Injectables · Medical Skin

Cortisone Injections

Fast relief for painful breakouts and raised scars, from a team that knows exactly how much is enough.

  • Locations All Locations
  • Treatment Time 15 minutes
  • Recovery Time No downtime
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The Basics

What is a cortisone injection?

A cortisone injection places a tiny, diluted dose of corticosteroid directly into a single problem spot. It calms inflammation right where it starts, so a painful cyst can flatten in as little as 24–48 hours, and a thick, raised scar can soften and shrink over a series of visits.

Because the medicine stays in the treated spot, the dose is very small and works locally. It is one of the quickest ways to rescue your skin before an event, and a proven medical option for stubborn keloid and hypertrophic scars.

The Javan Difference

Precise dosing, physician-directed care.

With cortisone, technique and strength matter. Too much can leave a small dent or a lighter patch of skin. At Javan, every injection is guided by our medical team, with concentration, volume and depth chosen for your skin and the spot being treated.

We also look at the bigger picture. If breakouts or scars keep coming back, we will build a plan with skincare, peels, laser or other treatments to address the cause, not just the flare-up.

Treatment Details

Sessions, timing, and results.

  • Treatment time
    About 15 min
  • Downtime
    None
  • Cysts Visible flattening in 24–72 hours
  • Scars Softening over a series, about 4–6 weeks apart
  • Sessions 1 for a cyst, several for scars
Your Visit

What to expect.

  1. Consultation Your provider examines the spot, reviews your medical history and confirms a cortisone injection is the right choice.
  2. Prep The area is cleansed. Most patients need no numbing for a breakout. Scars may be numbed or cooled first.
  3. The injection A very fine needle places a small amount of diluted medication into the spot. It takes seconds per spot and feels like a quick pinch.
  4. Immediately after You may see a tiny pinpoint or slight redness. Makeup can go on the same day.
  5. Aftercare Avoid picking or squeezing the area. Keep up your usual gentle skincare and daily SPF.
  6. Results A cyst typically calms within 1–3 days. Scars flatten gradually over repeat sessions.
Is It Right For You?

Am I a candidate for a cortisone injection?

Cortisone injections are a good fit if you have a deep, painful cyst or nodule that will not settle, need a breakout calmed quickly before an event, or have a raised keloid or hypertrophic scar you want to flatten.

They are not a treatment for everyday whiteheads or for ongoing acne on their own. Your provider will review any medications and health conditions, and will let you know if another approach is a better first step. Injections are not placed into infected or broken skin.

Common Questions

Cortisone Injection FAQs

How fast does a cortisone injection work on a cyst?
Most cysts begin to shrink and feel less painful within 24 hours, with clear improvement by 48–72 hours. That is why many patients book one a few days before a wedding, photoshoot or big meeting.
Does it hurt?
The needle is very fine and each injection takes seconds. Most patients feel a quick pinch. Scar injections can be a little more uncomfortable, so we may numb or cool the area first.
Are there side effects?
Side effects are uncommon when the dose is right. The main risks are a small dip in the skin or a lighter spot at the injection site, which usually improve over time. This is why dosing by an experienced medical team matters.
Can cortisone injections treat scars?
Yes. They are a first-line treatment for raised keloid and hypertrophic scars, softening and flattening them over a series of sessions. They do not fill in indented acne scars. For those, we may recommend Morpheus8, CO2 resurfacing or microneedling.
How many sessions will I need?
A single cyst usually needs one injection. Raised scars typically need several sessions spaced about 4–6 weeks apart, depending on size and thickness.
Will it stop my acne from coming back?
A cortisone injection calms one spot at a time. To prevent new breakouts, we pair it with a long-term plan that may include medical-grade skincare, chemical peels or laser treatments.
Where can I get a cortisone injection in DC or Northern Virginia?
Javan Wellness offers cortisone injections at our Dupont Circle and U Street clinics in Washington, DC, and our Ballston clinic in Arlington, VA. Same-week appointments are often available for urgent breakouts.
Ready?

Calm it fast. Clear it for good.

Don't let one painful breakout or a stubborn scar run your week. Book a visit and let our medical team bring quick, precise relief.

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