Skin Health
Skin Rejuvenation
Improve tone, texture and the overall appearance of your skin.
Learn moreA painful cystic breakout can be treated with a small intralesional injection that reduces inflammation, swelling and tenderness — often within 24–72 hours.
It's an effective option before an important event, and helps lower the risk of lasting scars from deep cysts.
Ideal for
- Painful, deep cystic pimples
- Inflamed nodules
- Pre-event flare-ups
What to expect
- Quick assessment: Sophie Gatward, NP, looks at the breakout and asks about your skin history, allergies and medications to confirm an injection is a suitable option. Let her know if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Treatment: After the skin is cleansed, a small amount of medication is injected directly into the cyst with a very fine needle. The visit usually takes 10–15 minutes.
- Right after: There's no downtime, so you can go straight back to your day. The spot may feel a little tender at first.
- Next few days: Swelling, redness and pain often ease noticeably within 24–72 hours as the inflammation settles.
- Longer-term care: The injection treats that one cyst, so if breakouts keep coming back, ask Sophie about a broader skin plan. If acne has already left depressed scars, scar treatment may help.
Aftercare tips
- Follow the personalized instructions you receive at your appointment — they take priority over these general tips.
- Don't squeeze, pick or pop the treated spot — let it settle on its own.
- Cleanse gently, and avoid scrubbing the area or using harsh products on it for a day or two.
- If you can, keep makeup off the injection point for the rest of the day.
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day to help prevent dark marks as the spot heals.
- Contact the clinic if the spot becomes more painful, red or swollen instead of settling.
Possible side effects
- Brief tenderness or redness at the injection site.
- A tiny bruise where the needle went in.
- A small dent in the skin at the injection site, which usually improves over time.
- A lighter patch of skin at the injection site, which can be more noticeable on deeper skin tones and usually fades over time.
- Rare but serious: infection, or an allergic reaction such as hives or swelling of the face, lips or throat — these need prompt medical attention.
If something doesn’t feel right after your treatment, call the clinic at 416-604-0040. For severe symptoms — such as trouble breathing, vision changes, or skin turning white, grey or dusky — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a long-term acne treatment?
It treats individual cysts. For ongoing acne, Sophie can discuss a broader skin plan.
Does the acne injection hurt?
You'll feel a quick pinch and a little pressure. A very fine needle is used, and the injection itself takes only moments.
How soon before an event should I come in?
As soon as you can once a painful cyst appears. Improvement is often seen within 24–72 hours, so coming in at least a few days before your event gives it time to settle.
Can any pimple be treated with an injection?
No — it's meant for deep, painful, inflamed cysts or nodules, not whiteheads, blackheads or small surface pimples. Sophie assesses each spot first, since some lumps need a different approach.
Should I try to pop a cystic pimple first?
No. Squeezing a deep cyst can push inflammation further into the skin and raise the risk of scarring, so it's better to leave it alone and book an assessment.
Individual results vary. All treatments require an in-person consultation and medical assessment to confirm they're right for you. Content on this page is for general information and is not medical advice.
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