What Are Phenol Face Peels?

A chemical peel promotes facial rejuvenation, a process that gives the skin a refreshed and more youthful appearance. A phenol face peel is a deep chemical peel. During a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to then face, then removed after some time. This procedure causes the top layer of the skin to peel off, so that new skin can develop. Phenol is the chemical solution used for phenol face peels.

History

According to the book "Color Atlas of Cemical Peels," a New York dermatologist named George Miller Mackee started using phenol as a peeling agent 100 years ago. During the 1940s and 1950s, phenol peels were done by individuals with no medical education. In the 1960s, two American surgeons made the phenol peel medically legitimate by discussing it at national meetings and demonstrating its effectiveness. Since then, other authors have helped phenol peels acquire a respectable place in the field of aesthetic surgery.

Indications

The phenol peel os used only on the face. If a phenol peel is done on the neck or hands, scarring may occur. This type of peel is not recommended for dark skinned individuals because of the risk of hypopigmentation. Patients with heart problems may not be good candidates for this procedure as it has adverse effects on the heart.

Effects

A phenol face peel affects your epidermis and the dermis. It can be done with pure phenol or phenol mixed with other substances like olive oil and soap. These mixtures are formulas with names like Baker-Gordon, Venner-Kellson, Maschek-Truppman and Grade formulas. Phenol acts as an anesthetic, so you may feel only a slight stinging sensation when it is applied. After the peel, you may experience swelling, redness, crusting and peeling of the skin. Your skin may have a sunburned appearance as it heals and this could last for about two to three months. A phenol peel may inhibit the skin from producing melanin, which may cause permanent skin lightening.

Aftercare

According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, an hour after a phenol face peel procedure, a thick coating of petroleum jelly is layered over the face, to cover the protective crust which develops subsequently. This is removed after one or two days. Your face can also be covered with strips of adhesive tape instead of petroleum jelly. You may be given analgesics to help with any discomfort you may feel after the procedure and you should avoid exposing your face to sunlight and use sun block.

Benefits

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that phenol peels can correct blotches caused by sun exposure or aging, smooth out coarse wrinkles and remove pre-cancerous growth. According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the effects of a phenol chemical peel are long lasting, and in some cases can last up to 20 years after the procedure.

Complications

There are possible complications associated with a phenol face peel. Some of them are scarring, abnormal pigmentation or infection. A phenol face peel may cause cardiac arrhythmias and because of this, your cardiac or heart function may be monitored during the procedure.