Cortisone Shots for Acne
in Los Angeles
Emergency injections that flatten deep, painful cysts in 24 to 48 hours — at $75 per injection with no downtime and no scarring risk.
The Fastest Way to Flatten a Cystic Breakout
A cortisone shot for acne is a targeted injection of diluted corticosteroid — typically triamcinolone — delivered directly into a deep cystic or nodular lesion. The corticosteroid rapidly suppresses the inflammatory response inside the cyst, reducing the swelling, redness, and pain that make deep acne so difficult to manage topically.
Most clients at Mirror Mirror notice a visible flattening of the lesion within 24 to 48 hours. Full resolution typically occurs within 3 to 7 days. Because the treatment addresses the inflammation at its source rather than on the surface, there is no need to pick or squeeze — which means a significantly lower risk of post-inflammatory scarring compared to untreated cysts.
At $75 per injection, it is one of the most accessible interventions we offer — and one of the most immediate. Whether you have an event in two days or simply cannot wait out a painful cyst, this is the treatment built for that moment.
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Five Minutes. Minimal Discomfort. Immediate Relief.
The treatment area is cleansed. A very small volume — typically 0.05 ml — of diluted triamcinolone is injected into the center of the cyst using a fine-gauge needle. Most clients describe the sensation as a brief, mild pinch. The entire appointment takes under ten minutes.
There is no downtime. You can apply makeup and return to your day immediately. The injection works from within — shrinking the cyst from the inside out as your body reabsorbs the treated tissue over the following days.
Important: cortisone shots treat the acute lesion and do not address the underlying causes of recurring acne. For long-term skin health, our team may recommend a comprehensive acne management plan or Morpheus8 for acne scar treatment following breakout resolution.
Ideal Candidates for Cortisone Acne Injections
This treatment is designed for adults experiencing inflammatory cystic or nodular acne — the kind that sits deep under the skin, does not come to a head, and is resistant to topical treatments. It is particularly effective for:
Best Suited For:
- Deep, painful cystic breakouts that have not responded to topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide
- Pre-event emergencies — weddings, shoots, interviews — where a two-day turnaround is essential
- Single or clustered nodular lesions on the face, back, chest, or jawline
- Clients looking to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring from picking
- Adults managing hormonal acne that flares cyclically
- Clients currently on an acne treatment plan who need acute intervention for isolated breakouts
Cortisone shots are not recommended for superficial whiteheads or blackheads, as those lesions do not involve the deep inflammatory response the injection targets. Learn more about our full cortisone shots for acne breakouts approach and before and after results.
What to Expect at Mirror Mirror
From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, a cortisone acne injection is one of our most straightforward treatments.
Consult & Assessment
Your provider examines the lesion to confirm it is an appropriate candidate for injection — cystic or nodular, inflammatory, not already draining.
Cleanse & Prep
The skin is thoroughly cleansed. No numbing is required — the needle gauge is fine enough that most clients report minimal sensation.
The Injection
A small volume of diluted triamcinolone is injected directly into the center of the cyst. The procedure takes under five minutes from start to finish.
24–48 Hour Results
Swelling and pain begin to reduce within hours. The lesion visibly flattens within 24 to 48 hours and continues resolving over 3 to 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about cortisone shots for acne at Mirror Mirror Med Spa in Los Angeles.
At Mirror Mirror Med Spa, cortisone shots for acne are priced at $75 per injection. The typical range across Los Angeles providers is $50 to $150 per lesion depending on the clinic and provider. Multiple lesions can be treated in a single visit. There are no hidden consultation fees for this service — the injection price covers the full treatment.
Most clients notice a reduction in pain and visible flattening of the lesion within 24 to 48 hours of the injection. Full resolution — where the cyst is no longer visible or palpable — typically occurs within 3 to 7 days. Results vary based on the size and depth of the cyst and how long it has been present. Larger, older cysts may take slightly longer to fully resolve.
Yes. There is no required downtime after a cortisone acne injection and you can apply makeup immediately following the treatment. The injection site may have a very small mark that fades within minutes. We recommend using non-comedogenic products over the treated area while the cyst is still resolving to avoid aggravating the surrounding skin.
Cortisone shots are intended for acute, isolated flare-ups rather than ongoing acne management. Most providers, including our team at Mirror Mirror, recommend limiting injections to a few times per year for the same area. Repeated injections in the same location increase the risk of temporary skin atrophy — a small indentation or depression at the injection site. If you are experiencing frequent cystic breakouts, we will discuss longer-term treatment options during your visit, such as our adult acne solutions.
When administered at the correct dilution and depth by a trained provider, the risk of skin atrophy (a temporary indentation) is low. If atrophy does occur, it is typically temporary and resolves within 6 to 12 months as the surrounding tissue remodels. This is one of the key reasons to seek out a qualified medical provider for this injection rather than attempting improvised solutions. At Mirror Mirror, our providers use precise low-concentration dilutions to minimize this risk while maximizing the anti-inflammatory effect.
Yes — the terms are used interchangeably. A cortisone shot, steroid shot, or intralesional corticosteroid injection for acne all refer to the same procedure: the injection of a diluted corticosteroid (most commonly triamcinolone acetonide) directly into a cystic or nodular acne lesion. The word "steroid" here refers to a corticosteroid, which is an anti-inflammatory compound — not an anabolic steroid. The dose used for acne is extremely small (0.05 ml or less per lesion).
