Throughout my career, I have found that fine facial wrinkles are a particular nuisance to almost all women in their 50s and older. Many procedures from dermabrasion, to acid peels, lasers, and the new fillers have been used with varying results. As a young plastic surgeon, we did many “phenol” peels with some very good results, but hypopigmentation (permanent whitening of the skin ) was an undesirable problem. Within the past few years the old phenol peel has been modified and dramatically improved by recognition of the mechanism of action of this old-fashioned peel. Now we have the Hetter Peel with its very scientific approach and recombination of the old croton oil and phenol recipe. The peel is painted on the skin surface under anesthesia causing a gentle burn to the epidermis. Usually healing occurs within 7 to 10 days followed by an extended period of redness during which time make-up can be applied. Sun exposure must be limited and sunscreens used while red. In most cases I would expect 80 to 90 percent of the fine wrinkles to be gone. Not all skin types are candidates and not all patients are suitable for the protracted recovery, but many of my best results are achieved with the Hetter Peel.
– Gary Williamson, MD