With so many chemical peel formulas out there, it’s challenging to know which one will help your particular skin condition and aesthetic goals. They’re designed to be highly customizable to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, sun damage, and scars and improve uneven skin tone and texture. Dr. Adam Stein is certified for the application of the deepest of chemical peels: the phenol peel.
What is a Phenol Peel?
The skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. The damage the environment and sun do to our skin affects the epidermis most, then portions of the dermis. The phenol peel is the chemical peel that goes deep enough to improve the dermis, not just the epidermis. For this, patients need a practitioner of Dr. Stein’s expertise to rejuvenate the appearance of coarse wrinkles, significantly aged skin, and deep acne scars.
It works by penetrating the dermis with phenol (aka carbolic acid), where it interacts with the damaged tissues, removing them for the skin to heal and repair. During the healing process, broken and weak collagen fibers are replaced in the dermis, which provides a better structure for the epidermis above.
The imperfections of the epidermis—wrinkles, scarring, textural irregularities, and extensive sun damage—are diminished as the acid removes the outermost layers. This reveals renewed, refreshed, and beautiful-looking skin.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Phenol Peel?
The ideal candidate for this procedure is light-toned or of fairly complexion and wants significant improvement in a single procedure. Phenol peels can take some time to recover from, so the best candidates are those committed to seeing extensive improvements in their skin and are prepared to go through the healing process to achieve those results. Dr. Stein’s specialized training with this peel and its effects give him a distinct advantage over other practices performing deep peels, and he can answer all your questions during your comprehensive consultation.
What is a Phenol Peel Like?
All procedures performed at Stein Plastic Surgery occur in our state-of-the-art accredited surgical suite on an outpatient basis, even phenol peels. Because phenol peels go as deep as they do, you’ll likely be given general anesthesia and monitored during your procedure to ensure your safety. So you will be unaware of the steps of treatment as Dr. Stein applies the phenol to your skin. After the prescribed amount of time, the acid will be neutralized, and your skin will be soothed with a specialized serum to keep it moisturized.
What is Phenol Peel Recovery Like?
It is completely normal to experience “frosting” of your skin, as well as redness, swelling, stinging, crusting, and skin flaking. These are relatively common side effects and will subside as you heal, requiring about 2-3 weeks before they’re cleared up, though the redness may linger and fade over a few months. The peeling should be complete within a few days, during which time we will instruct you on how to keep your skin moisturized. Avoiding sun exposure for weeks following your phenol peel is crucial. You can resume normal activities about 2 weeks following your treatment.
What Results Can I Expect From a Phenol Peel?
Within 2-3 weeks, your skin will begin to glow, appearing smoother, tighter, and with less sun damage. These improvements can last for years after a single treatment, giving your skin a more youthful glow and a smoother, supple appearance.
In Dr. Stein’s hands, a phenol peel can significantly diminish deep wrinkles, sun damage, and scarring while simultaneously rebooting your collagen fiber network and its support of your skin. You’ll look vibrant and youthful for years to come.
Take the Next Step
Ready to learn more about a phenol peel? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Stein at Stein Plastic Surgery based in Raleigh, NC today! Simply fill out the form on this page or give us a call at (919) 261-7099.
