88% Phenol Chemical Peel to Acne Scars in Washington DC

[Kidkodos12]

Ithink the reason I broke out is cus I wrestle nd sweat nd dirt clogs my poors

[DrNaderi]

@Kidkodos12

That very well maybe a big contributing factor to your acne but genetic predisposition is a part of it too. Wash your face well but dont over dry your face. Again see a good dermatologist and work with him or her knowing it may take time for things to improve and adjustments in your regimen may be needed. Good luck

[Kidkodos12]

Doc...im 17 nd ive been suffering frm acne since freshmen year last year was harsh bt this year was sever so sever inow have acne scars on my temples, checks,chin nose forr head,nd above my lip,so basiclly all over my face...

The scars are NT as brown jus a lil darker then my skin nd red as well my scars are prob rolling scars?...my right side is worst then left im using Palmers nd its been month nd a half nd barely any effect...Amy ideas wat todo?

[DrNaderi]

@Kidkodos12

I defer the treatment of Acne to my Dermatologist colleagues. There are many options and no one option works for everyone. Acne is a chronic condition but with good topical treatments, diet changes and time most people improve their acne. See a good local dermatologist and see what he or she would recommend for your acne. As far as acne scars, again topical creams and lasers and peels and dermabrasion are all solutions but I cannot tell you what do do without seeing you.

[americanbullly806]

Dr. I have acne scars but to be honest the color of the scars don't bother me so much unlike the the fact that they are starting to deepen and I hate that crater effect that's happening is there something I can do to even up my skin again even if the actual scar doesn't go away I just don't want the crater look I want my skin to be smooth one level plz help

[DrNaderi]

@americanbullly806

Hi. You have to see a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who focuses on acne scars. The deep ice pick scars or craters that you mention can be improved but it is difficult and there are limitations given each unique skin type and color. Dermabrasion, CO2 laser and other options are available but make sure you find a true specialist. Good luck

[LuizaCrystina]

Hey doctor, you said phenol peel works better for wrinkles and hyperpigmentation than for "deep acne scar pits", but, my question is: would it work for rolling scars and not so deep acne scars? Thanks!

[DrNaderi]

@LuizaCrystina

Hi. Dermabrasion works better for rolling scars because the dermabraded wheel can file down the area nicely but your skin has to be pale in color and you may or may not be a candidate for the procedure. Regardless you should see a doctor who has lots of experience with Dermabrasion, lasers and peels.

[LuizaCrystina]

@DrNaderi My skin is very pale, yes. I will talk with a doctor, thank you!

[jessicachavoya1]

Hi DrNadir, I want to ask you which is the best procedure you recommend for old acne scars. I have back acne scars since I was like 11 or 12 and I keep getting them since them, some are already back. I have also in my face but those are from a year and now.

I just did one alpha-betha peeling for my face and a 30% glycolic acid peeling in my back. I don't have severe acne but I have it moderate and I still get pimples. What do you recommend me to get rid of current acne and my scars?

By

[DrNaderi]

@jessicachavoya1

Hi. You need to see a Dermatologist to work on your current acne. Peels and lasers can be used on the back as well as the face but only by an experienced Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist.

[DrNaderi]

@sallyzzzzzzz

Deep acne scars are very difficult to treat and something as light as a salicylic acid peel will not do much for acne scars.

[sallyzzzzzzz]

Do you have any before and after pictures of her scars ?

[DrNaderi]

@sallyzzzzzzz

I do but I do not have consent from her to show it. I will tell you that I was not impressed with the results. She had had CO2 laser elsewhere and then I did Dermabrasion followed by 88% phenol and the acne scars were STILL not much better which goes to show you how difficult and stubborn acne scars can be. This deep chemical peel works much better for wrinkles, lines and hyperpigmentation than it does for deep acne scar pits unfortunately.

[swagbucksgirl]

@DrNaderi i respect your honesty. Is the co2 laser considered stronger and / or a more aggressive approach than Sciton Profractional lasers? thank you for taking the time out to answer all of our questions.

[DrNaderi]

@swagbucksgirl

Thank you. Traditional CO2 lasers are more aggressive than any fractionated CO2 laser. Sciton's profractional laser is NOT a fractionated CO2 laser. It is an Erbium fractionated laser which is weaker than any CO2. But with lasers, the strength can be dialed up or down and many other factors influence outcome or even candidacy for treatment. Find the best doctor possible and let him or her examine you and make recommendations to you based on your skin.

