Even-toned, smooth skin for up to ten years

For years, surgeons and dermatologists have relied on chemical peels to resurface tired, aging, and sun-damaged skin. With their Houston phenol peel, Dr. Sam Sukkar and his staff at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery have seen incredible results firsthand. Patients with resistant skin concerns such as advanced photodamage and moderate to severe wrinkles can reap the rewards. Dr. Sukkar and his practitioners have extensive training in skin rejuvenation treatments, including deep chemical peels in Harris County.

What is a phenol peel?

A phenol peel is a deep chemical peel that resurfaces the skin. Phenol can treat severe skin issues such as advanced photoaging, coarse wrinkles, and rough texture.

The phenol solution is applied topically. Essentially, it is a controlled burn that reacts chemically with the skin to instigate healing by sloughing away the skin cells. This shedding process triggers an influx of fresh, healthy skin cells that will replace the damaged tissue. It is an aggressive peel that offers drastic results, but the downtime is lengthy compared to lighter chemical peels.

A Houston phenol peel at The Clinic For Plastic Surgery is for patients seeking to improve:

Age spots
Pigmentation issues
Uneven skin texture
Advanced photo aging
Deep facial creases and fine lines

Houston Phenol Peels patient model wearing a bikini

Phenol Peel Benefits

Improving texture and tonality makes your skin look younger and more attractive, boosting self-confidence. The phenol peel offers dramatic skin improvement in a single procedure, correcting even the most severe skin concerns. The results last up to ten years on average with proper aftercare.

Stimulates collagen production and epidermal thickening
Improves skin color, clarity, and texture
Minimizes enlarged pores
Reduces discoloration caused by the sun

What is the difference between a phenol peel, AHA peel, and TCA peel?

AHA Peel

Light chemical peels are excellent for superficial skin concerns such as dullness and roughness. Low concentrations of acids are applied topically to remove the top layer of cells. Peeling is minimal, and patients are rewarded with a healthy, glass-smooth complexion in just a few days. AHA peels are ideal before special occasions when you need your skin to glow. Regular peels also help skincare products absorb better. Makeup goes on smoother, too.

TCA peel

This is a medium chemical peel that fades acne scars, improves skin texture, lightens superficial discoloration, and diminishes fine lines with TCA (trichloroacetic acid). After a week of peeling, a vibrant, baby-smooth complexion takes the place of rough, uneven skin.

Phenol peel

This deep chemical peel is a minimally invasive treatment that resurfaces the skin on a deeper level. While the results are considerably more impressive than light peels, phenol peels are only for patients with extensive skin concerns, such as sun damage and certain types of scarring. Patients must be willing to take time off work and social events for several weeks as the skin crusts, swells, and peels substantially.

Phenol Peel Candidates

Phenol penetrates deep into the skin, and some of it may absorb into the bloodstream. Patients with severe medical conditions are generally not ideal candidates. Pregnant or nursing women should not have chemical peels. Other restrictions may apply.

Phenol can bleach the skin, so it is not for individuals with dark or tanned complexions. The best candidates have Fitzpatrick skin types I, II, or III. Melanin production decreases after a phenol peel, so the treated skin may lose the ability to tan.

Consultation

After listening to your concerns and goals for phenol peels Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Sukkar will conduct a skin evaluation, review your medical history, and determine your Fitzpatrick skin type. With this information, he will determine the best skin rejuvenation treatment for your needs.

Preparing for Your Phenol Peel

Recovery, in most cases, is about two weeks of social downtime. Patients who are found to be a candidate for the procedure will come in for a formal pre-operative appointment with the nurse to go over how to prepare for their procedure properly.

In addition, patients will be instructed to quit smoking, avoid tanning/overexposure of the sun, and discontinue certain medications/over-the-counter supplements temporarily.

To ensure the Phenol Peel evenly penetrates the skin and patients have the most optimal outcome, a precise pre-treatment skincare regimen of prescription grade products is provided to the patient. Patients must begin pre-treating their skin approximately 2-8+ weeks before undergoing the Phenol Peel. Each product serves a vital role in improving the skin's health, regulating the skin cells to allow the peel to penetrate more evenly, and ensuring they positively respond to the peel for expedited healing. On the day of your procedure, please arrive without any makeup or products applied to the skin.

Phenol Peel Treatment

Dr. Sukkar performs the Phenol Peel himself. Due to the extent of the peel and to ensure patient comfort, this procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Dr.Sukkar begins by prepping the skin with a solution to degrease and disinfect. He then applies different strengths of the Phenol Peel to various areas of the face depending on the required correction level. As a result, the skin will begin to frost or turn white. Once the procedure is completed, the skin is coated in an occlusive ointment (Aquaphor/Vaseline) to act as a barrier.

Phenol Peel Recovery

A full recovery can take up to three months. Most of the healing takes place during the first six weeks. Your skin may crust, ooze, itch, sting, swell, and peel. Redness, similar to sunburn, can last up to 120 days. Avoid picking at or peeling your skin as it flakes off, which may cause scars or infection.

Dr. Sukkar administers marcaine nerve blocks to the facial sensory nerves, making the patient more comfortable for hours following the procedure. Because there can be some discomfort during the recovery, each patient receives a post-operative pain management protocol that includes prescription medications. You should be able to resume some of your regular daily activities after two weeks.

Phenol Peel Aftercare: Do’s and Dont’s

Stay hydrated
Wait 24 hours to shower
Follow detailed post-operative instructions as directed
Do not pick your skin as it heals
Take medications as prescribed
Limit exercise and avoid saunas
Do not consume foods high in sodium
Avoid direct sun exposure for six months
Apply skin balms or ointments as directed
Sleep on your back with your head elevated
Apply cold compresses to relieve itching and burning
Do not let the water stream directly on your face during showers

Results

The phenol peel before and after results are dramatic. Early results appear after six weeks, but it may take three months to appreciate the full results. With proper skincare, most patients can expect their phenol peel results to last up to a decade. Use SPF daily to prevent future sun damage from occurring.

Phenol Peels FAQs

How much does a phenol peel cost?

Nationally, the average cost of a phenol peel varies widely due to several factors such as; the type of anesthesia, your provider’s experience level, location of the practice, and aftercare costs.

Does my insurance cover a phenol peel?

Insurance does not cover chemical peels done for cosmetic reasons.

How soon can I return to work after a phenol peel?

Plan to take at least two weeks off of work and socializing.

How painful is a phenol peel?

Marcaine is used during the procedure to relieve pain and discomfort, making the phenol peel process itself painless. This facial sensory nerve block will last a few hours following the procedure. In addition, every patient receives a post-operative pain management protocol that includes prescription medications to help with discomfort during recovery.

Is a phenol peel safe for pregnant women?

Pregnant and nursing women should not try chemical peels.

What are the risks of a phenol peel?

Possible risks include discoloration, infection, and scarring. Your skin may also lose the ability to tan.

Are phenol peel results permanent?

The results can last up to ten years with proper skincare and daily sunscreen.

How should I sleep after a phenol peel?

Sleep with your head elevated on pillows to reduce swelling.

See the Difference for Yourself.

The Clinic for Plastic Surgery loves to be a part of our patients’ journeys. That starts with a consultation. No matter which path you choose, you will feel more knowledgeable and confident about your decision after a meeting with our board-certified Houston plastic surgeons. Schedule a consultation today.

14018 Aesthetic Circle, Houston, TX 77062

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Phenol Peels in Houston, TX