What is phenol peeling?

The non-surgical aesthetic procedures is on the rise in Brazil, driven by the presence of health professionals sharing surprising results on social media. Among the most potent and effective options available is phenol peel, a procedure that has gained attention for its impressive results after going viral on social media. However, as it is considered invasive and complex, it presents health risks.

The national news brought the matter to light after the businessman's death Henrique da Silva Chagas after undergoing aesthetic treatment, last Monday (3). Understand the risks associated with phenol peel and why it must be carried out exclusively by specialist doctors.

What is phenol peeling for?

O phenol peel is an aesthetic procedure that uses a chemical solution based on phenol, corrosive acidic substance. Recognized for its ability to treat deep wrinkles, acne scars, sunspots and other advanced signs of aging, this peeling is considered a invasive and intense procedure.

How the procedure works

As a chemical surgery, phenol peel consists of the controlled application of the substance — which may have different concentrations depending on the degree of intervention — that will cause a burn on the skin. This triggers an inflammatory process that will result in skin peeling. After the procedure, the skin may remain red for up to three months, with a lot of peeling in the first 15 days.

During the procedure, the phenol solution is carefully applied by the dermatologist, it is important to remember that only these professionals, or plastic surgeons, can apply phenol peel. The resulting chemical reaction removes damaged top layers, stimulating cell regeneration. The effect is like a very intense exfoliation, like a skin change, which, after peeling, brings a smoother, more uniform and younger layer.

In this video, the dermatologist Diogo Branco explains step by step how the procedure works:

Benefits of phenol peeling

• Reduction of wrinkles and fine lines: The treatment is highly effective in smoothing deep wrinkles, offering a more youthful appearance.
• Improves skin texture and tone: Deep exfoliation helps to even out skin texture and tone, providing a healthier appearance.
• Treatment of blemishes and scars: Dark spots and acne scars are significantly reduced, resulting in clearer, more even skin.

Despite the benefits, the phenol peel requires rigorous care during the recovery period, which can vary from 1 to 3 months. During this time, the skin becomes red, swollen and extremely sensitive. Sun protection is essential, and it is crucial to avoid any exposure to the sun to prevent damage to the newly regenerated skin.

A Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) states that the procedure must be carried out by qualified dermatologists and within a hospital environment, with cardiac monitoring and anesthesia, given the risks associated with phenol toxicity.

Examples of before and after

Joao Castro is a tiktoker that went viral when showing the evolution of her skin after the phenol peel. In this video, posted by João on social media, you can follow the progress of his procedure:

In this video, doctor Hugo Andrada, tells about his procedure only in the eye area and how it progressed, on his channel you can follow other transformations:

Recently, the digital influencer Romagaga announced on his social networks that he underwent this procedure, in his Social media coordinator It shows the entire process, from applying the product to the final result after a few months.

And this is the impressive result of phenol peel from the influencer Romagaga:

Risks of the procedure

Although it seems like a simple procedure, phenol promotes a series of interactions with the body that require care from its application to the final result, which will occur months later. Check the risks associated with the procedure:

Toxicity

According to experts, phenol can be nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic e cardiotoxic. This means that the substance can cause damage to the kidneys, liver and heart. Cardiac toxicity occurs due to changes in ion channels, resulting in arrhythmias. Furthermore, there may be a change in the energy metabolism of cardiac cells, with a reduction in ATP (adenosine triphosphate), an essential molecule for energy supply. This reduction decreases the ability of heart cells to contract properly, in addition to causing direct damage to them.

Pigmentation and functional changes in the skin

The procedure can also cause hypopigmentation, resulting in permanent skin lightening — which is why it is not recommended for dark-skinned patients. In rare cases, scars and serious cardiac complications may occur due to the absorption of phenol by the body. Therefore, it is essential that this treatment is carried out under the supervision of qualified professionals to minimize these risks.

Skin hypersensitivity after the procedure leaves it looking pink for up to six months, and during this period you should avoid the sun as much as possible and use moisturizers and medications recommended by your dermatologist. If this care is not taken, there may be the appearance of dark spots in the region.

Edileia Bagatin, coordinator of the Department of Cosmetics at the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), warns about the circumstances in which this treatment is appropriate.

