A phenol acid peel is the most aggressive, deep chemical peel available, penetrating down to the dermis. Also known as a Baker-Gordon peel, this skin resurfacing procedure can be extremely effective at treating signs of severe sun damage, including deep wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, and discoloration (hyperpigmentation), as well as acne scars, precancerous growths, and other blemishes.
Because the exfoliation is so strong and deep, a phenol peel should be administered only by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. It should be applied to the face alone; the skin on the neck is too delicate.
This type of peel also requires an oral sedative and/or IV anesthesia during the procedure, as well as an anesthetic cream to numb your face.Â
Related: Which Type of Chemical Peel Is Right for You?
This cosmetic procedure has a lengthy and uncomfortable recovery, but the results can be dramatic and long-lasting.
RealSelf Tip: A more modern take on this treatment is the Hetter peel (or modified phenol peel), which tweaks the classic formula by reducing the concentrations of phenol and croton oil (an exfoliant which increases the depth of the peel). In a 2017 study involving 896 patients who were treated for freckles with a modified phenol peel, over 99% of patients exhibited 51% or greater improvement. The researchers reported no scarring or systemic complications.
Pros
Cons
Related: Why Phenol Peels Are So Risky—and Which Treatments to Consider Instead
Your phenol peel cost will depend on:
During your initial consultation, request a personalized and detailed cost quote that lists all anticipated fees. It may be worth your time to get price estimates from more than one provider, so you can compare them. Just make sure you’re choosing the most qualified provider, not just the one offering the lowest price.
The phenol peel photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
Good candidates for this procedure have:
Phenol peels are not safe for women who are pregnant or nursing, those on Accutane, or anyone with a history of keloids or irregular scarring.
It's important to follow your doctor’s pretreatment instructions to the letter, to avoid complications. In addition to avoiding certain active ingredients or medications immediately prior to your treatment, your doctor may prescribe a pretreatment protocol to help manage potential post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation during healing.Â
This may involve taking oral tranexamic acid (TXA) or using a retinoid or hydroquinone-containing cream in the weeks leading up to your procedure, before eventually discontinuing these products the week before your peel.Â
You’ll also be advised to avoid the sun and practice vigilant sun protection for several weeks in advance.
Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, removes the outer layers of skin. This skin resurfacing procedure eliminates damaged skin cells, improves acne scarring, and promotes new collagen production.
Here’s what to expect during your appointment.
After your procedure, you’ll be groggy from the anesthesia and/or sedation. Arrange in advance to have someone there to get you home safely.
Most people need at least two full weeks of downtime after a phenol peel. Here’s what to expect during the initial healing process and the weeks to come:
Phenol peel treatments can be safe when they are administered by an experienced plastic surgeon or dermatologist and for the right candidate.
That said, phenol peel risks include cardiac complications and systemic toxicity, so patients must be carefully monitored throughout the process. One study noted a 6.6% incidence of cardiac arrhythmia during the procedure.
The phenol peel has fallen out of favor in recent years, as more providers and patients opt instead for a series of light and medium-depth skin peels, such as TCA peels or glycolic acid peels. These can often achieve similar results with less risk and a shorter recovery time.
Fractional ablative laser resurfacing treatments can also be a safer alternative with similar benefits.
Updated November 13, 2023