Cortisone injections (Kenalog injections) are a fast and effective procedure used to reduce severe, inflamed acne breakouts. By delivering a small amount of corticosteroid directly into the inflamed lesion, the treatment quickly decreases inflammation, redness, and swelling. This procedure is commonly used for large, painful pimples such as cystic or nodular acne that may take weeks to resolve on their own. Cortisone injections can dramatically speed up the healing process, helping the breakout flatten within days instead of weeks.
Typically one treatment per lesion is sufficient. Multiple injections may be needed.
15-20 min.
Low to Moderate, 2–4.
Minimal to none. Mild redness or tenderness at the injection site may occur temporarily.
Cortisone injection (Kenalog injection) is a targeted, emergency procedure for individual inflamed breakouts and does not address the underlying causes of acne. For long-term results and stable remission, we recommend our Pro Acne Program.
The specialist carefully injects a small amount of corticosteroid directly into the breakout using a fine needle. The procedure takes only a few minutes and is performed in a sterile clinical setting.
Can be applied 24 hours post-treatment.
Safe for all skin tones. In some cases, darker skin tones may experience temporary hyperpigmentation.
The cost depends on the number of inflamed lesions being treated during the visit.
Allergy to corticosteroids.
Active skin infection unrelated to acne in the treatment area.
Pregnancy.
Breastfeeding.
History of severe steroid sensitivity.
Avoid picking, squeezing, or manipulating the inflamed lesion before treatment. Inform your provider about any medications you are currently taking and any recent skin treatments.
Avoid touching or pressing the treated area for several hours. Do not attempt to squeeze the lesion after the injection. Mild redness or tenderness may occur and usually resolves quickly. Continue your acne skincare routine unless advised otherwise.
Cortisone (Kenalog) injections are one of the most effective solutions for rapidly reducing severe inflamed breakouts. They are not recommended for papules, pustules, or comedones, and are reserved for large, deep cystic lesions. These breakouts can remain painful and swollen for weeks and carry a higher risk of scarring, making cortisone a targeted solution for faster resolution.
Rapid Inflammation Reduction
A small dose of corticosteroid is injected directly into the inflamed acne lesion. The medication quickly suppresses inflammation and reduces swelling within the pore.
Accelerated Healing
By calming the inflammatory response, cortisone injections allow the breakout to flatten and heal significantly faster than it would naturally.
Most inflamed breakouts begin to flatten within 24–48 hours after the injection, with continued improvement over the following week. If the lesion does not fully resolve, an additional procedure may be recommended.
The injection involves a very small needle and is generally well tolerated. Any discomfort is brief and mild.
Cortisone injections are intended for large inflamed breakouts, such as cystic or nodular acne. They are not typically used for small surface pimples, pustules or blackheads.
In some cases, an indentation (skin depression) can occur after a cortisone injection. This happens when the corticosteroid temporarily reduces local fat or collagen in the treated area. In most cases, these depressions are temporary and gradually improve over several weeks to months as the skin regenerates. To minimize this risk, our specialists use very small, carefully controlled doses and precise injection techniques.
Cortisone shots are designed as occasional spot treatments for severe inflamed breakouts. For frequent acne flare-ups, individual Pro Acne Program is recommended.
Founder & Clinical Director, AcneClinicNYC
Licensed Master Esthetician, Certified Acne Specialist, International Educator in Acne Treatment
Lead LE, Certified Acne Expert, International Educator
Lead LE, Certified Acne Expert and Laser Specialist
LE, Certified Acne Expert, Laser Specialist and Electrologist
LE, Certified Acne Expert and Laser Specialist
LE, Certified Acne Expert and Laser Specialist
LE, Certified Acne Expert and Laser Specialist
LE, Certified Acne Expert and Laser Specialist
Certified Acne Expert and Nutritionist
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner
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