Is it possible to use a phenol/croton oil peel on the lips to remove wrinkles?

Question

I saw there is a doctor who uses phenol/croton oil peels to actually augment the lips, to make them tighter, plumper, and reduce wrinkles. The after pictures are very impressive. Is this procedure safe and do many doctors carry it out? Thank in advance.

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

I have used this peel for about 20 years and have given many talks where I point out the improvement in the appearance of the lips as a result of the peeling procedure.  I never wrote up this finding although others after me did.  That said, I see the lip rejuvenation as a side benefit to the peel, not really a reason for doing it.  My main indication is lines in and above the upper lip.  The apparent augmentation of the lips occurs when healing from the peel and is usually very rejuvenating.  I do not believe that there are many doctors with the experience and expertise to do this for you so make sure you see someone who is comfortable with this technique.

Charles H. Thorne, MD · Answer

We used to think it was the phenol that was responsible for the peeling but have learned from Dr. Hetter that it is the croton oil that is responsible for the actual peel effect. Depending on the thickness of the skin being treated and the ability of that skin to heal, different concentrations of croton oil are chosen. The lips are one of the best places to use a croton oil peel and is the area that requires the most aggressive treatment for success. The lines on the lips are deeper than most other parts of the face. Of all the techniques I believe this technique gives the best results but is not very popular among plastic surgeons who prefer laser and other resurfacing treatments. The crux of the matter is that the DEEPER the peel, the BETTER the result. But also, the deeper the peel, the LONGER IT TAKES TO HEAL AND THE LONGER THE REDNESS CAN LAST. I am NOT aware that croton oil peels can augment the lips or make them plumper. Perhaps during the first few weeks when they are swollen but that is not a permanent effect. The peel simply changes the surface texture of the lips.

Richard H. Bensimon, MD (retired) · Answer

Phenol/Croton Oil peels are a remarkable process that bring about a healing reaction that results in thick, stable collagen and elastin (the springy cells of the skin). This is in essence younger skin without the lifeless look of sun damage and greatly improve, if not erased wrinkles. When the whole face is peeled, There is shrinking of the skin with a shortening of the upper lip which is very rejuvenating. These peels bring about a fundamental enhancement of the skin that no surgery or other technique can achieve. I will go as far as saying that there is no laser that can give comparable results both in quality and length of result.
I have been peeling for 20 years and can attest that these peels are safe as long as the surgeon is adequately trained and has experience. There are not many doctors that perform them because they are misunderstood and confused with an older peel which always left the skin unnaturally white (hypopigmentation). The modern technique yields remarkable results without the hypopigmentation.Good luck!

Is it possible to use a phenol/croton oil peel on the lips to remove wrinkles?

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Is it possible to use a phenol/croton oil peel on the lips to remove wrinkles?

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Everything you need to know about Phenol Peel

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