Acne Clear Injections in Seoul, Korea

What are Acne Clear Injections?

  • “Acne Clear Injections” refer to intralesional injections used to treat actively inflamed acne lesions—particularly large, painful, cystic or nodular pimples. For example, one Seoul clinic describes them as “localized intralesional treatments that involve injecting a diluted corticosteroid (usually triamcinolone) directly into inflamed pimples.”
  • The aim is to reduce swelling, redness, pain and risk of scarring rapidly in one or a few problem lesions. For example the treatment is described as “fast-acting, targeted solution for inflamed or cystic acne … within 24 to 48 hours” at a Gangnam clinic.
  • These injections are not a substitute for broader acne therapy (topicals, systemic meds, lifestyle) but function as a rapid intervention for severe lesions or breakout emergencies.

Why consider this in Seoul, Korea?

  • Seoul’s dermatology clinics—especially in districts like Gangnam/Myeongdong—offer specialized acne treatments for both local and international patients, including “Acne Clear Injections” as part of their treatment menu.
  • For someone located in Gyeonggi-do (near Seoul) like you, it’s logistically convenient to access high-level dermatology clinics for a consultation + treatment + follow-up without long travel.
  • Because the injections are designed to deal with active, difficult lesions, having access to a clinic that understands the full context of your acne (underlying causes, skin type, possible scarring) is important—and many Seoul clinics emphasise this.

Typical Procedure & What to Expect

Consultation & Assessment:

  • The dermatologist evaluates your acne: type of lesions (cystic, nodular, inflamed papules), location, previous treatments, risk of scarring.
  • They discuss whether the injection is appropriate for that lesion (versus general acne therapy) and explain expected outcomes, risks (especially for darker skin types), downtime.
  • They may also plan alongside other treatments (topicals, oral meds, lasers) to handle underlying acne.

Treatment Day:

  • Local anaesthetic or numbing may be applied to reduce discomfort.
  • The dermatologist injects a small amount of corticosteroid (often triamcinolone or similar) directly into the base of the lesion. These injections calm inflammation rapidly, reduce size/swelling, and prevent scar formation if done early.
  • The session is typically short—just one lesion or several targeted lesions, maybe 10–20 minutes including prep and post-care.

After-care & Recovery:

  • Many patients notice significant reduction in redness/swelling within 24-48 hours (as clinics advertise).
  • You may have mild residual redness, a small bump or pigmentation changes depending on the lesion and skin type.
  • You’ll likely be advised to continue your comprehensive acne treatment plan (topicals/orals) and avoid picking/extraction of the treated lesion.
  • Because injection treats the active lesion, follow-up is needed for the underlying acne process to prevent new lesions.

What It Can Treat / Key Benefits

  • Cystic and nodular acne lesions: deep, painful lumps under the skin—especially those resistant to initial topical treatments.
  • Inflamed papules/pustules: large red lesions with high risk of scarring or pigmentation if left uncontrolled.
  • Pre-scar prevention: By reducing inflammation early, there’s less risk of the lesion turning into a pitted scar or heavy pigment mark.
  • Fast relief: For persons wanting a rapid intervention (e.g., before an event, or when a lesion is very bothersome).
  • Good adjunct therapy to your broader acne program—addresses some of the more severe single lesions quickly, while other treatments address overall acne and skin condition.

Suitability & Limitations

Good candidates:

  • Individuals with specific troublesome lesions (cystic, nodular, inflamed) rather than only many small mild pimples.
  • People who are already under care for acne (dermatologist managing topicals/orals) and use this as part of the strategy for the worst lesions.
  • Those who are willing to commit to underlying acne therapy and follow-up (rather than expect one injection to clear all acne).

Consider alternatives or additional therapies if:

  • Your main concern is mild or comedonal acne only (in which case skin-care, facials, extraction may suffice).
  • You have many lesions or widespread acne—one injection won’t address the broader issue; you need a program.
  • If you have dark/melanin-rich skin and lesions are deep, you should ensure the clinic has experience with pigmentation risk and post-injection pigment changes.
  • If your concern is mostly acne scarring rather than active lesions, injection treats the lesion but not the scar; scar-revision treatments (laser, subcision) may be needed.

Cost Range in Seoul – Ballpark Figures

  • While specific “Acne Clear Injection” pricing is less published, some related acne-injection menus in Seoul list costs: for example “Anti-Inflammatory Injections (full face)” listed in a package around ₩160,000 – ₩390,000 KRW depending on combo.
  • A dedicated “injections for acne” clinic lists their acne injection program as part of advanced acne therapy though without a single-session price listed.
  • As a rough guess: single lesion intralesional injection may cost somewhere in the ₩50,000-₩150,000 KRW range depending on clinic, plus any consultation/follow-up costs.
  • For accurate cost you should request a quote specifying: number of lesions, injection type, follow-up visits, language/foreign-patient services.

Key Questions to Ask Your Clinic

  • Which injection will you use (what steroid, what concentration)? How many lesions will you treat this session?
  • What is the expected outcome for that specific lesion (timeframe for improvement, reduction in size/ redness, scarring risk)?
  • What is included in the cost: consultation, injection, follow-up? Is there a guarantee or additional cost if further injection needed?
  • What are the risks—particularly with skin tone (pigmentation/hypopigmentation), scar indentation, bruise or local tissue damage?
  • How does this injection fit into my broader acne treatment plan (topicals, oral meds, extractions, laser)?
  • Will other therapies be recommended/combined? If yes, what’s the timing and cost?
  • What downtime should I expect (any special care for that treated lesion)?
  • For a foreign patient: do you have English-speaking staff, support for follow-up visits, clear after-care instructions?

Practical Tips & How to Prepare

  • Before your appointment:
  • Avoid picking/squeezing the lesion; tell the clinic when it first appeared and how you’ve treated it.
  • Be sure any current acne medication is disclosed (especially if you're on oral retinoids, antibiotics) so clinic can coordinate safely.
  • Bring good photographs of the lesion and your general acne history.
  • On the day:
  • Expect injection discomfort—ask about numbing if you’re sensitive.
  • Confirm number of lesions being treated and what the criteria are (which ones they’re selecting).
  • Ask what immediate after-care is required (cool compress, avoid sun/heat, no makeup on that site maybe).
  • After the injection:
  • Monitor for improvement (many clinics say 24-48 hours for major reduction).
  • Avoid touching or squeezing the treated lesion; avoid heavy workouts/sauna if advised to reduce inflammation.
  • Use good sunscreen (especially if any redness or potential pigment-risk).
  • Continue your general acne care (skincare, meds) since injection treats only selected lesions.
  • Follow-up:
  • Have a plan with your dermatologist: when to return, how new lesions will be managed, what to do if injection doesn’t suffice for that lesion.
  • Keep up with your broader acne management (topicals, lifestyle, diet, skincare) to avoid new lesions forming.