Facial surgery · Guide

Phenol Peels - Everything you Need to Know

Are you looking for a treatment to reduce your facial wrinkles?

Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by Mr Vasu Karri, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, FRCS(Plast), GMC 4631035
Written by
First published
Last reviewed
Next review due
27 September 2027
Reading time
3 min

At a glance

Anaesthetic
Light IV sedation
Peeling complete
7–10 days
Make-up
After about 10 days
Redness settles
6–8 weeks

Summary

  • A phenol peel is the strongest chemical peel, used for fine wrinkles, sun spots and discoloured patches.
  • A full-face peel is done under light intravenous sedation, and peeling is usually complete by 7–10 days.
  • It is not suitable for darker complexions or sensitive skin prone to inflammation.
  • Risks include infection, scarring, pigment change, milia, inability to tan and cardiac toxicity.
Phenol Peels - Everything you Need to Know

Have you tried other treatments and been disappointed with the results?

If there was a treatment that could dramatically improve your facial wrinkles and sun spots, and has relatively short downtime, would you be interested?

 If the answer to the questions above is yes, then a phenol peel may be the solution for you.

Vasu Karri is one of only a very small number of surgeons to perform Phenol peels, and the procedure has staggering effects.

Screenshot 2019 01 03 at 11.27.16 Before and After a Facelift, Neck lift and Phenol Peels at The Karri Clinic

What is a Phenol peel?

A phenol peel is the most powerful chemical peel available and is great for treating multiple fine wrinkles, sun spots and discoloured patches. The peel strength lies in its main ingredients, which are phenol (also known as carbolic acid) and croton oil. The peel penetrates deeply into the skin and strips away the outer layer which is replaced by new skin. It also causes more collagen production, and these two effects have a profound effect on wrinkles.

The effects of phenol peel are cumulative. Repeated sessions, spaced out between months, are recommended for optimal results.

A phenol peel should only be performed by a medical doctor such as a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon in a medical facility.

Screenshot 2019 01 03 at 11.29.13 Before and After a Phenol peel under the eyes

What to expect during and after a phenol peel

A full face phenol peel is performed under light intravenous sedation. Immediately afterwards the face is covered with a tape mask that is removed the following day. For the next week, the face is kept moist by frequently applying a wet flannel and Aquaphor cream. The peeling process is quite quick and usually complete by 7-10 days.

Who should avoid a phenol peel?

A phenol peel is not suitable for those with a darker complexion or those who have sensitive skin that is prone to inflammation.

How long is the recovery time?

For the vast majority the patients, the peeling process is complete by 10 days. After this time, makeup can be applied to the face without any issues.

The facial skin will be pink at first but settles over the next 6-8 weeks.

Screenshot 2019 01 03 at 11.29.03 Phenol peel around the mouth

Do I need multiple treatments?

One of the great advantages of phenol peel over laser treatment is that in the majority of cases only one treatment is required to achieve a dramatic improvement.

What are the risks of a phenol peel?

Every chemical peel is associated with certain risks and those associated with phenol peel include infection, scarring, hypo / hyperpigmentation, milia (small, bump-like cysts found under the skin), inability to tan and cardiac toxicity.

It is very important to follow post-peel instructions to get the best result.

If you would like to find out more information on phenol peels, or if you want to organise a consultation with Mr Karri at The Karri Clinic or Kinvara Private Hospital, simply email enquiries@kinvarahospital.co.uk or call the team on 01709 464 200.

Mr Vasu Karri

About the author

Mr Vasu Karri

BSc(Hons), MBBS, MRCS, MSc, FRCS(Plast)

Mr Vasu Karri is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon in full time private practice at Kinvara Private Hospital, Rotherham. He is on the General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register for plastic surgery, certified by the Royal College of Surgeons of England in plastic surgery.

  • GMC 4631035
  • FRCS(Plast)
Full profile and qualifications ›

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