determining factor when considering a phenol
peel, since it is not recommended for dark-
skinned individuals. Phenol peels often cause the
skin to lose its ability to create pigment. This
creates a lighter skin tone, but requires that skin
constantly be shielded from the sun.
Phenol is applied to cleansed skin. Treatment
may take 15 minutes for a small area, and as
long as an hour for a full-face peel. A stinging
sensation usually occurs, but subsides within a
few minutes. Treatment often includes coating
the affected skin with petroleum jelly or
protecting it with waterproof adhesive tape after
application. A crust or scab will form on the
treated areas. The face will become quite swollen,
and the eyes may even be swollen shut. Phenol
peel patients may require care for 24 to 48 hours.
New skin forms in about seven to 10 days, and
will appear very red, fading to a lighter pink over
several months. Patients may apply makeup and
return to activities after about two weeks. A single
treatment usually produces the desired result.
Recovery may take several months, but the
results are dramatic and long-lasting.
Collagen and Fat Injections
Collagen and fat injections fill in creased,
furrowed, or sunken facial skin, lines and
wrinkles. These injections temporarily restore a
youthful appearance to the face, or add fullness
to the lips and cheeks. They are also used to fill
wrinkles, lines and scars on the neck, back
and chest.
These injections do not produce permanent
results because the body eventually metabolizes
the injected material. Results may last from
three to six months, depending upon the
patient's age, genetic background, skin quality,
lifestyle and the location of the injection.
e s t h e t i c i a n s i n t h e m e d i c a l f i e l d
512
Salon Fundamentals
TM
Esthetics
The TCA peel is applied to completely
cleansed skin. The patient may feel a mild
stinging sensation that diminishes after
a few minutes. The solution is left on for
10 to 15 minutes. Penetration of the peel can
be increased by applying additional layers of
peel solution, and a crust or scab will form on
the treated area. Moderate discomfort and
mild swelling usually subside within the first
week. New skin should be visible and complete
healing should occur within seven to 10 days.
Repeat treatments may be required.
TCA-peel patients are advised to avoid sun
exposure for several months after treatment
to protect the newly formed layers of skin.
Even though TCA is milder than phenol
(used in deep peel treatments) it may
produce unintended changes in skin color.
Deep Peels
Deep peels affect the dermis more intensely than
medium-depth peels, which indicates that only
physicians can perform deep peels. Multiple
layers of TCA or phenol are used. Deep peels are
recommended for treating deep facial wrinkles,
sun-damaged skin, uneven pigmentation or pre-
cancerous growths. Skin pigmentation is a
