Acne Cyst Injections
A cortisone shot that flattens a painful cyst in a day or two and helps prevent the scar it would leave.
A deep, painful acne cyst can sit under the skin for weeks and leave a scar behind. A cortisone injection, placed directly into the cyst by a dermatologist, shrinks it in 24 to 48 hours. It is the fastest acne treatment there is, and because it shortens the life of the lesion it meaningfully reduces the risk of a permanent scar. It is a favorite of patients with a wedding, interview or shoot on the calendar.
How it works
Dr. Darvish injects a very small amount of dilute triamcinolone, a corticosteroid, into the center of the cyst with a fine needle. The medication shuts down the inflammation that makes the cyst swollen, red and painful. The swelling drains inward and the surface flattens over the next day or two. Because the dose is tiny and local, there are no systemic effects.
What it treats
- Deep, painful cystic or nodular acne lesions on the face, jawline, chest and back
- Inflamed cysts that have not responded to topical treatment
- A lesion that appears days before an important event
- Inflamed epidermoid cysts and hidradenitis nodules
- Early keloidal acne bumps (see keloid injections)
What to expect
During. A brief sting; the whole visit is a few minutes. Several lesions can be treated in one visit.
After. No downtime. The cyst softens within hours and is usually flat by 48 hours. Occasionally a small dent forms at the site from the steroid; this is uncommon with correct dilution and fills in on its own over weeks to months.
Part of a plan, not the whole plan
Cortisone injections treat the cyst in front of us, not the acne that produced it. If cysts are a recurring problem, Dr. Darvish will build a treatment plan: prescription topicals, oral medications such as spironolactone or isotretinoin, photodynamic therapy, and chemical peels with our aesthetician. Scars that remain are treated with Fractora, fractional laser or microneedling. See acne treatment and acne scars.
Booking
Cyst injections are quick, so we keep same-week appointments available at both offices. Call 310-979-SKIN (7546) and tell us you need a cyst injected, or book online and note it in the comments.
Frequently asked questions
How fast does a cortisone shot work on a cyst?
Most cysts soften within hours and are flat within 24 to 48 hours.
Does it hurt?
A brief sting, similar to any injection. No numbing is needed and the visit takes a few minutes.
Will it leave a dent?
Rarely, when the dose is too concentrated. Dr. Darvish uses a dilute solution; any dent that does occur usually fills in on its own over weeks to months.
Can I get more than one cyst injected?
Yes. Several lesions can be treated in the same visit.
Does it prevent scarring?
It reduces the risk substantially by shortening the time the cyst spends inflamed, which is what causes the scar.
Is it covered by insurance?
Often, as a medical acne treatment. Call 310-979-SKIN to confirm coverage.
How soon can I be seen?
Usually within the week at Brentwood or West Hollywood. Tell us it is a cyst injection when you call.
Will the cyst come back?
That lesion usually does not. If new cysts keep forming, Dr. Darvish will treat the underlying acne so you need fewer injections.