[sunkissashley]

@DrNaderi if u dont mind me asking what is your profession im a teen so im lookin for career path definately intrested in these fields

[DrNaderi]

@sunkissashley

I don't mind at all. You can read much more about me and my training and prefession on my websites if you google me. I am a Board Certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. I have 2 offices in Northern Virginia as well as Chevy Chase Maryland and my main focus is Rhinoplasty and Revision Rhinoplasty. Im also a national clinical instructor for Allergan and Medicis which means I train other doctors on how to inject Botox, Dysport and dermal fillers. I hope this helped

[David666Powers]

Hi, I was wondering if a treatment like this or a less powerful peel would be good for dark spots? I am 16 male and i am almost acne free but i have a TON of dark spts. What do you recommend?

[DrNaderi]

@David666Powers

An 88% Phenol peel is too strong for dark spots and especially for a 16 year old male. A good skin care program that you do yourself at home such as OBAGI with Retin-A and Hydroquinone would be a good start plus sun protection. Lighter peels such as VI peel may be possible. Even a stronger 35% TCA peel may be possible but I cannot tell you what to do without seeing you and examining you so see a good dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon and go from there.

[David666Powers]

@DrNaderi I really appreciate the fast response doc. I am currently on Retin-A week 5 the majority of my acne is gone but as i said before im left with a ton of dark spots overing my cheeks. Is there a place where i can get an at home chemical peel? or would it be safer to go ee my derm and see what he recomends as far as chemical peels go?

[DrNaderi]

@David666Powers

My pleasure. Always see your Dermatologist or plastic surgeon first and dont take risks with do-it-yourself stuff unless your doctor approves it. For example, OBAGI NuDerm is an at home system but again you have to see your doctor to get the advice and prescription. Good luck

[TheRocketVoltage]

OOH, that looked intense! I just did a 30% glycolic peel and my skin was burning QUICKLY! I can't imagine getting an 88% phenol peel!

[DrNaderi]

@TheRocketVoltage

Yes the 88% Phenol is a much deeper chemical peel than the 30% Glycolic.

[Noni136631]

How many sessions do you need and I really want to get this done but I live in new York can you recommend any doctors and where are you located??

[DrNaderi]

@Noni136631

This is a serious medical procedure and you may or may not be a candidate for the Phenol 88% peel. There are some great plastic surgeons in NYC like Dr. Phil Miller, Dr. Norm Pastorek, Dr. Stephen Pearlman, Dr. Sam Rizk.

[Noni136631]

How many sessions do you need and I really want to get this done but I live in new York can you recommend any doctors and where are you located??

[nirvousfreek]

If I get this done to remove acne scars is there any chance of them returning like how the sun damage could return?

[DrNaderi]

@nirvousfreek

First of all total removal of acne scars is something that is very difficult and often unrealistic but if you have light colored skin then improvements can be made using various techniques and a deep Phenol peel is one of many viable techniques. Scars that are improved do not get worse with time - usually. This is different that hyperpigmentation and sun damage that result from time and sun exposure. But this is a serious and potentially dangerous peel.

[nirvousfreek]

@DrNaderi Okay I was just wondering. My scars are fairly light so would a TCA peel be better?

[DrNaderi]

@nirvousfreek

I really would have to see you and examine you. 35% TCA is good for pigmentation and texture but not deep enough for scars. Phenol, Baker-Gordon peel, CO2 laser are the 3 best choices for scars if you are caucasian with light skin and freckles.

[nirvousfreek]

@DrNaderi Okay, that describes me. About how much in general do these cost?

[DrNaderi]

@nirvousfreek

It depends. It usually ranges in the $3-6K range while the lighter peels like TCA can be in the $500-2000 range. Cost depends on hospital fees and anesthesia fees, etc.

[nirvousfreek]

@DrNaderi I know for a period after the peel my skin will be quite sensitive to the sun. Does it eventually build its resisitance back up to normal?

[DrNaderi]

@nirvousfreek

It does take up to a year or so and the skin will always be somewhat more pale.

[nirvousfreek]

If I have this done to remove acne scars, is there any possibility of them resurfacing or are they pretty much gone?

[sexymarieg]

that looks like that hurts!

[DrNaderi]

@sexymarieg

Absolutely! This is a deep chemical peel and she is numbed up for it but most patients choose general anesthesia for a phenol chemical peel.

[DrNaderi]

@mikeohoh7

Dermabrasion is a mechanical method of "resurfacing." Resurfacing can be done using heat = laser, or chemical acids = peels, or mechanical sanding wheels = dermabrasion. These can be light, or medium or deep. The medium and deep resurfacing is a serious and potentially dangerous surgical treatment that can result in major complication and scars if not done properly. Teenagers need to concentrate more on acne prevention and skin care first and foremost.

