Steroid Injections for Acne & Scars in Newport Beach
A deep cyst that needs to resolve before an important event. A keloid that has been growing for months. A hypertrophic scar that will not flatten on its own. Corticosteroid injection is one of the fastest and most effective tools available for all three — results often visible within 24 to 48 hours for acute acne, and progressive improvement over weeks for established scars.
Intralesional corticosteroid injections deliver a precise dose of triamcinolone acetonide directly into a lesion — suppressing the inflammatory response driving an active acne cyst, or breaking down the excess collagen responsible for a hypertrophic scar or keloid. The mechanism is targeted and local, with minimal systemic effect at the doses used for cosmetic and dermatologic purposes.
At Plump Medical Spa in Newport Beach, Dr. Amir Mortazavi, MD offers steroid injections for both active acne lesions and for established hypertrophic scars and keloids. The treatment is used as a standalone rapid intervention and as part of broader acne management or scar treatment protocols alongside laser resurfacing and subcision.
Steroid injections for acne work quickly — but concentration and technique matter. Too high a concentration causes dermal atrophy and hypopigmentation — the sunken, pale spots that patients sometimes develop after poorly calibrated injections. Dr. Mortazavi uses physician-level dosing precision for every injection. The right dose in the right place produces rapid resolution without the side effects that come from over-treating.
Two distinct uses — one injection
Active cysts & nodules
Corticosteroid injection directly into an active acne cyst or nodule suppresses the inflammatory response that is driving the lesion. Most cysts begin to flatten within 24 to 48 hours and resolve significantly within 3 to 5 days. This is the most effective way to rapidly reduce a painful, deep acne lesion — particularly useful before events, important occasions, or simply when a cyst is too painful or prominent to wait out.
Hypertrophic scars & keloids
Intralesional triamcinolone injected into a hypertrophic scar or keloid suppresses fibroblast activity and breaks down the excess collagen responsible for the raised, thickened appearance. Results develop progressively over 4 to 6 weeks — most scars require a series of injections spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. True keloids are more resistant than hypertrophic scars and may need more sessions and higher concentrations, discussed at consultation.
As part of a broader treatment plan
Steroid injections are often most effective as one component of a larger approach rather than as a standalone solution for chronic or complex presentations.
Rapid rescue alongside ongoing treatment
Patients managing acne with topical or oral treatments can use steroid injections for individual cysts that break through their regimen. The injection addresses the acute lesion without disrupting the underlying treatment plan. Dr. Mortazavi coordinates with each patient’s existing acne management approach.
Flattening before resurfacing
For hypertrophic scars and keloids, steroid injections to flatten and soften the scar are often performed before CO2 laser resurfacing or RF microneedling. Treating the raised component first creates a better surface for laser to work on, and the combination produces more comprehensive scar improvement than either treatment alone.
What to expect
Treatment
No numbing is required for most steroid injections — the needle is fine and the injection is brief. A small amount of triamcinolone acetonide is injected directly into the lesion using a precise technique that ensures even distribution within the target area. Multiple lesions can be treated in the same appointment. The procedure takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the number of injections.
For acne cysts
Reduction typically begins within 24 hours. Most cysts are significantly flattened by 48 to 72 hours and largely resolved within 5 to 7 days. Occasionally a second injection is needed for very large or deeply nodular cysts that do not fully resolve after the first treatment.
For scars
Scar flattening begins within 2 to 4 weeks of each injection as the steroid suppresses fibroblast activity and breaks down existing collagen. Most hypertrophic scars need 2 to 4 injection sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. True keloids typically require more sessions and may need combination treatment. Results are assessed progressively and the treatment plan adjusted based on the scar’s response.
Side effects to be aware of
The most common side effect of steroid injection is localized dermal atrophy — a slight depression in the skin at the injection site — and hypopigmentation, particularly in darker skin tones. These are dose-dependent: they are significantly more likely with over-concentration or injection into surrounding tissue rather than the lesion itself. Dr. Mortazavi’s precise dosing protocol minimizes this risk. Most atrophy resolves over 3 to 6 months if it occurs.
Cortisone injections are one of the most underused tools in aesthetic and dermatologic practice — fast, precise, and effective when dosed correctly. The side effects patients sometimes experience from steroid injections elsewhere are almost always a concentration problem, not an inherent feature of the treatment. Dr. Mortazavi’s internal medicine background includes a thorough understanding of corticosteroid pharmacology and the importance of getting the dose right. All injections performed personally.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does a cortisone injection work on a cyst?
Most acne cysts begin to flatten within 24 hours of injection and are significantly reduced within 48 to 72 hours. Full resolution typically occurs within 5 to 7 days. Very large or deeply nodular cysts may take slightly longer or require a second injection if they do not fully resolve after the first treatment.
Can steroid injections cause a dent in the skin?
Yes — this is the most common side effect and it is dose-dependent. Dermal atrophy (a slight depression) occurs when too high a concentration is used or when steroid is injected into surrounding tissue rather than the lesion itself. At appropriate concentrations and with precise technique, the risk is significantly reduced. Most atrophy that does occur resolves spontaneously over 3 to 6 months. Dr. Mortazavi uses physician-level dosing calibrated to the size and depth of each lesion.
How many steroid injections does a keloid need?
Keloids are more resistant than hypertrophic scars and typically need more sessions — often 4 to 6 or more, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Some keloids respond well and progressively flatten; others are more refractory and may benefit from combination treatment with laser or surgical excision followed by steroid injection to prevent recurrence. Dr. Mortazavi assesses the scar type and response at each session and adjusts the plan accordingly.
Can I get a steroid injection added to my regular Botox or filler appointment?
Yes. Steroid injections are commonly added to existing aesthetic appointments at Plump — particularly for patients who develop a cyst between regular appointments and want it addressed at their next visit. The injection takes only a few minutes and can be added to the beginning or end of any scheduled treatment.
What is the difference between a hypertrophic scar and a keloid?
Both are raised, thickened scars caused by excess collagen production during healing. Hypertrophic scars remain within the boundaries of the original wound and often improve over time on their own. Keloids extend beyond the wound boundaries, can continue to grow, and rarely resolve without treatment. Both respond to steroid injection, but keloids are more resistant and typically require more sessions at higher concentrations.
How much do steroid injections cost at Plump?
Acne cyst injections are $95 per lesion. Hypertrophic scar and keloid injections are $200 per lesion per session. Multiple lesions can be treated at the same appointment. Scar injections typically require 2 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for meaningful improvement.
Related treatments
Steroid injections are often combined with these treatments for comprehensive acne and scar management.
Schedule a visit
Steroid injections for acne and scars are available at Plump Medical Spa in Newport Beach, serving patients throughout Orange County and Southern California.
4667 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 310 — Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 568-7544 — info@plumpmedicalspa.com
Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm — By Appointment Only