Category: Chemical Peels

a young woman with glowing skin smiles and looks at the camera over her shoulder

A phenol peel is a deep chemical peel used to treat severe skin imperfections, including deep wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage. Because of the potency of this skin treatment, it is essential to have it performed by a qualified and experienced provider. This blog will explain the procedure, the recovery process and timeline, the best candidates, and the expected results.

5 Min Read:

What Is a Phenol Peel?

Chemical peels safely use varying levels of acid to remove layers of damaged skin, revealing a fresh, youthful-looking layer of skin underneath. A phenol peel is a deep peel treatment that offers more drastic results than its light and medium peel counterparts. Phenol peels contain varying concentrations of phenol and croton oil, a substance extracted from the seeds of the Croton tiglium plant. Adding croton oil to phenol enhances the peeling effect. Adjusting phenol and croton oil concentrations allows board-certified dermatologists like Dr. Vincent Hung to customize the potency and depth of a phenol peel to treat specific skin issues.

Phenol peels are considered the most intense level of chemical peels. While they tend to offer the most potent, drastic results, it is recommended to only receive this type of treatment from a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

How Does Phenol Work to Rejuvenate Skin?

Phenol peels use a strong concentration of chemicals to penetrate deep into your skin. The phenol treatment breaks apart the proteins that hold skin cells together through a process called denaturation. As these dead skin cells accumulate, they fall off your skin, revealing a new, fresher layer of skin underneath. Your immune system responds to this treatment by starting the healing process, which involves making more collagen that helps keep skin firm, smooth, and radiant.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Phenol Peel?

While phenol peels can provide patients with a completely rejuvenated look, this treatment is not for everyone. Phenol peels are recommended for people who:

• Have deep wrinkles or lines as a result of the natural aging process.
• Have not seen satisfactory results after trying other skin treatments, like light or medium chemical peels.
• Experience certain noticeable skin concerns, such as scarring or severe sun damage (photoaging).
• Possess moderate skin sagging on the face and neck.

Phenol peels are not recommended for patients with medium to deep skin tones, as the results of this treatment can cause pigmentation issues. It is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to find out if you are a qualified candidate for this potentially transformative skin treatment.

What Happens During a Phenol Peel?

Your doctor will apply a local anesthetic to the treatment area to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible. In some cases, you may be lightly sedated for deeper phenol peels targeting severe wrinkling, scarring, or photoaging.

The skin is thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, oil, or makeup that could interfere with the phenol peel. Your provider will typically apply the phenol solution using a special brush or swab. After 15–30 minutes, the phenol peel is diluted with saline, lidocaine, or another solution and gently washed off the skin.

After a phenol peel, your doctor will monitor you for about 30 minutes to ensure you are safely recovering. Most phenol peel patients feel a temporary burning or stinging sensation that lasts around 45 minutes. You will need someone to drive you home if you are lightly sedated during the treatment.

What to Expect During the Recovery Process

The treated skin will peel over the next few days after your treatment. The peeling phase can last several weeks, depending on the potency of the peel. During this time, your skin may appear red and swollen. Always follow post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Hung to minimize discomfort and promote healthy healing.

Most people can return to normal activities and apply makeup after two weeks. It’s important to note that the skin will still be healing and may have the red appearance of a sunburn for two to three months after treatment. However, your final results will become more apparent as time progresses and your skin fully heals.

When Will I See My Phenol Peel Results?

Most patients are amazed and satisfied by how rejuvenated their skin looks after a phenol peel. Deep lines and wrinkles are much less noticeable or completely smoothed away. After your treatment and recovery period, you will also see significant improvements in skin texture, eliminating acne scars and creating a smoother, youthful appearance.

You should be aware that your skin might appear lighter in color after a phenol peel. In addition, your new skin will be more sensitive to the sun and should be carefully protected to avoid future damage. Always apply sunscreen to your face when you plan to be outside to prevent sunburn.

Why Choose a Phenol Peel Over Other Skin Treatments?

If you have tried other, less potent skin rejuvenation treatments without satisfactory results, a deep chemical peel like a phenol peel might be a good fit for your aesthetic goals. Benefits of phenol peels include:

• Deeper penetration: Phenol peels reach the dermis layer for more substantial results than light or medium peels.
• Single treatment: Typically, only one session is necessary to achieve significant improvements.
• Long-lasting results: Phenol peel results can last 8 to 10 years, surpassing the long-term effectiveness of other peels.
• Non-surgical: Phenol peel treatments are an excellent non-surgical option for those who don’t want to undergo a permanent cosmetic procedure.
• Cost-effective: Although pricey, phenol peels are more economical than undergoing multiple lighter peels or surgical procedures.
• Can potentially treat pre-cancerous growths: Phenol peels have been shown to remove actinic keratoses and other pre-cancerous lesions.
• Dramatic skin rejuvenation: This treatment can improve skin tone, texture, superficial smoothness, and appearance in one session.

