Phenol Peels Houston, TX

Offered at our convenient location in Houston, TX

A phenol peel is a type of deep chemical peel that treats extensive skin issues such as photoaging, deep facial creases, wrinkles and irregular texture. As one of the most powerful chemical peels available, the phenol solution penetrates deep into the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting cellular turnover. This process effectively removes damaged outer layers of skin, revealing fresh, healthier tissue underneath. As the skin cells slough away, texture and tone greatly improve.

Before & After Photos

img 1
img 2
img 1
img 2
img 1
img 2
img 1
img 2
img 1
img 2
View More

The Clinic for Plastic Surgery offers a range of chemical peels for effective skin resurfacing. While many Houston practices are equipped to offer light chemical peels, Dr. Sam Sukkar has taken extra steps to receive the advanced training necessary to conduct deep peeling treatments. This has opened the doors for patients struggling with resistant skin issues such as extensive sun damage and deep wrinkles to take advantage of chemical peel treatments. To schedule a consultation with him today, fill out this online form, or call our office directly at (281) 940-1535.

About the Phenol Peel

Chemoexfoliation procedures, or chemical peels, are classified by their depth: superficial (light), medium, and deep. When certain chemical formulas are applied to the skin, they have a predictable reach of depth, making them a safe and manageable treatment for skin resurfacing. (1)

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, and discoloration.. (2)

A phenol peel can help you improve:

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

Benefits of a Phenol Peel

  • Improved Skin Texture: The phenol peel treatment effectively resurfaces the skin, diminishing roughness, and uneven texture, leaving behind a smooth and velvety feel.
  • Reduced Appearance of Wrinkles and Fine Lines: By removing damaged layers of skin, this procedure targets wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
  • Even Skin Tone: Phenol peels help to balance and even out skin tone by reducing pigmentation irregularities and minimizing areas of discoloration.
  • Diminished Age Spots and Sun Damage: Phenol peels target and lighten age spots and sun damage, restoring a more radiant and youthful complexion.
  • Smoother and More Youthful-Looking Skin: By stimulating collagen production and promoting cell turnover, phenol peels promote smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.
  • Increased Collagen Production: The deep exfoliation and stimulation provided by the phenol peel encourages the production of collagen, a vital protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness.
  • Long-Lasting Results: With proper skincare maintenance and sun protection, the results of a phenol peel can be long-lasting, providing patients with sustained improvement and satisfaction.

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, and 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 offers personalized recommendations to help you achieve your skin goals.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Sukkar

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.

If you are a good candidate for a phenol peel, we will schedule your procedure for a later date. We provide detailed instructions about how to prepare for your phenol peel and what the treatment entails. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a safe and effective procedure.

Preparation and Phenol Peel Procedure

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

Phenol Peels are only performed by Dr. Sukkar himself. He administers anesthesia and marcaine before the procedure to relieve pain and discomfort, making the phenol peel process itself painless. Marcaine is a facial sensory nerve block that will last a few hours following the procedure.

After cleansing your skin, he applies the phenol solution and sets a timer. He deactivates the peel with water and the treatment finishes with a soothing occlusive ointment.

Recovery

Avoid venturing out in public for at least two weeks. Some post-treatment sensitivity is expected. Dr. Sukkar provides a post-operative pain management protocol that includes prescription medications to help with discomfort during recovery. 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 must 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. Unwanted pigmentation is removed and your skin is more clear after the recovery period.

The age-defying benefits of a phenol peel 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. This is a once-in-a-lifetime procedure. Once you are fully healed, Dr. Sukkar may suggest other types of treatments that can enhance your results and keep your skin radiant for even longer.

To learn more about what we do at the Clinic for Plastic Surgery follow our blog for more information.

Cost of Phenol Peels in Houston, TX

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

What are the results like after a phenol peel?

As the phenol peel is one of the deepest peels available, the results can be truly transformative. By removing damaged outer layers of skin, this procedure can reveal a smoother, more youthful complexion. Patients often notice a significant reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and acne scars. The skin also becomes tighter, firmer, and more even-toned, resulting in a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance.

Is a phenol peel permanent? Should I expect follow-up treatments?

For most patients, a phenol peel is a one-time treatment. The results typically last for 5 to 10 years and the process is not typically repeated unless extreme damage is later acquired from sun exposure or general aging.

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.

Will I need to modify how I sleep following a phenol peel?

To minimize swelling, sleep with your head elevated.

Will a phenol peel reduce the growth of my facial hair?

No. A phenol peel targets the skin itself, not the hair follicles within it. It should not affect your ability to grow facial hair.

Does my insurance cover a phenol peel?

Insurance does not cover chemical peels done for cosmetic reasons.

Is a phenol peel better than laser treatment?

Both phenol peels and modern laser treatments cause controlled and predictable damage to the outer layer of the skin to prompt regeneration. Deep peels have proved to be sufficient and safe for over half a century, and are a viable, cheaper option for total skin resurfacing.

References

  1. Rendon MI, Berson DS, Cohen JL, Roberts WE, Starker I, Wang B. Evidence and considerations in the application of chemical peels in skin disorders and aesthetic resurfacing. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2010;3(7):32-43. Accessed February 6, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921757/
  2. Soleymani T, Lanoue J, Rahman Z. A Practical Approach to Chemical Peels: A Review of Fundamentals and Step-by-step Algorithmic Protocol for Treatment. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2018;11(8):21-28. Accessed February 6, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6122508/