Procedure

Phenol

TCA

Restore wrinkled, blemished, unevenly pigmented, or sun-damaged facial skin, using a chemical solution to peel away skin's top layers 

duration

1 to 2 hours for full face 

Anaesthesia

NoneSedation & EKG monitoring may be used 

In/Outpatient

Usually outpatient.  

Full-face phenol peel may require admission for 1 to 2 days.

Medical Insurance

Usually not covered 

Side Effects

Temporary pounding, discomfort, swelling, redness; acute sensitivity to sun.  

Permanent lightening of treated skin and loss of ability to tan.

Risks

Temporary small white heads Infection, scarringEruption of skin allergies, fever blisters, cold sores.  

Temporary abnormal colour changes Heart irregularities (rare)

Recovery

     Formation of new skin 

     Normal activities         

     Final look 

 7 to 21 days

2 to 4 weeks

3 to 6 months

5 to 10 days

2 to 4 weeks.

3 to 6 months

Results

Permanent but new wrinkles may form as skin ages.