Schedule Your Phenol Peel Consultation in Pasadena, CA

Explore the possibilities of a phenol peel with Dr. Vincent Hung, a triple board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Hung has two convenient office locations you can call to learn more about the many benefits of a phenol peel. Contact our Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032, our Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292, or complete our online contact form.

Individuals seeking skin resurfacing have several options, with two of the most popular being chemical and laser peels. Each method offers unique benefits and works through different mechanisms to improve the skin’s texture and appearance, addressing wrinkles, poor skin texture, and some types of skin discoloration. This blog will explore the differences between laser and chemical peels so you can make a well-informed decision about which is best for your skin needs and aesthetic goals.

5 Min Read:

What is a Laser Peel?

Glowing, dewy skin is what so many long to have. A laser peel, also known as laser skin resurfacing, delivers concentrated beams of light to remove the outer layers of the skin. This process promotes the generation of new, healthier skin cells and encourages collagen production, which can enhance skin firmness and elasticity. There are different types of lasers used in laser peels, each with specific functions and benefits:

Ablative Lasers

Ablative lasers, such as CO2 and erbium lasers, remove the outer (older) layer of skin (epidermis) and heat the underlying layers (dermis) to stimulate collagen and healthy new skin growth. This type of laser peel is more intensive and requires a longer recovery time, but it can provide dramatic results when addressing:

• Deep wrinkles
• Severe sun damage
• Significant skin texture issues

Non-Ablative Lasers

In contrast, non-ablative lasers, like Nd:YAG and fractional lasers, don’t remove the outer layer of skin. Instead, they target deeper layers of the skin to promote collagen growth and skin tightening. Non-ablative laser peels are less invasive and have shorter recovery times, making them suitable for those with milder or more moderate skin concerns such as:

• Fine lines
• Mild pigmentation
• Early signs of aging

What is a Chemical Peel?

Using a liquid solution applied to the skin, a chemical peel causes the outer layers to eventually peel off. This process reveals new, smoother skin underneath. Chemical peels vary in strength and depth, depending on the type of acid used and the desired results:

Superficial Peels

Mild acids like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are used in superficial peels to gently exfoliate the uppermost layer of the skin. These peels are ideal for addressing minor skin imperfections such as:

• Uneven texture
• Dullness
• Mild acne

The recovery time for superficial peels is minimal, often just a few days of slight redness and peeling.

Medium Peels

Typically using trichloroacetic acid (TCA), medium peels can penetrate deeper into the skin and address more significant concerns like:

• Fine lines
• Acne scars
• Moderate sun damage

The recovery period for a medium peel is longer than that of a superficial peel, with noticeable peeling and redness lasting about a week.

Deep Peels

Deep peels use strong acids like phenol to achieve profound skin resurfacing. These peels can correct:

• Deep wrinkles
• Severe sun damage
• Significant scarring

Due to their intensity, deep peels require a lengthy recovery period, often of several weeks. It should only be performed by qualified and experienced professionals to lower the risk of complications.

Key Differences Between Laser Peels and Chemical Peels

The Way Cosmetic Peels Work

The primary difference between laser peels and chemical peels lies in how they achieve skin resurfacing. Laser peels use light energy to vaporize the skin’s outer layers and stimulate collagen production.

In contrast, chemical peels rely on applying acidic solutions to chemically exfoliate the skin. This fundamental difference in approach affects the depth of penetration, type of results, and recovery time for each treatment.

Precision and Customization

Laser peels offer a high degree of precision and customization. The intensity of the laser is adjustable to target specific skin concerns, making it possible to treat different areas of the face with varying degrees of intensity. This versatility makes laser peels appropriate for a more tailored treatment that can address both superficial and deep skin issues in a single session.

Chemical peels, while also customizable to some extent, primarily depend on the type and concentration of the acid used. The depth of penetration is less easily controlled compared to laser peels.

Skin Concerns Addressed

Both laser peels and chemical peels can address a range of skin concerns, but their effectiveness varies depending on the issue:

• Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Ablative laser peels are best for deep wrinkles and noticeable skin laxity, while chemical peels can address fine lines and moderate wrinkles.
• Pigmentation and Sun Damage: Both treatments can reduce pigmentation and sun damage, but laser peels, especially fractional lasers, can be more effective for deeper pigmentation issues.
• Acne and Acne Scars: Superficial and medium chemical peels commonly treat acne and superficial acne scars. Laser peels can also address acne scars, with fractional lasers being particularly effective.
• Skin Texture and Pore Size: Laser peels can significantly improve skin texture and reduce pore size through collagen stimulation. Chemical peels also improve texture but may not be as effective for large pores.

