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Phenol Peels
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process.
Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep peel. It is used mainly to treat patients with course facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure, or pr-cancerous growths. Since phenol sometimes lightens the treated areas, your skin pigmentation may be a determining factor as to whether or not this is an appropriate treatment for you. Phenol is primarily used on the face; scarring may result if it's applied to the neck or other body areas.
All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk
Chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.
Uses:
*Corrects blotches caused by: sun exposure, birth control pills, aging
*Smooths out course wrinkles
*Removes pre-cancerous growths
Considerations:
*Used on the face only
*Not recommended for dark-skinned indiviuals
*Procedure may pose risk for patients with heart problems
*Full-face treatment may take one hour or more
*Recovery may be slow-complete healing may take several months
*May permanently remove facial freckles
*Sun protection, including sunblock, must always be used
*Results are dramatic and long lasting
*Permanent skin lightening and lines of demarcation may occur
Anesthesia isn't required for phenol peels because the chemical solution acts as an anesthetic. However, sedation may be used before and during the procedure to relax you and keep you comfortable.
Typically the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then the surgeon will carefully apply the phenol solution. You may feel a stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied, but this feeling will quickly pass. The treated area may may be coated with petroleum jelly or a waterproof adhesive tape.
After treatment, doctor may prescribe a pain medication to releive any tingling or throbbing you may feel. A crust or scab will form on the treated area. To help skin heal properly it is important to follow doctors specific post operative instructions. You may become quite swollen, eyes may even be wollen shut temporarily. You will need someone to care for you for a day or two.
New skin will begin to form in about seven to ten days. Your face will be very red at first, gradually fading to a pinkish color over the following weeks to months. During this time it is especially important you use sunblock or blotchy irregular skin coloring may result. About two weeks after treatment your skin will be healed enough for you to wear makeup.
Robert L. Youngblood, M.D.
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Board Certified by the ASPS
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