Cortisone Acne Shot Cost in Korea
Korean dermatology clinics are known for offering fast, targeted acne solutions, and cortisone acne shots are one of the most commonly requested treatments for sudden, severe breakouts. Unlike general acne programs, this treatment focuses on one specific goal: calming intense inflammation as quickly as possible to prevent pain, rupture, and scarring.
This guide explains how cortisone acne shots work in Korea, who they are best for, how fast results appear, downtime, and what pricing typically looks like at Korean skin clinics.
1. Quick Overview: What a Cortisone Acne Shot Does
Cortisone Acne Shot — The Emergency Fix
Rapidly reduces inflammation in large, painful acne lesions. Shrinks swelling, relieves pain, and speeds up healing. Best for cystic or nodular acne that appears suddenly.
This treatment does not improve overall skin quality or prevent future acne—it is designed for fast, targeted inflammation control.
2. How Cortisone Acne Shots Work (Simple Breakdown)
✔ Uses diluted corticosteroids to suppress inflammation
✔ Injected directly into the acne lesion
✔ Reduces redness, swelling, and pain at the source
✔ Prevents the acne from rupturing or worsening
✔ Helps lower the risk of post-acne scarring
Because the medication is delivered precisely, surrounding skin is minimally affected.
3. What Cortisone Acne Shots Treat Best
Cortisone acne shots are best for:
- Cystic acne
- Nodular acne
- Deep, painful inflammatory pimples
- Sudden acne before important events
They are not ideal for:
- Whiteheads or blackheads
- Mild surface acne
- Widespread acne across the face
Korean dermatologists typically use cortisone shots as a spot treatment, not a full acne solution.
4. How Fast You See Results
Speed is the main reason patients choose cortisone acne shots in Korea.
Typical response timeline:
- Within 24 hours: Pain and swelling noticeably reduced
- 2–3 days: Acne visibly flattened
- Several days later: Lesion heals without rupture
This makes cortisone shots popular before weddings, photoshoots, travel, or business events.
5. How Long Results Last
A cortisone acne shot usually resolves the
treated lesion completely.
However, it does not prevent new acne from forming elsewhere.
For patients with recurring acne, Korean clinics often recommend combining cortisone shots with:
- Acne lasers
- Topical or oral medication
- Sebum and pore management treatments
6. Downtime and Safety
Downtime is minimal when cortisone shots are performed correctly.
Common temporary reactions:
- Mild redness at the injection site
- Slight swelling for a few hours
- Tiny needle marks that fade quickly
Experienced Korean dermatologists carefully control dosage to reduce the risk of side effects such as skin thinning or indentation.
7. Cortisone Acne Shot Cost in Korea
Cortisone acne shots in Korea are typically priced per acne lesion, not per session.
- Per lesion: Approximately 20,000–100,000 KRW
- Multiple lesions: Often offered at discounted package rates
- Consultation fees: May be charged separately depending on the clinic
Pricing varies based on the severity of inflammation, medication used, and clinic reputation.
8. Single Shot vs Repeated Treatments
Single cortisone shot
- Common for one-time cystic acne
- Often sufficient for sudden flare-ups
Repeated shots
- Used cautiously for recurring acne
- Not recommended frequently in the same area
- Usually paired with long-term acne treatments
Korean clinics emphasize prevention rather than repeated injections.
9. The Korean Clinic Approach: Combination Acne Care
Most Korean dermatology clinics use cortisone shots as part of a broader acne strategy.
Common combinations include:
- Cortisone shot + acne laser → Fast calming + prevention
- Cortisone shot + PDT → Inflammation control + bacteria reduction
- Cortisone shot + skincare management → Scar prevention
This approach treats both the immediate breakout and its underlying causes.
Final Verdict
Cortisone acne shots in Korea are a fast, effective, and affordable emergency treatment for severe inflammatory acne.
- Best for large, painful breakouts
- Visible improvement within days
- Minimal downtime
- Charged per lesion
While cortisone shots are not a long-term acne cure, they play a key role in Korean acne care by quickly calming inflammation and reducing the risk of scarring—especially when combined with ongoing acne management treatments.











