Phenol peeling: learn about risks, indication and price – 01/06/2023 – Equilíbrio

Success on social networks and in dermatologists’ laboratories, phenol peeling is an aesthetic treatment that promises to reduce wrinkles in just one session. It is also used to reduce acne marks and blemishes, such as melasma – the result, however, is not as impactful or predictable as in cases of aging.

The technique is not new and was neglected in the past due to complications from misuse of the substance, according to plastic surgeon Carlos Uebel, a member of the SBCR (Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery) and professor at PUC-RS (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul), which used the method in the past.

According to him, “it’s a beautiful procedure for the skin of the face” if done properly.

The method has slow recovery with healing that can take more than a year. See below questions and answers about the procedure.

Is the phenol peel safe?

According to Uebel, the technique is considered safe if done properly by dermatologists or specialized plastic surgeons.

“You need to be careful when choosing a professional, very careful,” he says. “The complications are terrible and very difficult to treat.”

The surgeon emphasizes the importance of checking the professional’s credentials to be sure of his specialization.

Who can do?

The procedure is indicated only for people with fair skin or low concentration of melanin. Those with dark skin are at risk of developing unwanted scarring in addition to hyperpigmentation, according to the surgeon.

What are the precautions after the procedure?

The patient needs a preparation that takes 15 to 30 days, and has to do a careful postoperative period. Complete healing takes up to a year and a half, but the first results can be seen in two weeks. The advantage is that it very rarely needs to be redone.

Ediléia Bagatin, coordinator of the Department of Dermatological Cosmiatry at the SBD (Brazilian Society of Dermatology), said in an interview with Sheet in the last year that the patient must be well informed about the postoperative period, which is painful and leaves the skin on the face “very ugly”.

“It is not a surgical procedure, but it is considered invasive. It causes great aggression, as if it were a deep chemical burn, which will require almost daily follow-up, at least in the first week. patient”, says the dermatologist.

At this stage, hygiene and hydration are important, in addition to a lot of sun protection. The ideal is not to leave the house, at least in the first week, according to the dermatologist.

Uebel, on the other hand, advises patients to avoid exposure to the sun in the first few weeks.

How long does the result last?

Improved aging results can last up to two decades, according to Bagatin. It is necessary, however, to maintain skin care.

“The deeper phenol peeling has an unbelievable rejuvenation and a very long-lasting result. There are reports of the effect lasting 20 years, as long as the person takes care of that skin with retinoic acid and sunscreen continuously”, said Bagatin.

What are the risks?

The procedure can cause arrhythmia peaks and uses anesthesia, so it must be done in a clinical or surgical outpatient setting. Changes in heart rate occur as a result of the presence of phenol in the bloodstream before its metabolization by the body. The application should also be done in stages to avoid overload.

According to Uebel, complications are rare. Poisoning with phenol in organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys can occur if the method is performed by a non-trained professional or if the substance is in a concentration greater than that allowed.

“It can cause, for example, bradycardia”, says the surgeon. The disease, which causes changes in heart rhythm, is not common as a complication due to the procedure.

How much does it cost?

Experts claim that the method is mainly sought after by women, but professionals who perform the technique see the search grow among men. The cost ranges from around 15,000 to 30,000, but can be higher or lower depending on the professional chosen and the objective.

There are patients who choose to do the peeling all over the face, but there are also indications for only certain regions, such as the eye area, which tend to have more expression marks. The price also varies according to the treated area.

What else should I be aware of?

In an interview with Sheetthe lawyer specializing in medical law, Priscila Galzo Marafon Moda, pointed out that phenol peeling is characterized as a high-risk technique and requires monitoring before, during and after the procedure.

The professional needs to know the origin of the products, if he has authorization from Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) and analyze the general health of the patient, in addition to making a service contract that contains a “term of free and informed consent”.

The document must bring items such as risks of the procedure, returns, how the intervention and care will be carried out throughout the recovery period.