Steroid injections are a well-established medical treatment used by doctors for two main indications: to rapidly reduce inflammation in cystic acne (or cystic pimples), and to flatten keloid or hypertrophic scars. When performed correctly, they can significantly improve discomfort, appearance, and healing often faster than topical treatments alone.
This treatment is also commonly used in aesthetic clinics in Singapore for patients seeking prompt, targeted improvement of large cystic pimples within 1-2 days for an upcoming event or gathering.
Steroid injections involve delivering a small, controlled amount of anti-inflammatory medication directly into the lesion such as a cystic acne nodule or raised scar. It works by mimicking cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by your body to manage stress and inflammation.
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that develops deep beneath the skin, rather than on the surface. It occurs when pores become blocked and trigger a strong inflammatory response, leading to large, painful lumps that may feel tender or swollen.
Steroid injections can help:
While steroid injections help with cystic pimples, they do not help with ordinary pimples.
Keloid scars are abnormally raised scars that form when the body produces too much collagen during wound healing. Instead of stopping once the wound heals, scar tissue continues to grow, causing the scar to extend beyond the original injury.
Steroid injections can help:
For cystic acne, improvement is often noticeable within 24–72 hours, with redness, swelling and discomfort reducing quickly over the next few days. Most lesions respond well to a single injection, with one injection typically administered per lesion.
For keloid scars, results develop gradually over weeks to months and improve progressively with each treatment session. Meaningful improvement typically occurs over multiple sessions, which are usually spaced 3–4 weeks apart.
Our front desk team will welcome you, assist with registration, and collect details to understand your skin goals.
Your skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove makeup, oil, and impurities, preparing the skin for the assessment and treatment.
High-resolution photos are taken to document your current skin condition, volume distribution, and structural laxity.
A medical-grade topical numbing cream is applied to the target areas for 30 minutes to ensure maximum comfort throughout the treatment.
Our doctor will review the 3D analysis, evaluate your concerns (such as sagging skin or double chin), and customize your Volformer protocol.
A very fine needle is used to deliver a small amount of steroid directly into the lesion (cystic acne or keloid scar). For larger scars, multiple injection points may be needed.
A calming sheet mask is applied to soothe the skin. Our team will advise you on what to do and expect, and schedule your second modality session.
No. Steroid injections deliver medication only to a specific area of concern (where it has been injected), whereas oral steroids are digested and affect the whole body. Dosage of the steroid used in injection is in much smaller, targeted amounts.
No, the targeted cystic acne is unlikely to recur after injection. However, new cysts can form if underlying acne is not managed. Ongoing acne treatment is equally important to prevent flares. Treatments like HydraFacial® and Carbon Laser Peel can be considered for this.
Steroid injections aim to flatten and soften keloid scars. Complete removal is unlikely, but significant improvement is achievable with proper treatment. Most commonly, a combination of steroid injections and lasers help to achieve the best outcome.
Most patients describe the treatment as very tolerable, with some mild discomfort lasting a few seconds. In addition, at Astria, medical grade numbing cream is applied prior to the injection which makes it more tolerable.
Downtime is minimal. Most patients return to work or school immediately, with only mild redness or tenderness that settles quickly.
Steroid injections are not recommended for mild acne. For mild acne like whiteheads, blackheads, or small red bumps, the risks of the injection usually outweigh the benefits hence we would recommend using topical skincare or medical-grade facials like HydraFacial® to prevent worsening.
Keloid steroid injections are generally safe when performed by an experienced doctor, but like all medical treatments, they can come with some uncommon potential side effects. Possible side effects may include:
Most are mild and temporary, especially when the injections are spaced appropriately and dosed correctly.
Whether you have questions about our treatments, want to book an appointment, or simply like to learn more about how we can help you achieve your skin goals, our team is here to assist!
Astria Medical Aesthetics believes in a sustainable aesthetic journey. Beauty can be a continuous, timeless goal.
51 Bras Basah Road, #04-06A
Lazada One, Singapore 189554
OPENING hours
Monday – Friday
10.30am – 8.30pm
Saturday
10.30am – 6.30pm
Sun & PH closed
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