Risk and Side Effects

Both laser and chemical peels carry risks and potential side effects. Laser peels can cause redness, swelling, and infection if not properly managed. There is also a risk of discoloration, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. Chemical peels can cause redness, peeling, and sensitivity, with deeper peels carrying risks of scarring and changes in skin pigmentation. It is essential to have laser and chemical peels performed by qualified aesthetic healthcare professionals to minimize risks and ensure proper aftercare.

Choosing a Chemical Peel or a Laser Peel in Pasadena, CA

Deciding between a laser peel and a chemical peel depends on various factors, including skin type, specific concerns, desired results, and willingness to endure downtime. Consulting with a dermatologist or qualified skin care professional is paramount in determining the most appropriate treatment based on your unique concerns and goals.

Our plastic surgeon, Dr. Vincent Hung, is a leader in his field and is also board-certified in dermatology. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your Pasadena chemical and laser peel options by calling (626) 623-7135, or for our Newport Beach office, call (949) 415-5195.

3 Minute Read: 

It’s an old saying that “Two are better than one,” and this can be absolutely true with cosmetic procedures. While so many plastic surgery procedures and cosmetic treatments can offer stunning results, the most dramatic transformations are often achieved by combining different procedures.

Our faces are the most visible parts of our body. This means that aesthetic concerns cannot be easily covered up or hidden. Because of this, there are numerous facial options (both surgical and non-surgical) to help you look and feel your absolute best. 

This blog will look at the benefits and details of combining trusted plastic surgery procedures for the face with the croton oil peel to give you the best results possible.

What Surgical Procedures Are Available for the Face?

Whether from age, sun damage, lifestyle, or life events, wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin can make you look older and more run down than you want. 

Men and women who struggle with these issues can feel self-conscious and even embarrassed to show their faces in social settings. And while you can hide yourself away, and miss out on important parts of your life in the process, surgical procedures can help you regain control of your facial appearance. 

Some of the most important and effective surgical procedures for the face are facelift surgery, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and brow lift surgery (forehead lift). 

While a facelift addresses the lower two-thirds of the face (from the cheeks to the neck) and tightens the facial skin to offer patients a more youthful appearance, blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery help men and women achieve a more youthful and attractive appearance around the eyes and on the forehead. 

Any number of these facial plastic surgery procedures can be combined to give you a dramatic transformation.

What Is a Croton Oil Peel?

Chemical peels are not new cosmetic procedures by any means. However, different peels are being developed to better help patients achieve a more rejuvenated appearance and healthier skin. 

The croton oil peel is an exfoliating treatment that can be performed as a standalone treatment to address and correct facial wrinkles (especially around the mouth) and revitalize the skin’s health. 

For this treatment, a solution made of croton oil is applied to the skin. This oil exfoliates the skin (removes the upper layer of skin) to allow for newer and healthier skin to show. 

This exfoliation process happens gradually over the next several days. Not only is new skin now exposed, but the croton oil peel helps to promote collagen production, which is important since collagen is responsible for the overall health and strength of our skin. This means that the new skin will be tighter, firmer, smoother, and clearer. 

Why Should I Combine Surgical Treatments With the Croton Oil Peel?

While you can achieve fantastic results with just surgical procedures or just a chemical peel, by following your facial surgery with the croton oil peel, you will be able to target both the external skin and internal tissue. The increased collagen production can allow for long-lasting rejuvenation to your skin, which will only enhance the results achieved from the surgical procedure(s). In this sense, you will be able to achieve the very best results. 

If you choose to combine procedures, it is important to understand that you will not be having both the surgery and chemical peel at the same time. 

Instead, it is necessary for the surgical procedure to be completed and for your face to begin healing from the surgery before exfoliating the skin. Because of this, the croton oil peel will be scheduled about six weeks after your facial surgery. By this time, you should be returned to most (if not all) of your normal, daily activities, and your skin will be in a healthier state for the rejuvenation process of the peel. 

Interested in Learning More? 

If you have questions about cosmetic facial surgery, chemical peels, or combining these procedures in Southern California, please feel free to contact Dr. Hung at 626-432-5032 (Pasadena) or 949-574-8292 (Newport Beach).

2 Minute Read:

Dark spots, wrinkles, and loose skin all make us look older, and cosmetic treatments to combat these signs of aging are plentiful. However, when it comes to effective non-surgical procedures, finding the right one for you can be challenging.

The croton oil peel is a simple and straightforward option that can provide dramatic results by penetrating deeper into the skin to treat a wide range of skin blemishes and flaws.

What Is a Croton Oil Peel?

A croton oil peel — also referred to as a Hetter or modified phenol peel — is a cosmetic peel that penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. This treatment provides superior facial skin rejuvenation for long-lasting results and was developed for the public after years of research and trials.

The main difference between other phenol peels and the croton oil peel is that the amount of croton oil is increased, and the phenol is decreased.

