Cystic Acne Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul
Deep, painful breakouts deserve prompt, expert care. Our board-certified dermatologists work to settle inflamed lesions and build a longer-term plan to help reduce new cysts and the risk of scarring.
- Board-certified dermatologists
- TA injection from ₩10,000 (VAT excl.)
- Downtime: usually minimal
- EN · 中文 · 日本語
What is cystic acne treatment, and is it right for me?
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne with deep, painful, inflamed lumps under the skin that are more likely to leave scars. At Liftique, a dermatologist may combine anti-inflammatory (TA) injections, a weekly acne program including Potenza RF, and isotretinoin where suitable. Most people resume daily activities the same day, improvement is gradual, and injections start from ₩10,000 per area.
Settle painful cysts and protect your skin from scarring
Cystic (nodulocystic) acne develops when inflammation forms deep within blocked hair follicles. Instead of surface spots, you may notice large, tender lumps that are slow to settle, often on the face, chest, back or shoulders. Because the inflammation sits deep in the skin, it is more likely to damage surrounding tissue and leave scars.
Cystic acne rarely responds well to over-the-counter products alone, and squeezing cysts can make them worse. Patient health guidance generally recommends seeing a dermatologist for severe acne, and early, effective treatment is one of the most useful ways to limit scarring.
Deep, tender lumps
Large, painful nodules or cysts under the skin that do not come to a head.
Repeated flare-ups
Cysts that keep returning in the same areas, such as the jawline and cheeks.
Acne that has not responded
Breakouts that continue despite consistent skincare and over-the-counter treatment.
Early scarring
New marks or indentations appearing as cysts heal are a sign to seek care sooner.
One inflamed lesion
A dermatologist may use an anti-inflammatory injection to help a single inflamed lesion settle.
A combined, supervised plan
In-clinic treatment plus prescription medication when suitable, under dermatologist supervision.
How Liftique treats cystic acne
-
Diagnosis
Your dermatologist examines the skin, with 2D Mark-Vu analysis, to assess the depth and pattern of your acne, distinguish it from other conditions, and review your medications and health history.
-
Calming active inflammation
Intralesional anti-inflammatory (TA) injection may be used for inflamed lesions. The extraction range is planned individually, so each lesion is treated in the way that suits it.
-
Treating the acne cycle
A weekly program may include scaling, extraction, GV laser, toning or Clarity laser and Potenza RF microneedling, which has an acne mode that targets the oil (sebaceous) glands.
-
Medication and follow-up
Where a dermatologist judges it suitable, isotretinoin may be prescribed with appropriate monitoring. We review progress at each visit and can follow up by photo after you return home.
Cystic acne treatment price in Seoul
Treatment is built from the clinic's listed acne options. Prescription medication, where needed, is discussed at consultation.
| Option | Price (KRW, VAT excl.) |
|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory injection (TA), per area | ₩10,000 |
| Anti-inflammatory injection (TA), per area from the 3rd area | ₩5,000 |
| Acne Care: extraction, GA peel, cryo, regenerative LED, clay mask and TA injection | ₩120,000 |
| Acne Package, 5 sessions (session 1: Potenza, scaling, TA injection and prescription) | ₩1,790,000 |
All prices exclude 10% VAT; final cost confirmed at your in-person consultation. Full acne treatment price list
Some medical (non-cosmetic) dermatology visits may be partly covered by Korea's National Health Insurance for eligible Korean residents. Coverage depends on your status and the treatment, so please ask us whether insurance applies before your visit; we cannot promise coverage.
Plan your visit
| Sessions | Weekly sessions; the standard acne package is 5 sessions |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the program |
| Downtime | Usually back to daily life the same day; temporary redness, and possible tenderness or bruising at injection sites |
| Results | Improvement is gradual with repeated treatment; results vary with severity |
| Stay in Seoul | Diagnosis and a first session can be done in one visit; a full program needs weekly visits. Doctor follow-up by photo is available after you fly home. |
| Aftercare | Soothing care is included in every session. Avoid squeezing lesions, keep skincare gentle and use daily sun protection. |
Safety, risks and aftercare
Treating severe acne involves a balance of benefits and risks. Your dermatologist will explain the options that suit your skin and health.
- Temporary redness, tenderness and possible small bruises after extraction or injection.
- TA injections can occasionally cause a temporary dent (atrophy) or lighter patch at the injection site.
- Laser and RF treatment can cause short-lived redness and fine crusting.
- Isotretinoin commonly causes dryness of the lips, skin and eyes, needs doctor supervision and must not be taken during pregnancy.
- Cystic acne can leave scars even with treatment; existing scars may be treated separately once acne is under control.
- Tell us about all medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and any history of keloid scars.
Cystic acne FAQs
What is the difference between cystic acne and regular acne?
Common acne mainly causes blackheads, whiteheads and small red spots near the surface. Cystic acne causes larger, deeper, painful lumps under the skin. Because the inflammation sits deeper, it is more likely to scar and usually needs a dermatologist.
Can you inject a painful cyst to help it settle?
An intralesional anti-inflammatory (TA) injection may help an inflamed lesion settle, and it is priced from ₩10,000 per area. Your dermatologist will decide whether it is suitable, as injections are not right for every lesion.
Should I squeeze or pop a cyst?
Please do not. Squeezing deep acne can push inflammation further into the skin and increase the risk of scarring and infection. Let a dermatologist decide how each lesion should be treated.
Is isotretinoin used for cystic acne?
Isotretinoin is a well-established prescription treatment for severe acne, and our dermatologists may include it in a staged plan when suitable. It requires regular medical supervision and must not be taken during pregnancy. If you live abroad, we will discuss how it can be safely monitored.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Improvement is gradual. Our acne program runs as weekly sessions, typically 5 in a package, and the skin calms in line with its natural renewal cycle. Results vary depending on severity.
Can I treat cystic acne during a short trip to Seoul?
You can start during a short stay, for example with diagnosis, a care session and anti-inflammatory injections. Lasting control usually needs a longer plan, so we can follow up by photo after you return home and advise on continuing care.
Will insurance cover cystic acne treatment?
Some medical dermatology care may be partly covered by Korea's National Health Insurance for eligible Korean residents. It depends on your status and the treatment, so please ask us whether insurance applies; we cannot promise coverage.
Reviewed by our board-certified dermatologists
Medically reviewed by Dr. Yong-yon Won · Last reviewed October 2026
Plan your cystic acne treatment with a board-certified dermatologist
Send photos and travel dates; we reply with a suggested plan and cost.