Croton Oil / Phenol Peel

Croton Oil Phenol PeelA croton oil phenol peel, also known as a Hetter peel or deep chemical peel, is the deepest type of chemical peel. A solution of phenol and croton oil is applied to the skin. It removes the outer layers and reaches the deeper layer of the skin (the dermis). As the skin heals, new collagen is laid down, which tightens the skin and smooths wrinkles. It works more deeply than light (glycolic) and medium-depth (TCA) peels, and one treatment is usually enough.

What it can treat

• Deep wrinkles and fine lines, including the lines around the mouth and around the eyes
• Sun damage, age spots and uneven pigmentation
• Some types of acne scarring
• Loose, crepey skin, for example of the lower eyelids

Mr Karri can treat the full face, or a single area such as the lower eyelids or the skin around the mouth. A full-face peel can also be combined with a facelift and necklift. A facelift lifts sagging skin but does not remove fine wrinkles; a peel treats the skin surface but does not lift.

Who is it suitable for?

The peel works best in fair to medium skin (Fitzpatrick skin types I to III). It is not usually advised for darker skin, because of the risk of permanent lightening of the skin. It may not be suitable if you have heart, kidney or liver disease, have taken isotretinoin (Roaccutane) in the last 12 months, tend to form keloid scars, have an active skin infection or cold sore, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Mr Karri will assess your skin and medical history at your consultation.

The treatment

All peels are carried out as a day case at Kinvara Private Hospital. Small areas, such as the lower eyelids or around the mouth, are treated under local anaesthetic. A full-face peel is carried out under sedation or general anaesthetic. Phenol absorbed through the skin can affect the rhythm of the heart, so for a full-face peel your heart is monitored throughout (cardiac monitoring), you have an intravenous drip, and the peel is applied one area at a time, with a pause between areas. Before treatment you may be asked to avoid the sun, use prescribed skin creams, and take antiviral tablets to prevent a cold sore flare-up.

Recovery

Days 1 to 3: the treated skin feels tight and swollen. It is kept covered with ointment, and you should rest at home and sleep with your head raised.

Days 4 to 7: the outer layer of skin peels away. Do not pick at it.

Days 7 to 10: peeling is usually complete, leaving new pink skin. Most people can return to light daily activities.

After that: the pink colour fades over 4 to 6 weeks. Make-up can usually be worn from about 2 weeks to cover it. Swelling settles over several weeks and is usually gone by 6-12 weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 2 weeks.

The new skin burns easily. Avoid direct sun during healing, and wear a high-factor sunscreen every day afterwards. The skin continues to improve over about 3 months. The results are long-lasting, but the skin continues to age.

Risks of croton oil phenol peel

Prolonged redness – can last several months.

Lightening of the skin (hypopigmentation) – the treated skin is often paler than before and this can be permanent. There can be a visible line where treated skin meets untreated skin.

Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation) – more likely with sun exposure or darker skin.

Scarring – uncommon.

Infection – including a flare-up of cold sores.

Milia (small white spots) or a flare of acne.

Heart rhythm problems – during a full-face peel; this is why the heart is monitored.

Pulling down of the lower eyelid (ectropion) – rare, after a lower-eyelid peel.

Risks of anaesthesia (local with sedation, or general).

Any further treatment is charged as set out in our Revision Surgery Policy.

Medically reviewed by

Mr Vasu Karri

BSc(Hons), MBBS, MRCS, MSc, FRCS(Plast)
Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Last updated 30th September 2026

Related Procedures

Facelift

Facelift eliminates loose and sagging skin on your face and neck, creating a tighter and more youthful appearance.

Eyelid Surgery - Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery serves to rejuvenate the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both by removing excess skin and fat, as well as reshaping the eye.

Facial Fat Grafting

A minimally-invasive procedure that restores volume to areas of the face, creating youthful facial contours.