Medical science has proven that the key ingredient in effective chemical peels was the croton oil and not the phenol — this observation led to better outcomes with a shorter recovery period.

What Are the Benefits of a Croton Oil Peel?

Those interested in a croton peel can expect the following results:

• Significantly improved complexion
• Diminished sun spots and discoloration
• Tighter facial skin: 20 to 25% skin tightening
• Dramatic reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, lips, forehead, and cheeks
• Less downtime than with a traditional deep phenol peel

Patients must prepare their skin for about four weeks prior to treatment with tretinoin, hydroquinone, phytic acid, or glycolic acid for the best results — ask your provider for their recommendation.

While the croton oil peel can tighten mild to moderately loose skin, a facelift may be the more appropriate procedure for you if you see significant sagging in your neck and jowls.

This Is a Versatile Deep Peel

A croton oil peel needn’t be applied to the entire face. Specific areas can be isolated and targeted without having to treat areas that don’t need it, further reducing recovery time.

How Is This Different From Typical Chemical Peels?

The peels you may receive at a spa can only treat the upper layers of skin, making them superficial.

The croton oil peel provides deep treatment and, because of this, may require general anesthesia. However, for the results it offers, it is considered a far less invasive procedure than cosmetic surgery.

Croton Oil Peel in Pasadena or Newport Beach CA

Dr. Vincent Hung is trained and board-certified in plastic surgery, dermatology, and Mohs skin cancer surgery. He offers the croton oil peel as an alternative to facelift surgery and recommends this treatment for patients with lines, wrinkles, age spots, and mild to moderate skin loosening.

Want to Learn More?

If you have any questions about the croton oil peel or other cosmetic procedures in Pasadena or Newport Beach, please feel free to contact Dr. Hung at 626-432-5032 (Pasadena) or 949-574-8292 (Newport Beach).

3 Minute Read: 

Almost all men and women want to fight the aging process, which is why the cosmetics and anti-aging industries are so massive. Unfortunately, there will come a time when over-the-counter creams and lotions are not strong enough to get the job done. Fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, volume loss, and skin irregularities all occur due to age, sun damage, harsh environments, and lifestyle choices.

There are many different anti-aging cosmetic procedures available today, ranging from non-invasive treatments to surgery. Two of these are chemical peels and facelift surgery.

Potential cosmetic patients are often interested in learning about which procedure will give them the best results in the least invasive way. While non-surgical procedures are preferred by many, they are not always, if ever, able to match or rival the results provided by cosmetic surgery. 

What Is Achieved With Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery addresses aging and laxity on the lower two-thirds of the face. This procedure can reduce or eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and jowls on the face and neck. Facelift surgery makes incisions in the hairline that start at the temple and continue down and around the ear. Loose skin is trimmed, underlying tissues are lifted and tightened, and the remaining skin is redraped over the new contours. 

Facelift surgery restores smoother, tighter, and more youthful skin.

Why Should Patients Still Consider a Chemical Peel?

Just because a chemical peel cannot achieve that same level of correction as a facelift, it does not mean that chemical peels do not have significant benefits. Like facelift surgery, chemical peels have the power to address common signs of aging such as fine lines around the mouth, crow’s feet, and forehead furrows. However, unlike facelift surgery, chemical peels also have the power to restore and improve the overall tone and texture of the skin. Some of the tone and texture issues that can be addressed by a chemical peel include dark spots, acne scars, and uneven pigmentation.

There are different levels (or strengths) of chemical peels. This not only determines your recovery period and length of peeling, but it also determines the quality of your results. Light chemical peels are surface-level peels that improve the texture of rough or dry skin. Medium intensity peels target texture irregularities as well as fine lines and minor skin imperfections. Deep peels penetrate deep into the skin and allow for the most significant correction. Unfortunately, they also require the most significant amount of downtime, and some can only be applied to the face once so that there is no lasting damage.

Croton Oil Peels

The croton oil peel is a deep chemical peel that delivers noticeable improvement to smoker’s lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. This resurfacing peel restores skin health and leaves you with a radiant, healthy-looking complexion. Croton oil peels are safe and effective for patients of all ages and can be performed after you have healed from facelift surgery for enhanced results.

                             Before and after image showing the results of a croton oil peel.

How Do the Recoveries Differ?

After facelift surgery, patients need to take two weeks before returning to work and any regular activities, and more strenuous activities require a longer break. Chemical peels take anywhere from five days to two weeks to recover from. The recovery after your chemical peel will depend on the depth (strength) of your peel. Light peels do not require much in the way of downtime. Most patients look sunburned; however, they can go about their regular routines with very little concern. The medium or deep chemical peels require more in the way of downtime. Deep peels can cause severe swelling around the eyes, which can make normal activities more difficult.

To find out if you are a candidate for a chemical peel or a facelift, contact Dr. Hung by calling (626) 432-5032 or by filling out our online contact form.