Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep peel. It is used mainly to treat patients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure, or pre-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. With a phenol peel, the new skin frequently loses its ability to make pigment. This means that not only will the skin be lighter in color, but you will also have to protect it from the sun at all times.
Certain modified phenol peels are gentler and may be preferred in some circumstances. Phenol may pose a special risk for patients with a history of heart disease, so it is important to notify Dr. Branman of any heart problems during your consultation.
Benefits of the Phenol peel
- Corrects blotches caused by: sun exposure, birth-control pills, aging
- Smoothes out coarse wrinkles
- Removes pre-cancerous growths
- Used on the face only
- May permanently remove facial freckles
- Results are dramatic and long-lasting
The Phenol Chemical Peel Procedure
Typically, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then the phenol solution is applied. You may feel a stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied, but this feeling should subside quickly.
Dr. Branman may coat the treated area with petroleum jelly or a waterproof adhesive tape. With lighter peels, no covering is necessary. A full-face phenol peel generally takes one or two hours to perform, while a phenol peel to a smaller facial region (perhaps the skin above the upper lip) may take only 10 or 15 minutes. A single treatment usually suffices.
After the Phenol Peel
Your face may exhibit a noticeable amount of swelling after the peel. You will need someone to help care for you for a day or two. You may also be limited to a liquid diet and have to limit your activities during the first few days of recovery. With a phenol peel, 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 that you use a sunblock or blotchy, irregular skin coloring may result.
About two weeks after treatment, you may return to work and resume some of your normal activities. Your skin should be healed enough for you to wear makeup. (For makeup tips, ask your cosmetic surgeon for the ASPS brochure on camouflage cosmetics.)
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