Phenol Croton Peel - Best Decision!

For the last 6 or 7 years I have been really bothered by the lines above my upper lip. I am currently 45 and do not smoke however I am very expressive with my lips and face. I also love the sun and do a lot of activities outside including running, cycling etc. Sadly I was not as diligent with sunscreen as I should have been in my 20s and 30s (take that as a lesson please!) That along with being at a high level in a combat sport for many years that caused a lot of abrasions and cuts and scars around my mouth on a regular basis - it was a perfect storm and made me look much older than I am. I tried several sessions of laser (both "cosmetic" level and Co2 ablative) which should have done something but I saw zero change. Other clinics I called suggested fat grafting and other very pricey options but I didn't see any legit before/after results that impressed me. When I read about the phenol peel and saw the results I knew that it was my only hope. Despite the long downtime and a bit of anxiety over risks etc I decided to go for it.
When I called Dr. Goldberg's office they were immediately extremely kind and helpful and offered a free virtual conversation. Dr. Goldberg gave me a few options but indicated that the phenol croton peel would be my best bet for getting the results I was looking for.
They were able to get me in sooner than I had hoped which would allow me to heal by the summer months - otherwise I would have had to wait until fall/winter again. Avoiding the sun and heavy sunscreen is an absolute must for at least a year following.
Because i was doing only the nasolabial area i didn't need full sedation. They used nerve blocks (4) which was the only discomfort I felt for the entire procedure and recovery - seriously it was not painful at all, mainly irritation and itchiness as it healed. The procedure took all of 10 min max. The freezing and waiting was longer. The staff were amazing and kept me distracted with great conversation and laughter before the procedure.
I couldn't have chosen a better doctor. He explained everything as he was doing it and answered all my questions.
He also sent me home with painkillers and antivirals and antibiotics to ensure I didn't have any issues with infection or pain. I only took the painkillers for the first two days and only half the dose.
I was concerned on a few things the morning after and the first few days. Dr. Goldberg immediately returned my emails - on the weekend! And was very responsive with any and all questions I had while ensuring I felt at ease and comfortable.
The weeks following were just keeping things clean and out of the sun. Obviously being able to wear a mask everywhere was awesome and one of the reasons I wasn't concerned about the long healing time. I work from home and told my manager i would be off camera for a month or so while i healed. They were very understanding.
My procedure was April 8 and it was about 3 months before I was comfortable taking pictures or being in public without makeup or a mask.
But the results? AMMMAAAZZZZZIIIIINNNNNGGGGGG
I would do it again in a heartbeat and the results FAR outweigh the costs. Worth every single penny!
I highly recommend Dr. Goldberg and his staff. If there are any procedures in the future that I decide to do I will go to him first.
And if you have deep lines on the upper lip - don't waste your time on anything else. The lasers will never go as deep or give you the results that this deep chemical peel will. I have brand new baby skin and i plan to keep it that way - I don't go outside without SPF 40+ (eltaMD is my fave)
Any questions? Feel free to send them my way I would be happy to answer. The first and last pics I took in the same spot at the same time of day so they were consistent. The rest of the pics I did the same - in front of the same window in the morning. They are all untouched.