Phenol peeling is an aesthetic treatment that is done with the application of a specific type of acid on the skin, to remove the damaged layers and promote the growth of a smooth layer, being recommended for cases of skin severely damaged by the sun, wrinkles deeper scars, blemishes, or pre-cancerous growths. Because they have dramatic results, only one treatment is necessary, and the results last for years.
In comparison to other chemical peels, phenol peeling is deeper and more aggressive, in which the skin layers of the epidermis and portions of the middle and lower layer of the dermis are removed.
How much does phenol peeling cost
Phenol peeling can cost around R $ 12,000.00, however, other fees associated with the procedure, such as anesthesia, use of the operating room and possible hospitalization, may be charged.
How the treatment is done
Peeling with phenol is carried out under carefully monitored conditions in a doctor's office. The patient is subjected to sedation and local anesthesia to relieve discomfort, and the heart rate is also monitored.
The doctor uses a cotton-tipped applicator to apply the phenol to the skin, which will start to turn white or gray. To limit exposure to phenol, the doctor can apply the phenol at intervals of about 15 minutes, and a complete facial procedure can take about 90 minutes.
How to prepare
As it is a very invasive procedure, before opting for phenol peeling, you must inform the doctor about heart, kidney or liver conditions, or any cosmetic procedures that have been used in the past, make a prior preparation:
- Take antivirals before and after the procedure, if you have a history of herpes infections in your mouth, in order to prevent a viral infection;
- Use a bleaching agent, such as hydroquinone and a retinoid cream such as tretinoin, before or after the procedure to prevent skin darkening;
- Avoid unprotected sun exposure, using sunscreen at least four weeks before peeling, to help prevent uneven pigmentation in treated areas;
- Avoid certain cosmetic treatments and certain types of hair removal;
- Avoid bleaching, massages or facial smears in the previous week.
If you are taking any medication, or if you have taken any medication recently, especially those that make your skin more sensitive to the sun, you should also inform your doctor.
Before and after phenol peeling
After the phenol peel, a great improvement in the appearance of the treated areas can be seen, revealing a new layer of smooth skin, providing a dramatic rejuvenation. After healing is complete, the skin becomes clearer and brighter, more elastic and the appearance of deep wrinkles and severe discoloration is significantly reduced.
Although the results can last for decades, making the person look younger, they may not be permanent. As you get older, wrinkles will continue to form. New sun damage can also reverse your results and cause changes in your skin color.
How is recovery
Being a very deep treatment, which results in redness with severe swelling and a burning sensation, the phenol peeling requires a long and uncomfortable recovery, compared to the lighter ones, requiring a recovery at home of at least a week .
Many side effects can be minimized if the doctor's instructions are followed, such as sleeping in a position that helps to reduce swelling, taking painkillers and applying a waterproof dressing. Sun exposure should also be avoided for about three months after peeling, as the skin is unable to tan, and sunscreen should always be applied before leaving the house.
The new skin appears about two weeks after the peeling, however, cysts or white spots may appear, and the redness can last for months. These signs can be masked with cosmetics, after the new skin is formed.
Who should not do
A phenol peel should not be done by people with:
- Dark skin;
- Face pale and freckled;
- Keloid scars;
- Abnormal pigmentation of the skin
- Facial warts
- Personal history of frequent or serious outbreaks of wounds;
- Heart problems;
In addition, people who have had acne treatments, such as isotretinoin, in the past 6 months should also not opt for this type of peeling.
This procedure can cause scarring and changes in the color of the skin, the darkening of the skin being more common in this type of peeling, infection by virus that causes wounds, or even heart, kidney or liver disease. Therefore, to limit exposure to phenol, the peeling is done in portions, at intervals of 10 to 20 minutes.
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