Prescription medication
Oral antibiotics, hormonal options or isotretinoin when appropriate, with clear guidance on safety and monitoring.
Acne & Skin Texture
Cystic Acne Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul
Deep, painful cysts need medical treatment, not just skincare. Our women doctors combine prescription medicine, targeted injections and calming devices to settle cystic acne and lower the risk of scarring.
Same day
relief options for painful cysts
A
How do dermatologists treat cystic acne?
Cystic acne forms deep, inflamed lumps that rarely respond to over-the-counter products. Doctors usually treat it with prescription medication — such as oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy or isotretinoin where appropriate — combined with topical treatment. Individual painful cysts can be settled with a dilute steroid injection, often within a few days. At Nest Clinic we add calming devices and scar-prevention care. Most patients see meaningful improvement over 2–3 months; results vary.
- Sessions
- Monthly reviews; in-clinic care every 2–4 weeks
- Interval
- Every 2–4 weeks
- Downtime
- Minimal; mild redness or tenderness
- Treatment time
- About 20–45 minutes
- Visible change
- Often within 8–12 weeks
- Cyst injections
- Settle within a few days
Understanding cystic acne
Acne beneath the surface
Cystic (nodulocystic) acne is the most severe form of acne. Blocked pores rupture deep within the skin, causing large, painful, inflamed lumps that can last for weeks. Hormones, genetics and excess oil production play major roles, and it often affects the jawline, cheeks, chest and back.
Because inflammation is deep, cystic acne carries a higher risk of acne scars and dark marks. Early medical treatment is the most effective way to protect your skin.
Signs it may be cystic acne
- Large, painful lumps under the skin
- Spots that last for weeks without a head
- Breakouts concentrated along the jaw and chin
- Scars or pitted marks left after cysts heal
- Acne that hasn't responded to standard treatments
Milder breakouts are covered on our general acne treatment
page.
Our approach
Medical care for deep acne
Cystic acne needs a doctor-led plan. Your treatment combines several of these, reviewed as your skin responds.
Steroid cyst injection
A small, dilute steroid injection into a painful cyst can reduce swelling and pain, usually within a few days.
Potenza
Radiofrequency microneedling can help reduce oil-gland activity and inflammation and support skin repair.
Calming laser
Gentle laser treatment on our Clarity platform can help calm active inflammation and redness.
Gentle extraction & care
Careful clearing of surface congestion and barrier-friendly care, without squeezing deep cysts.
Scar prevention
Once acne is controlled, we plan treatment for marks and texture to protect long-term skin quality.
What to expect
Fewer, smaller cysts
Drag the handle to compare. Deep breakouts settle gradually as medication and in-clinic care reduce inflammation.
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Before
After 3 months
Illustration for explanation only — not a patient photograph. Individual results vary; real case photos are shown during your consultation.
Is it right for you?
Good candidates
- Recurrent deep, painful cysts or nodules
- Hormonal acne along the jaw and chin
- Acne leaving scars or dark marks
- Acne that hasn't improved with topical treatment alone
- Visitors who can follow a medication plan at home with local follow-up
Isotretinoin requires monitoring and strict pregnancy prevention; we will discuss whether it is suitable and how to continue safely after you fly home.
Safety first
Possible side effects
In-clinic treatments may cause temporary redness, tenderness or small scabs. Steroid injections can occasionally cause a small dip in the skin (atrophy) or lightening at the injection site, which usually improves over months; we use dilute doses to reduce this.
Oral medicines have specific side effects — for example, dryness and sun sensitivity with isotretinoin, or stomach upset with antibiotics. Your doctor will explain these and monitor you.
Isotretinoin and some other acne medicines must not be used during pregnancy. Please tell us about pregnancy plans, current medication and any mental-health history.
Your visit
How treatment works at Nest Clinic
Consultation
Detailed history, skin exam and acne severity check.
Doctor plan
Medication and in-clinic treatment tailored to you.
Cyst care
Injection or calming treatment for active cysts.
Device session
Potenza or laser in about 20–45 minutes.
Follow-up
Regular reviews and a plan for home continuation.
Medical reviewer · Medical Doctor
Dr. Hee-in Song
Dr. Song graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine and is a member of Korean societies for laser, skin and hair medicine and aesthetic medicine. She focuses on skin-quality treatments — lasers, acne and pigmentation care. Nest Clinic is led entirely by women doctors, with one-to-one consultations.
Seoul National Univ. College of Medicine
Korean Society for Laser, Skin & Hair
Korean Society of Aesthetic Surgery
Korean Academy of Facial Filler
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Hee-in Song in October 2026. It is for general information and does not replace an in-person diagnosis.
FAQ
Cystic Acne questions, answered
Can a cyst be treated the same day?
Often yes. A dilute steroid injection can help a single painful cyst settle within a few days, which is useful before an event or flight.
Do I need isotretinoin?
Not always. It is considered for severe, scarring or treatment-resistant acne. Your doctor will discuss benefits, risks and monitoring before prescribing.
How long until it improves?
Most people see meaningful improvement within 8–12 weeks of consistent treatment. Results vary with hormones and the medication used.
Should I squeeze a cyst?
No. Squeezing deep cysts pushes inflammation further and raises the risk of scarring and dark marks. Let a doctor treat it.
I'm only visiting Seoul. Can I continue treatment at home?
Yes. We provide a written English summary of your diagnosis, medication and plan so your local doctor can continue care.
Will my scars be treated too?
Once active acne is controlled, we can plan acne scar treatment
such as fractional laser or subcision.
Related treatments
Explore acne and clear-skin care
Consultation
Get your cystic acne under control
Send a photo on WhatsApp for a first opinion in English, then book a consultation with our doctors.
Nest Clinic Gangnam · 4F–5F Seocho Building, 453 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Sinnonhyeon Station Exit 7 · Gangnam Station Exit 10
Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–17:00 · Sun closed
Results differ from person to person. All medical procedures carry potential risks and side effects; a doctor will explain them before treatment. Information on this page is educational and not a substitute for a personal medical consultation.
Cost of Levulan PDT (Photodynamic Therapy)
₩150,000 to ₩300,000 per session
(Approximately
$110 to $220 USD per session)
Cost of Gold PTT (Photothermal Therapy)
₩200,000 to ₩400,000 per session
(Approximately $150 to $300 USD)
Cost of Thermage Lift treatment
₩1,500,000 to ₩4,000,000 per session
(Approximately $1,100 to $3,000 USD)
