Kenalog Injections

When the body injures itself, it undergoes extreme stress. The adrenal gland produces a hormone called cortisol to combat this stress. It works as a stress reliever and reduces inflammation. The cortisone steroid is a synthetic version of the cortisol hormone. When injected into the blemish, it quickly reduces the inflammation, pain, and redness. After you get the shot, you will notice your blemish softening, shrinking, and flattening in the next 24 hours. They may not completely disappear, but they will be noticeably smaller, less red, and less painful. Most blemishes heal within a week after treatment. Corticosteroid shots are also used to help shrink hypertrophic and keloid scars.

What is a Kenalog Injection?

Kenalog injections are used to treat severe and deep-tissue acne. Cysts or nodules develop on the face or other areas in severe acne. Cysts are deep, painful, pus-filled lesions. Nodules are big, painful, solid lesions lodged deep within the skin. Cysts and nodules are difficult to remove with common acne treatments. Deep-tissue acne is a painful condition and lasts for months. It can cause permanent scarring if left untreated.

Kenalog injections don't work on your normal pimples or pustules. They do not reduce or treat the pus that makes up the core of a pimple. But it shrinks inflamed tissue. So cortisone shots are reserved for large, cystic blemishes. Kenalog injections are only used to treat blemishes on the face and the body. It also reduces the chance of scarring, which is especially valuable if you are prone to hyperpigmentation (darkening skin) after a breakout.

Benefits of Cortisone Shots

PRP treatment has many benefits. It stimulates collagen and fatty tissue production, so your skin looks smooth and younger. PRP treatment can dramatically reverse aging signs in one session, but 3 or more sessions are be needed for stubborn scars and stretch marks. It can reduce sagging and add plum. PRP gives a more tightened and lifted look. It also improves skin texture and reduces acne scars. Many doctors use it to treat skin issues like hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun spots. PRP can make your skin tone even. Besides the skin, PRP can accelerate healing in many body areas, including hair follicles. It is used to reduce hair loss and increase the diameter of hairs and the density of hair growth.

Acne

Kenalog injections penetrate more deeply than just the top layer of skin. So, it is much more effective than topical solutions to treat cystic acne infections and prevent scar formation.

Scars

Kenalog injections can improve the appearance of keloid and hypertrophic scars that have formed as a result of acne. Keloid scars are overgrown areas of scar tissue. They are formed at the site of a previous injury, such as a pimple, wound, or incision. Hypertrophic scars are red, raised scars filled with excessive collagen. They reduce their redness and inflammation and make these scars less noticeable.

Why do I need Kenalog Injections?

You may ask your provider about kenalog injections if:

What happens when I get a Kenalog injections?

The procedure is quick and is done at a provider's office. When used to treat acne, cortisone is injected directly into the affected area, where it starts to reduce inflammation. The provider injects a very diluted corticosteroid directly into the blemish. They use much smaller needles to inject cortisone than those used for vaccinations or blood draws. It is a micro-needle designed to enter the skin with minimal pain.

Do Kenalog injection hurt?

The Kenalog injection can hurt when placed into a cyst or nodule if the pimple is large and painful. To reduce pain, your provider may use a local anesthetic (topical lidocaine) to numb the skin before giving the shot. Multiple treatments in the same area are unnecessary because cortisone produces results immediately. Tell your doctor if you have a fear or anxiety about getting shot. They will help you relax and feel comfortable about getting a cortisone shot.

How can I take care after getting shot?

After receiving an injection, follow after-care to reduce the risk of complications and get the best results. The provider may recommend not engaging in strenuous activity 24 hours after the shot.

Keep the treated area untouched; avoid scratching or squeezing.
If your provider recommends, apply ice wrapped in a cloth or cold pack to the treated area for 10-15 minutes. This can help reduce swelling and pain.
Gently clean the skin with mild soap and water.
Minimize the exposure to sunlight and excessive heat. Use high-SPF sunscreen and wear covered clothing, such as hats and long sleeves, if you must go out.

What are the side effects?

Kenalog injections may sound like a magic wand as they quickly heal big blemishes. However, this procedure still must be used with care because it can cause side effects. The most common is pitting of the skin. This occurs when too much cortisone or a strong solution is used. It can leave a visible depression around the injection site. It usually goes away on its own or takes time (up to 6 months). Sometimes, this loss of tissue is permanent. Severe acne breakouts often cause depressed or pitted acne scars. Dermal fillers may be a good solution in these cases. Cortisone shots can sometimes leave a lighter skin spot ( hypopigmentation), especially for people with medium to dark complexions. This is temporary and resolves on its own over time.