Need to Know
- Ryo Sueyoshi
- Oct 8, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Dec 1, 2025
Dealing with painful cystic acne can be frustrating, especially when regular treatments don't work. In Singapore, cortisone injections offer a targeted solution for severe acne. This guide explains how this treatment works, who it helps, and what you can expect based on medical evidence.
Contents
What Are Cortisone Injections for Acne?
Cortisone injections are a medical treatment where a doctor injects a small amount of medication directly into an inflamed acne lesion. The medication used is typically a corticosteroid called triamcinolone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology's 2024 guidelines, this treatment works well for large, painful acne lesions that don't respond to creams or oral antibiotics.
This treatment is different from cosmetic fillers. It targets specific problem spots rather than treating acne across your entire face. Doctors typically use this for isolated, painful bumps or cysts that are 5mm or larger. The medication comes in different strengths, usually between 2.5 to 10 mg/mL, with 2.5 mg/mL being the most common. This treatment works best when combined with other acne treatments as part of your overall skincare plan.
Who Should Consider This Treatment?
Cortisone injections help specific types of severe acne. If you have cystic acne—deep, painful bumps filled with pus under your skin—this treatment may help you. The same applies if you're dealing with nodular acne, which shows up as large, hard, tender bumps deep in your skin. This treatment works especially well if you have one or a few very painful spots that might leave scars. It's also useful when your acne hasn't improved with regular treatments like topical creams or antibiotics.
This treatment is reserved for serious cases. Doctors don't recommend it for mild or moderate acne. Research shows that while cortisone injections work for individual severe spots, most studies are based on clinical experience rather than large research trials. If you've had keloid scars or raised scars in the past, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history before starting treatment.
How Cortisone Injections Work
When injected into an acne lesion, cortisone reduces inflammation through several body processes. The medication calms your immune system's response in that specific area. This means fewer inflammatory cells gather at the spot. Cortisone also tightens blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the inflamed area. Less blood flow means less oxygen and nutrients feeding the inflammation. The medication also slows down the growth of cells that could create scar tissue.
These effects work together to reduce swelling, redness, and pain in cystic and nodular acne. Some patients may notice improvements within 24 to 48 hours after injection, though individual responses vary considerably.
While many doctors use this treatment successfully based on years of clinical experience, we can't predict exactly how much improvement you'll see or how quickly. Your individual response may differ.
What Causes Cystic Acne?
Understanding what causes severe acne helps explain why cortisone injections can help. Cystic acne develops when several factors combine.
Your oil glands become overactive, mainly due to hormones like testosterone. These hormones tell your glands to make extra oil, creating a perfect environment for acne to develop. At the same time, dead skin cells build up inside your hair follicles. These cells mix with oil and block the follicle opening. This blockage is where acne begins.
Inside this blocked space, bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes multiply. These bacteria feed on the oil and create substances that trigger inflammation. When the blocked follicle bursts under pressure, everything inside spills into the surrounding skin. This causes your immune system to react strongly, creating the deep, painful inflammation that characterizes cystic acne.
Several factors make acne worse. Hormone changes during puberty, periods, pregnancy, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can trigger breakouts. Stress increases cortisol levels, which may worsen acne. Your genes play a big role too—if your parents had severe acne, you're more likely to have it. Some medications, including certain steroids and lithium, can also cause acne flares.
Benefits of Cortisone Injections
Based on medical guidelines and clinical practice, cortisone injections may offer advantages for appropriately selected patients.
One potential benefit is symptom relief. In some cases, inflammation may decrease within 24 to 48 hours, which can provide relief from painful lesions. However, the speed and degree of improvement varies significantly between individuals. This response time can be particularly valuable for patients experiencing significant discomfort or who have important upcoming events.
By quickly suppressing inflammation and preventing prolonged tissue damage, cortisone injections may help minimize the risk of permanent scarring associated with severe inflammatory acne. Early intervention on large cysts or nodules can prevent the extensive collagen damage that leads to depressed or raised scars. The treatment is also precise—it targets specific problem spots without affecting your whole body. This makes it suitable for people who can't take or don't need oral medications. The procedure is convenient too, taking only 10 to 15 minutes during a clinic visit.
Keep in mind that cortisone injections treat individual severe spots, not your overall acne condition. This treatment works best as part of a complete acne plan that may include topical creams, antibiotics, hormonal treatments, or isotretinoin, depending on your needs.
Possible Side Effects
Cortisone injections can cause side effects that you should know about before treatment.
The most common side effect is a temporary dip or indent where you received the injection. This happens because the medication can shrink fat tissue under your skin. This usually goes away after several months, though the time varies. The risk increases with stronger doses or larger amounts. Some people, especially those with darker skin, may notice lighter skin color at the injection site. This typically fades over time but may last several months. Small red or purple lines from dilated blood vessels may appear. You might feel mild pain, tenderness, or see redness right after the injection, but this usually goes away within hours to a few days.
Doctors use several techniques to reduce these risks. They typically use a moderate strength (2.5 mg/mL), inject small amounts (usually 0.05 mL per spot), aim for the center of the lesion, and avoid injecting the same spot repeatedly within a short time. Some research suggests that using retinoid creams might help prevent skin thinning, though you should discuss this with your doctor.
Contact your doctor if you have pain that gets worse, signs of infection like increased redness or warmth, severe skin depression that doesn't improve after several months, or any unusual reactions.
What Happens During Treatment
Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable during your appointment.
Your Consultation
Before getting an injection, you'll have a detailed consultation with a qualified doctor. Your doctor will examine your acne type and severity, review your medical history and past treatments, check for any reasons you shouldn't have this treatment, and discuss what results to expect and possible side effects. They'll confirm if cortisone injection is right for your situation and explain other treatment options.
The Injection Steps
The injection process is quick and follows these steps:
Cleaning: Your doctor cleans the treatment area with antiseptic to prevent infection
Preparing: The doctor prepares the right strength of medication, usually 2.5 mg/mL, though this may vary based on your lesion
Injecting: Using a very fine needle (30-gauge), your doctor injects a small amount (usually 0.05 mL) into the center of the lesion
Aftercare: Your doctor may apply light pressure and will give you care instructions
Most patients feel only minimal discomfort because the needle is very fine. The injection takes just seconds. Numbing medication is usually not needed, though it's available if you're anxious or getting multiple injections.
After treatment, avoid touching the area and continue your regular skincare unless told otherwise. Avoid too much sun exposure, wait a few hours before applying makeup if possible, and report any concerns to your doctor.
When Will You See Results?
Understanding the timeline helps you know what to expect.
First 1-3 Days
Some patients may notice initial improvement within 24 to 48 hours following injection, though responses vary. When improvement occurs during this period, the inflammation may begin to calm down, with possible reduction in redness and swelling, decreased pain and tenderness, and visible shrinking of the lesion. However, not all patients experience changes this quickly.
Days 3-7
In cases where the treatment is effective, the lesion may continue to shrink over the following days. Some patients observe improvement by one week. However, treatment outcomes vary considerably based on how large the lesion was initially, how your body responds to inflammation, what other acne treatments you're using, and how quickly your skin heals.
Long-Term Results
For isolated lesions where treatment is successful, one injection may be sufficient to promote resolution. Additional treatments at the same site are not typically required unless new lesions develop. Some lesions may require a follow-up injection if the response to the initial treatment is incomplete. Discuss this with your doctor.
While some individuals experience improvement, treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed and vary significantly between patients. Clinical response depends on numerous factors, and not all lesions respond to cortisone injection therapy. A complete acne treatment plan that addresses underlying causes remains essential for long-term control.
Treatment Costs in Singapore
The cost of cortisone injections in Singapore depends on several factors.
What Affects the Price
Your final cost depends on the type of clinic (private versus public), your doctor's experience level, how many lesions need treatment (pricing is usually per lesion), and consultation fees for initial and follow-up visits.