“Phenol peeling should only be used to treat wrinkles and is not effective for softening scars, and may even worsen them.”

Edileia Bagatin, coordinator of the Cosmetics Department of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD)

Scars can be so deep that they compromise the functioning of facial structures, making it difficult, for example, to move the eyelids or open the mouth.

Unqualified professionals

Due to the risks involved, the phenol peel must be carried out exclusively by dermatologists ou plastic surgeons in controlled environments, so that heartbeats are monitored. It is essential that interested parties consult a qualified professional to assess whether the procedure is suitable for their specific needs and skin type.

The legality and safety of the procedure are important factors. Only doctors have the necessary training and license to handle toxic substances such as phenol and safely perform invasive procedures.

Perform the phenol peel outside of a regulated medical environment is illegal and extremely dangerous in accordance with regulations and guidelines established by the Regional Medicine Councils and by Medical Societies, such as Brazilian Society of Dermatological Surgery (SBCD) and Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD). The tragic case of Henrique Silva Chagas exemplifies the serious risks involved when these procedures are performed inappropriately.

Henrique da Silva Chagas case

The case of the businessman Henrique da Silva Chagas, aged 27, brought to light the dangers of phenol peeling when carried out without due care and by unqualified professionals. He underwent the procedure at the influencer's clinic Natalia Becker, which promoted the miraculous results of phenol peeling on social media. The treatment took place on Monday (3), and Henrique began to feel unwell minutes after the procedure, reporting intense pain due to the deep burns. He paid R$4.500 up front for the treatment, hoping to alleviate the acne marks and freckles on his face.

Natalia Becker, according to the National Association of Beauticians and Cosmetologists (ANESCO), has no training as a beautician, only micropigmentation courses. According to her lawyer, she took an online course on phenol application and performed the procedure at her beauty clinic.

teams of SAMU they were called to help Henrique when he began to feel ill, but despite attempts to revive him, he did not survive. A Civil police treats the case as a homicide, according to delegate Eduardo Luís Ferreira, from the 27th DP of São Paulo. After the incident, Natalia left the clinic claiming to be feeling ill too, but remained on the run. On Wednesday afternoon (5) she presented herself at the police station investigating the case.

The lack of pre-procedure exams to check Henrique's health conditions is one of the critical points of the investigation. According to Henrique's husband, Natalia had only provided a cream before the treatment, without checking whether the patient had health problems that could be aggravated by the procedure.

In addition to the aesthetic consequences, such as permanent stains and scars that can compromise facial functions, the phenol peel it can be harmful to the cardiac system, as is being investigated in Henrique's case. The substance is cardiotoxic and can cause arrhythmias and, in severe cases, even cardiac arrest.

“The procedure can be carried out on an outpatient basis if the concentration is lower only on the face, but the patient must always be monitored.”

Edileia Bagatin, coordinator of the Cosmetics Department of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD).

Experts warn that phenol peeling is not suitable for everyone. People with heart problems, uncontrolled blood pressure or darker skin (high body type) are at high risk.

The president of the Brazilian Society of Dermatological Surgery, Emerson Lima, explains why phenol needs to be applied by specialists.

“Therefore, the procedure needs to be carried out by a doctor who can intervene in the event of any complication, during or after the surgery. Currently, there is very little seriousness regarding this procedure. You must always bear in mind that it can generate complications.”

Emerson Lima, president of the Brazilian Society of Dermatological Surgery (SBCD).

Lima explains that the technique causes a deep burn to the skin and requires extreme caution, according to experts, phenol peel It is not suitable for all skin types, is recommended for men and women over 60, and should not be performed by beauticians or dentists.

In Brazil, non-invasive aesthetic treatments grow 56% between 2020 and 2022, which makes the country occupy second place in the world ranking for this procedure. In 2013, the law on Medical Act, which regulates the practice of medicine in the country, defining which activities are exclusive to doctors and which can be carried out by other health professionals. The law establishes guidelines on what constitutes a medical act, aiming to guarantee the quality of services provided and the safety of patients.

The search for rejuvenation must always be accompanied by strict safety and professionalism criteria. It is essential that those considering this treatment are aware of the risks and always seek appropriate medical advice.

See also:

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Sources: Drauzio Varela Portal, G1, UOL

reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 6 / 6 / 24