It's well known fact that there are three basic types of chemical peels: superficial, medium and phenol chemical peel. The deepest and most powerful of them is phenol chemical peel.
Admit phenol chemical peel is used rather rarely because it is able to penetrate human skin so deeply so that it may cause extreme skin irritation and other side effects. Before deciding to use phenol chemical peel medical experts advise to take careful consideration of the procedure and possible risks and complications associated with this kind of treatment.
What is phenol chemical peel used for? As it has already been mentioned phenol usage cases include scars (often acne ones), wrinkles, sun damaged skin (leading to severe blotchiness), various pre-cancerous growths (keratoses), etc. As a matter of fact, phenol can permanently lighten skin areas and cause pigment discoloration. That's why it's evident that phenol chemical peel is a procedure which works best for people with fair skin. The procedure may result in skin loosing its ability to create pigmentation. Therefore sunscreens should be applied to provide a necessary level of skin protection. It's interesting to admit that only one treatment procedure of phenol chemical peel may lead to desired results achievement. It is known to last for several years.
Thus, phenol chemical peel is considered to be the strongest of chemical solutions used for skin peeling. Be aware that after phenol (also known in medicine as carbolic acid) has been applied on the skin the treated area will be red for one or two weeks. However, phenol chemical peel will result in permanently lighter and tighter skin.
Before having phenol chemical peel it's necessary to discuss with your doctor (surgeon) your health history, heart problems and diseases to prevent some possible risks. Be aware that phenol is a relatively toxic chemical, that's why being exposed to high concentrations it can lead to significant health risks (including corrosion of mucus membranes). Unlike other known types of chemical peels, phenol chemical peel requires mild sedation, proper cardiac monitoring and, of course, anesthetic during the procedure. Phenol chemical peel should be performed as an outpatient procedure in a specialized surgery center. It takes about an hour. At the same time be aware that a longer recuperation (which takes approximately two weeks) will be a must after the operation.
The statement about phenol chemical peel wouldn't be complete if we didn't mention that its results can be unquestionably superior to the other known peels. Phenol chemical peel presents a greater risk of serious complications and side effects. The most common of them are permanent skin lightening, scarring, increased sun sensitivity and other ones.
Thus, phenol chemical peel is still considered to be a safe procedure if it is being performed by experts. The greater success can be achieved with the greater depth of peeling.