Surg Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;17(4):1-5
Phenol peels are a deep chemical exfoliation technique used for decades for facial rejuvenation, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. The Baker-Gordon formula is the most commonly used, providing effective results but with significant risks. The procedure requires anesthesia and strict postoperative care due to possible complications such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, infections, scarring, and systemic toxicity, especially cardiotoxicity. This descriptive and exploratory literature review, based on articles from 2000 to 2025, highlights the method’s effectiveness but emphasizes the need for further studies on its long-term safety and on proper patient management.
Keywords: Phenol; Chemexfoliation; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions