Acne Clear Injections in Seoul, Korea
Acne clear injections are tiny anti-inflammatory shots placed into a painful cyst or large pimple to calm swelling fast and lower the chance of scarring — a quick in-office rescue at NEST Clinic, Gangnam.
- Treatment time 2–5 min
- Downtime None
- Calming starts 24–48 hrs
- Per lesion ₩20,000–₩60,000
🌸 Quick answer
How fast do acne clear injections work? Most people see a painful cyst or nodule flatten within 24–48 hours. A doctor injects a small amount of anti-inflammatory medication directly into the lesion, which quickly reduces swelling, redness and tenderness and lowers the risk of a deep scar. It treats inflamed spots only, not blackheads or whiteheads, and is often used as an emergency option before an event.
What are acne clear injections?
Acne clear injections (also called intralesional or cystic acne injections) deliver a small dose of anti-inflammatory medication straight into a swollen cyst, nodule or deep pimple. The spot settles from the inside, usually flattening within a few days. They work best on single inflamed lesions rather than widespread acne, so they often sit alongside a fuller acne treatment program or regular acne facials.
Because the medication is placed only where it is needed, surrounding skin is left alone and downtime is minimal — most people leave with just a tiny red dot that fades over a day or two.
Best for
- Painful cystic acne
- Swollen nodules
- Large, deep pimples
- Sudden pre-event flare-ups
How it helps
- Shrinks active cysts in 24–48 hours
- Eases pain and redness fast
- Lowers the risk of scarring
- Calms a flare without squeezing
Before & after: what changes
The change is quick and targeted — a raised, angry spot settles and flattens over a day or two.
Who is a good candidate?
Usually a good fit
- A single painful cyst, nodule or deep pimple
- A sudden flare before an event or trip
- Inflamed spots that feel tender and swollen
- Anyone wanting to avoid squeezing a deep spot
Not the right choice for
- Blackheads and whiteheads (try acne facials)
- Widespread active acne (see an acne treatment program)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding without doctor review
- Repeated injections into the exact same spot
How an acne clear injection works
-
Cleanse and assess
The doctor checks the lesion, confirms it is inflamed rather than a blackhead, and cleans the area.
-
Precise micro-injection
A tiny amount of anti-inflammatory medication is placed into the lesion with a fine needle — a brief pinch.
-
Rapid calming
Swelling and pain ease over the next 24–48 hours and the spot flattens over several days.
Recovery and results timeline
There is no real downtime. A small red dot may appear at the injection point and settle quickly; rarely, over-treatment can leave a temporary surface dent.
- Hour 0 Back to your day straight away
- 24–48 hrs Swelling and pain drop noticeably
- Day 1–3 Cyst flattens
- Several days Redness fades
Acne clear injections at a glance
| Also called | Cystic acne injection, intralesional injection, anti-inflammatory acne shot |
|---|---|
| Treatment time | 2–5 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Not usually needed |
| Downtime | None; tiny red dot may appear |
| Results start | 24–48 hours |
| Best for | Inflamed cysts and nodules, not blackheads |
| Cost | ₩20,000–₩60,000 per lesion; around ₩50,000–₩120,000 for several spots in one session. International patients pay the same local price. |
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Heein Song · Medical Doctor, NEST Clinic
Graduate of Seoul National University College of Medicine. Member of Korean societies for aesthetic laser, skin and hair medicine, obesity aesthetics and facial fillers.
Acne Clear Injections FAQ
How much do acne clear injections cost in Seoul?
At NEST Clinic the typical range is ₩20,000–₩60,000 per lesion, or about ₩50,000–₩120,000 for several spots in one visit. International patients pay the same local price, confirmed at consultation.
Do acne clear injections hurt?
Only briefly. You feel a quick pinch as the fine needle enters the spot. No anaesthesia is usually needed and the whole injection takes seconds.
How often can I have them?
They can be used as needed for sudden flares. We avoid injecting the same exact spot too frequently, since over-treatment may leave a temporary surface dent.
Will the injection leave a scar?
No — the goal is the opposite. By calming a deep cyst quickly, the injection usually lowers the chance of the scarring that squeezing or an untreated cyst can cause.
Can I have it done before a trip or event?
Yes. With no downtime and visible calming within 24–48 hours, many people book a quick session before a wedding, shoot or flight home.
Do they treat blackheads too?
No. These injections target inflamed cysts and nodules. For blackheads and whiteheads, acne facials with gentle extraction are a better fit.
Often considered with acne clear injections
Got a painful breakout before a big day?
Message our English-speaking team on WhatsApp — if it is an inflamed cyst, a quick acne clear injection can calm it within a day or two.