A quick steroid injection directly into keloids, raised scars, cystic acne and other lesions, treating the spot without medicating the whole body, at Glow Theory in Carlsbad.
Medical dermatology
An intralesional injection is an injection of steroids directly into a lesion to treat a lesion without dispersing medication throughout the body. At Glow Theory Aesthetic & Dermatology Studio, we believe in using the power of science to enhance our patients’ natural beauty and boost their overall confidence. Our warm aesthetics experts are proud to offer intralesional injection and other cutting-edge medical dermatology treatments to patients in Carlsbad (La Costa), Encinitas and the neighboring communities of Rancho Santa Fe, Oceanside, Solana Beach and Del Mar, California.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Sykes, MD, Medical Director · Updated October 12, 2026
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Send us your details and our team will call you to find a time that suits you. Your visit starts with a consultation with our dermatology team, who examine your skin, explain your options and confirm costs before any treatment.
Intralesional Injections
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Financing available on treatments of $2,000 or more
What it treats
Intralesional injections are recommended for:
Intralesional Injection Carlsbad
Your providers
Founder & CEO
Insiyah has spent more than 15 years in medical dermatology and aesthetics. She completed a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Fellowship at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, affiliated with the Harvard Dermatology Residency, and founded Glow Theory to bring that clinical standard to aesthetic care in Carlsbad.
Medical director
Dr. Sykes is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of practice. He is the former Director of Facial Plastic Surgery at UC Davis and a Past President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and has trained many practitioners in facial anatomy and Botox injection technique.
Answered by Insiyah Darugar, MSN, FNP, founder and CEO
Intralesional treatment means injecting medicine directly into a skin lesion. In dermatology this is usually a corticosteroid such as triamcinolone, used to calm inflammation and flatten thick tissue in keloids, raised scars, cystic acne, granuloma annulare and psoriasis plaques, without medicating the whole body.
Most people feel a quick pinch and brief stinging. The injection takes under five minutes, and any soreness passes quickly. If you are worried about discomfort, let us know and we can numb the area first.
The steroid suppresses local inflammation and slows the build-up of collagen, so thick, raised tissue softens and flattens. Inflamed cysts often settle within a few days; keloids and thick scars usually need a series of injections a few weeks apart. Steroid injections are also used for patchy hair loss (alopecia areata).
Side effects are usually mild: brief stinging, redness or a small bruise. Repeated injections in the same spot can occasionally cause skin thinning, lighter skin or small visible blood vessels, so we space treatments and use the lowest effective dose.
Pricing varies by lesion type and the number of sessions. Medical dermatology visits at Glow Theory are $150–$375; contact us for a quote.
