The death of a 27-year-old man in São Paulo, resulting from complications caused by a phenol peeling, has sparked a debate about the procedure.
The young man underwent the procedure at an aesthetic clinic. The owner of the establishment did not have the specialty or authorization to perform the peeling. The police are investigating the case as homicide. The clinic has been shut down and fined.
Medical entities warn about the precautions to take when undergoing such a procedure.
The Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) emphasizes that invasive aesthetic procedures, such as phenol peeling, should only be performed by doctors, preferably with specialization in dermatology or plastic surgery, to ensure that the patient receives care with technical competence and safety. The council reiterates that even when performed by doctors, every invasive aesthetic procedure must be conducted in a prepared environment, adhering to sanitary regulations and with the structure for immediate life support intervention in case of complications.
Phenol Peeling
Phenol peeling is a procedure authorized in the country. It is indicated for treating severe facial aging, characterized by deep wrinkles and significantly compromised skin texture, according to the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD). When executed correctly and following the guidelines, the technique yields results in collagen production and significant reduction of wrinkles and spots.
The medical society considers the procedure invasive and aggressive; therefore, performing it on the entire face requires extreme caution. “It is important to emphasize that the procedure carries risks and a prolonged recovery time, requiring a break from usual activities for an extended period,” they inform.
Precautions to Be Taken
Before undergoing any clinical or dermatological procedure that uses different acids or formulas, the medical entity recommends that the patient consult a dermatologist. “This professional is qualified to prepare the skin, adequately assess its conditions, and indicate the best individualized approach for each case, as well as guide on the necessary precautions to avoid possible complications.”
The guidance is that it should be conducted by qualified doctors and in a hospital environment. The patient must undergo prior examinations, be anesthetized at the time of the procedure, and remain under cardiac monitoring during the execution of the process.
Risks
The Dermatology Society also warns that the procedure, being invasive, may pose health risks, such as to the heart, liver, and kidneys.
According to the institution, due to the use of a toxic compound absorbed through the skin and, consequently, into the bloodstream, strict precautions are necessary.
In a statement to Agência Brasil, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) reported that phenol is an authorized product for aesthetic purposes, such as in the case of peeling, and for strictly professional use. The product, therefore, cannot be sold online. The agency reinforced that measures are being taken to remove irregular advertisements related to phenol from the internet.
“Anvisa has a pilot project, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), called Epinet, which monitors advertisements for irregular products sold online (e-commerce), aiming to reduce irregularities in the sector of sales of products subject to health surveillance on the internet.”
Source: Text reproduced from Agência Brasil