Generally, expect to pay around SGD 150 per injection in Singapore. This typically includes the consultation, injection, and aftercare instructions. Prices vary between clinics, so ask about specific costs during your first visit.
Insurance Considerations
Insurance coverage varies by policy. Some insurers consider this cosmetic rather than medically necessary. To check your coverage:
Review your policy details
Call your insurance provider to verify acne treatment coverage
Get pre-authorization if your policy requires it
Keep all receipts and documents for reimbursement
Consider that treating acne now may prevent expensive scar treatments later, such as laser therapy or surgery.
Comparing Treatment Options
This table shows how cortisone injections compare to other acne treatments:
Treatment | Best For | How Fast It Works | Main Benefit | Important Notes |
Cortisone Injection | Single large cysts or nodules | 24-48 hours | Rapid relief of specific spots | Not for widespread acne; may cause temporary skin dip |
Topical Retinoids | Mild to moderate acne | 6-12 weeks | Treats blackheads and inflammation | May irritate skin at first; needs daily use |
Oral Antibiotics | Moderate to severe inflammatory acne | 6-8 weeks | Reduces bacteria and inflammation | Resistance concerns; not for long-term |
Oral Isotretinoin | Severe, resistant acne | 2-4 months | May cure acne; treats all causes | Significant side effects; needs monitoring |
Hormonal Treatment | Hormonal acne in women | 3-6 months | Addresses hormone triggers | Only for certain patients; affects whole body |
Chemical Peels | Mild to moderate acne, dark spots | Varies | Removes dead skin, improves texture | Needs multiple sessions; temporary redness |
This shows that cortisone injections serve a specific purpose—quick relief for individual severe spots, not complete acne treatment.
Common Questions
Q: Does the injection hurt?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the injection. The needle is very fine (30-gauge) and the injection takes only seconds. You might feel a brief sting, though tolerance varies. The area may feel tender for a few hours afterward.
Q: Can I get this for mild acne?
No, cortisone injections are only for severe acne—specifically large, painful cysts and nodules that resist other treatments. Mild to moderate acne (small bumps and pimples) should be treated with creams or oral medications. The potential side effects outweigh the benefits for minor lesions.
Q: How many treatments will I need?
It depends on how many severe lesions you have. Some patients need treatment for just one or two cysts, while others have several problem spots. This treatment is for occasional use on specific severe lesions, not regular maintenance. Your doctor will create a plan based on your individual situation.
Q: Can I combine this with my other acne treatments?
Yes, cortisone injections work alongside other treatments. Many patients continue using their prescribed retinoid creams, benzoyl peroxide, or oral medications while getting injections. Combining targeted treatment for severe spots with ongoing prevention often gives the best results. Tell your doctor about all medications and treatments you're currently using.
Q: Will the skin dip be permanent?
Skin depression at the injection site usually resolves over several months. Most people see improvement within 3 to 6 months, though some cases may take longer. Permanent indentation is uncommon when doctors use proper doses. If you have persistent skin depression, your doctor can discuss treatment options that may help speed recovery.
Q: Can I see before-and-after photos?
Singapore's Ministry of Health regulations don't allow us to show before-and-after photos on websites. However, your doctor can share treatment outcome examples during your consultation to help you understand what to expect.
Conclusion & Making the Right Decision
Cortisone injections are a valuable tool for managing severe acne, especially painful cysts and nodules that might cause permanent scars. The treatment may provide relief with minimal body-wide effects.
However, approach this treatment with realistic expectations. While doctors use it successfully based on clinical experience, individual results vary significantly. This treatment works best as part of a complete acne management plan that addresses root causes and prevents future breakouts.
When considering cortisone injections, it is important to choose a clinic that provides evidence-based acne treatments tailored to your individual needs.
Please see below for treatment details.
Note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment plans should be developed in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. Treatment outcomes vary from person to person, and no guarantee of results is intended or implied. All professional treatments mentioned should be performed by licensed medical practitioners in Singapore, using HSA-approved products, devices, and techniques, as applicable.
This blog post was medically reviewed by Yutaka Shimokawa.
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