Phenol Peels

Offered at our convenient location in Houston, TX

For years, The Clinic for Plastic Surgery has offered chemical peels as a way to predictably resurface the skin. Dr. Sam Sukkar and his patients have experienced the powerful skin-rejuvenating effects of chemical peels firsthand. While many Houston medical spas are equipped to offer light chemical peels, he has taken extra steps to receive advanced training in deep chemical peels. This has opened the doors for patients struggling with resistant skin issues such as sun damage and deep wrinkles to take advantage of chemical peel treatments.

Procedure

A phenol peel is a type of deep chemical peel that treats extensive skin issues such as photoaging, deep facial creases, and irregular texture.

The treatment involves applying a strong chemical, phenol, which goes deep into the skin to instigate healing. As the skin cells slough away, texture and tonality greatly improve. This is one of the most aggressive peels; A single phenol peel provides lasting improvements but is associated with prolonged downtime.

A Houston phenol peel with Dr. Sukkar can help you improve:

  • Dullness
  • Age spots
  • Post-acne marks
  • Rough skin texture
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Severe sun damage
  • Deep wrinkles and fine lines

Benefits

Improving your skin texture and tone can make you look younger and feel more attractive, which may boost your self-image and improve how others perceive you. A single phenol peel offers substantial skin improvements for even the most resistant skin issues, and the results can last up to ten years.

Peel Types

The AHA peel is a light chemical peel that can take place during your lunch hour. Light peels are a great way to prep your skin before a special event. The ingredients target superficial skin concerns by lifting away dead cells from the epidermis. These peels leave the skin glowing with minimal peeling. There may be a little redness afterward, but there is no downtime. An AHA peel does not target the deeper skin layers, so if you have severe sun damage or acne scars, you may need a deeper peel.

The TCA peel is a medium-depth peel. When applied to the skin, TCA (trichloroacetic acid) can fade acne scars, improve texture, lighten discoloration, and reduce fine lines. The treatment takes just 15 minutes, and the results are visible within a week as the outer layer of skin sloughs off to reveal a glowing, smooth complexion.

The Phenol Peel is a deep chemical peel. While the skin-resurfacing results are more impressive than lighter peels, it is not for the faint of heart. Patients must be willing to tolerate extended downtime. As the most aggressive type of peel, phenol penetrates the deepest skin layers to combat severe sun damage, coarse wrinkles, discoloration, and scarring.

Ideal Candidates

Phenol has a bleaching effect, so it is not recommended for individuals with darker skin tones. The ideal candidate has a Fitzpatrick skin type I to III. Patients who receive a phenol peel may lose the ability to tan.

Phenol is a powerful ingredient that penetrates deep into the skin. Some of it may be absorbed into the bloodstream. If you have a history of cardiac problems or other serious medical issues, you may not be a good candidate. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not undergo chemical peel treatments. Other restrictions may apply.

In the event a phenol peel is not right for you, Dr. Sukkar will offer personalized recommendations to help you achieve your skin goals.

Consultation & Preparation

After listening to your aesthetic concerns and goals, Dr. Sukkar will conduct a visual skin evaluation and discuss your medical history. He will ask a series of questions to assess your Fitzpatrick skin type and determine the best chemical peel for your skin.

To prepare for a phenol peel Houston patients should clear their schedule for at least two weeks. Dr. Sukkar may ask you to stop smoking, avoid tanning, and discontinue certain medications, supplements, exfoliants, and active skincare products for several weeks before your phenol peel. Arrive at your appointment with clean skin that is free of makeup.

Phenol Peels are only performed by Dr. Sukkar himself. He will administer anesthesia, ensuring a painless experience. After cleansing your skin, he will apply the phenol solution and set a timer. He will then deactivate the peel with water. The treatment finishes with a soothing occlusive ointment.

Recovery & Aftercare

You will want to avoid venturing out in public for at least two weeks. Some post-treatment sensitivity is expected. Dr. Sukkar may prescribe medications to make your recovery more comfortable.

Crusting, oozing, itching, stinging, swelling, and peeling are most pronounced for the first 14 days and may last up to six weeks. Redness can persist for up to three months. Do not pick at your skin as it heals.

While you may miss work and social events as your skin heals, use this downtime to your advantage. When you feel well enough, reading, catching up on emails, spending time with immediate family, and getting small projects done around the house are some ways to keep busy and stay entertained.

Avoid sun exposure, active skincare ingredients, and manual exfoliants. Patients should be diligent about using SPF daily. Sunscreen is also essential during the healing process to prevent burns, permanent discoloration, and scarring.

Results

The phenol peel downtime is lengthy, but the results are usually well worth it. A single peel yields dramatic results after approximately six weeks, including a smooth, refined texture and visibly brighter skin. The age-defying benefits can last up to ten years. Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to prolong your results as sun damage rapidly ages the skin.

Contact

If you are considering a phenol peel in Houston, TX, call (281) 940-1535 to set up your private consultation with award-winning plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Sukkar. He can tell you about chemical peels and other skin rejuvenation treatments, along with the anticipated costs.

FAQ

is a phenol peel painful? what does it feel like?

Dr. Sukkar uses anesthesia, so there is no discomfort during the procedure. He may prescribe medications to enhance your comfort in recovery.

is a phenol peel safe? what are the risks?

Phenol is a strong ingredient. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and individuals with certain health conditions are advised not to have a phenol peel. Some of the risks include permanent skin bleaching, scarring, and infection.

is a phenol peel permanent? should i expect follow-up treatments?

For most patients, phenol peels are a once-in-a-lifetime event. The results can last up to a decade.

will a phenol peel reduce facial hair growth?

Phenol should not limit the ability to grow facial hair.

will i need to modify how i sleep following a phenol peel?

To minimize swelling, sleep with your head elevated.

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.

How should I sleep after a phenol peel?

Sleep with your head elevated on pillows to reduce swelling.