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A deep chemical skin peel, or phenol peel, is the strongest
of chemical peels, and is reserved for individuals with deep
wrinkles from sun exposure or is used to treat skin wrinkling
around the lips and chin area. The procedure diminishes imperfections
in sun-damaged, unevenly pigmented, or coarsely wrinkled facial
areas by peeling away the skin’s top layers.
Technique:
A full-face deep chemical peel takes 1 to 2 hours to perform.
A more limited procedure (such as treatment of wrinkling above
the lip) will generally take less than a half-hour. A solution
is applied to the area to be treated (avoiding the eyes, brows
and lips). There is a slight burning sensation, but it is minimal
since the solution also acts as an anesthetic. After the peel
solution has worked on the skin, it is neutralized with water.
Approximately one hour later, a thick coating of petroleum jelly
is layered over the patient’s face, covering the protective
crust which develops rapidly over the area. This stays in place
for 1 to 2 days. In an alternative technique, the patient’s
face is covered by a "mask," composed of strips of
adhesive tape, with openings for the eyes and mouth (this is
particularly effective in cases of severe wrinkling).
Some patients experience discomfort after a deep chemical
peel, but this can be controlled with medication. A few days
after the procedure, new skin with a bright pink color akin
to sunburn will emerge; the pinkness will fade within a few
days. Post-operative puffiness will also subside in a few
days, but the skin will remain sensitive. Patients should
avoid exposure to sunlight and continue to use sun block.
Benefits:
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Effects of a phenol chemical peel are
long lasting, and in some cases are still readily apparent
up to 20 years following the procedure. Improvements in
the patient’s skin can be quite dramatic. |
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Normal work schedule and other activities
can be resumed after 1 to 2 weeks. |
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Variants in the phenol peel formula can
create a milder solution for broader use. |
Other Considerations:
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Possible postoperative complications can
include scarring, infection or abnormal pigmentation.
Tends to have a bleaching effect, and patient may need
to wear make-up to match treated and untreated areas. |
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EKG monitoring is advised. |
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Cannot be used on the neck or other parts
of the patient’s body. |
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Not as effective in treating individuals
with dark, oily complexions. |
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Some facial skin disorders do not respond
to chemical peeling. |
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Skin pores may appear larger, and the skin
may not tan properly. |
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Can activate latent cold sore infections. |
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All forms of deep skin peels include the
risk of delayed healing and scarring. |
ASAPS Position:
The effectiveness of phenol chemical peeling has been proven
in clinical studies over the last 30 years. Because they are
serious procedures, it is ASAPS’ position that phenol
chemical peels should only be performed under the direction
of a qualified physician.
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Content provided by The
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
For advertising info, please contact Terry McGovern terry.mcgovern@latimes.com at (213) 473-2599
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