Question:
What is a phenol peel and what is it best for treating? Is it true that it’s the most extreme of the facial peels?
Answer:
Phenol peels are best for treating: Deep wrinkles, severely sun damaged skin, pre-cancerous growths (keratoses), or deep acne scars. Phenol is also known as carbolic acid, and is the strongest chemical peel solution available. and the most extreme. Because phenol is a relatively toxic chemical, exposure to high concentrations can lead to health risks, therefore an experienced doctor should use it carefully under a controlled environment. Unlike the other chemical skin peels, phenol peels are usually performed under at least a mild sedation or even general anesthesia with proper cardiac monitoring during the procedure. The procedure for full face, takes about one hour, although peels can be performed on isolated areas such as the upper lip in a shorter amount of time. Post-peel recuperation is normally about 2-3 weeks with a tightening, redness, and a gradual fading to white over a few months.
The visible improvement from a phenol peel can last for decades. The long-term results of this peel are superior to other peels, and comparative to CO2 laser resurfacing, with CO2 being the more easily controlled procedure of the two. On the other hand, because of its strength, phenol chemical peels present a greater risk of complications, and more noticeable side effects. The most consistent side effect of phenol chemical peels is permanent lightening of the skin. Because of this, the procedure is not suggested for individuals with dark skin tones. Other serious side effects are possible including scarring and discomfort, with increased sun sensitivity. Patients interested in receiving a phenol chemical peel should consult a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist to determine if they are a good candidate or not.
Generally our doctors do not perform phenol peels due to the toxicity, the high risk of scarring, and the unpredictable nature of this deep peel, however Dr. Amron does perform Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, an ablative laser which is as deep, but much more predictable than phenol as the depths can be controlled according to the settings on the laser machine. He also offers a high strength, non-buffered TCA, which is less aggressive than phenol, but still considered a deep peel. In addition I offer a buffered Esthetician strength TCA that is a nice alternative with less down time than the physician strength TCA. I hope you find this information useful.
Thank you,