[babybunnies]

Dr. Nader is it possible to do a phenol peel when you are mixed 1/2 asian and 1/2 white? I have had 1 obagi peel with 10 layering treatments in one appointment and 2 TCA peels already. I still have scars and the coloration is not evened out where my acne scars are. I live in Canada and if you know anyone in Canada it would be helpful. Thanks for you help!

[DrNaderi]

@babybunnies

It is very risky doing any deep chemical peels with anyone of Asian heritage. Even in white patients the results are mixed and often frustratingly modest! You may want to see Dr. Peter Adamson in Toronto and see what he would recommend. Judge his recommendations for yourself as I cannot vouch for anyone's results or work but he is a very well known and experienced Facial Plastic Surgeon in Canada.

[DrNaderi]

@TheHundizhang

This peel is only for "Fitzpatrick type I, II and III skin." This is not for Asian skin, Latina skin or Middle eastern skin or African American skin. It is too deep. TCA is less deep and safer but depends on the concentration of TCA. Deeper TCA peels can cause scarring and problems as well. Just make sure you see an experienced plastic surgeon who knows what he or she is doing.

[evealexsis]

That background noise is snow hitting the skyline.....for real? Oh my word I though it was some machine or something!!!!

[DrNaderi]

@evealexsis

Its snow melting not snow flakes. LOL

[iluvnyc07]

oh ok. thank you.

[iluvnyc07]

why is her face swollen?

[DrNaderi]

@iluvnyc07

She has been injected with about 20cc of Lidocaine to numb her face. There is no way anyone can tolerate this deep of a chemical peel with only topical numbing creams. You either have to be asleep under anesthesia or you have to be injected with numbing solution.

[DrPoon]

Does this work for stretchmarks?

[DrNaderi]

@DrPoon

Technically resurfacing would improve stretch marks but the 88% Phenol chemical peel is WAY too strong for the body and its only reserved for the face (not even the neck). FRAXEL lasers have been shown by some Dermatologists to improve stretch marks. 

[BadGirl0804]

Has anyone ever had a bad experience witht his procedure. I would be fearful that I would damage my face.

[DrNaderi]

@BadGirl0804

Deep facial skin resurfacing such as CO2 laser or Phenol peels or dermabrasion are serious surgical skin treatments and there are risks and side effects and should only be done by qualified Dermatologists or Facial Plastic Surgeons or Plastic Surgeons. This is not a "spa treatment." Not every patient is a good candidate for Phenol peel. Your fear is valid and it is good to be fearful so that you do lots of homework and find the right doctor.

[cbillabonggrl21]

What's the banging noise?

[DrNaderi]

@cbillabonggrl21

The annoying "banging noise" was melting snow hitting our sky light windows from above!

[nesserini]

@DrNaderi That's some very vocal snow! Frightening procedure, Dr Naderi! Pain/anxiety meds needed afterwards?

[DrNaderi]

@nesserini

Yes the snow melting and hitting the sky light windows was loud! The procedure did not hurt after I numbed her face. The numbing is not pleasant though but Valium helps patients tolerate the numbing. If she keeps her face moist with ointment (which she did) there is not much pain afterwards either. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROCEDURE AND NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY! MOST OFTEN I DO THIS IN THE HOSPITAL WITH PATIENTS ASLEEP UNDER ANESTHESIA. This was a rare occasion awake in the office.

[lucky143girl]

you are a wonderful doc! well that is wat it looks like to me!

[DrNaderi]

@lucky143girl

Thank you! :)

[lucky143girl]

are u serious!

[DrNaderi]

@lucky143girl

This is something you rarely if ever see on a video. It is also a lost art form amongst most plastic surgeons. This Phenol peel is as deep or even deeper than a CO2 Laser. The down time is about 2 weeks.

[XforeverlongingX]

@lucky143girl I probably need this though at some point.... this is the real stuff, that actually does make your skin look better instead of over the counter beauty in a bottle cream that doesn't work.

[XforeverlongingX]

fuck that sounds like it hurts doc

[DrNaderi]

@XforeverlongingX

It certainly would hurt if her face was not completely numb from numbing injections. This is NOT a "spa treatment" or a weak alpha hydroxy acid peel. The Phenol peel is to a Glycolic acid peel what a CO2 laser is to a professor's laser pointer!

[knafa985]

@XforeverlongingX no wonder she is listening to her ipod