What is a deep chemical
peel?
Deep wrinkles and sun damaged can be improved with a deep
chemical skin peel, or phenol peel, which is the strongest, most
aggressive of the chemical peels.
Who is a candidate?
A candidate for phenol peel will typically have deep facial
wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. The deep wrinkles may involve
the entire face or regions such as around the mouth or under the
eyes. After obtaining a comprehensive medical and surgical history,
Dr. Mezrow will examine your skin. The skin color and degree of
wrinkles will be assessed.
Consulting with Dr. Mezrow:
During the consultation, Dr. Mezrow will ask you about
your particular concerns regarding your skin. This will help determine
your expectations and determine whether they can be realistically
achieved.
How is the procedure done?
A full-face phenol deep chemical peel takes approximately
1 to 2 hours to perform whereas smaller regions take less than 1
hour to perform. After cleansing the region to be treated, phenol
is applied. There is a mild burning sensation as the chemical is
applied. Following the chemical peel, petroleum jelly is applied
generously over the region treated to facilitate healing for approximately
one week.
Typically, unless phenol peel is performed
in conjunction with other surgical procedures, no anesthesia is
necessary, so that you will be awake throughout the procedure. When
surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where
you will continue to be closely monitored. Petroleum ointment will
be applied to the regions treated.
Chemical phenol peel is performed
on an outpatient basis. You may be permitted to go home after recovery.
What are the potential complications?
Fortunately, significant complications from phenol peel
are infrequent, however, all surgery has risks. Dr. Mezrow will
discuss with you, the risks, benefits and alternatives and answer
all your questions Some potential complications include infection,
scarring, delayed healing and skin color changes (abnormal pigmentation).
When can I return to work?
Typically, you may return to work in approximately one
week.
How long is the healing process?
During the healing process, there will be slight swelling
and the skin will typically be bright red-pink and slowly fade over
time.
It is imperative to avoid sun exposure
for approximately one week during the healing process and then once
the skin has healed, it is essential to wear sunscreen. During your
follow-up appointments with Dr. Mezrow, you will be instructed when
to discontinue the petroleum ointment, transition to moisturizer,
sunscreen and make-up.
Deep phenol peel will improve deep
facial wrinkles and decrease sun-damaged skin obtaining a more refreshed,
younger skin appearance. It is not uncommon to be more confident
about your appearance.
Healing from your surgery is a process that takes time for final
result.
You will be instructed to return to
Dr. Mezrow’s office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals
to monitor your progress and optimize your outcome.
The effects of phenol chemical peel
are long lasting and should last for many years.
If you have any questions or concerns
prior to surgery or during your recovery, you should contact Dr.
Mezrow.
CRAIG MEZROW. M.S., M.D.
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY - PHILADELPHIA
15 North Presidential Blvd, Suite 200
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: (610) 664-5500, (800) 733-6968
Fax: (610) 664-7548
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