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Day 1:
The procedure took about an hour. I had 2 shots, was linked to an IV system, and the actual phenol process was short I wasn't knocked out and was fully aware of everything that was happening. They said it would hurt most around the eyes, which was what I experienced. 4 -5 hours later, I felt a mild burning sensation throughout the face, with the bulk of the sensations near the eyes, which got more and more swollen by the hour. I™m not able to talk, or at least not talk well. I took half of a Lortab but I probably didn™t need any pain meds for this one. The burning sensation dies down significantly after the procedure. Overall I was probably overly nervous for what I™m currently experiencing pain wise. It's just uncomfortable, just like Mixto laser.
If you've ever done a DIY 20% salicylic peel, that's what the burning feels like while sedated, except the burning lasts a lot longer afterward.
Right after the procedure:
Thanks for generously sharing your experience. I don't think I've actually ever interacted or seen someone document this online, at least not for scarring and in someone young. I've only read accounts of older, usually Caucasian ladies doing this for wrinkles because of pigmentary issues. You're like the exact opposite of that, and it'll be fascinating to see your experience.
Good luck!.
21 hours ago, Solutions29 said:Thanks for the post. Did you have phenol applied around your eyes? So excited for you. Hope you rest well!
yes.
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Thanks for the comments and encouragement.
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Day 1: most burning sensations subsided after 8 hours. By morning I felt no pain and felt great physically besides not being able to see.
Day 2: Pulled off tape, quick scraping and some reapplication of phenol. Pain level 4/10. Much quicker and easier than Day 1. I can finally see again; the tape made it near impossible to open my eyes. I won't report again until the mask is removed; it looks like I'll look like this for the next 7 days. White vinegar/water and aquaphor for the skin around the mask, and I'll need to reapply the green mask consistently as it flakes off. From here I just wait. Happy I can be productive during this downtime, although today I will spend my entire day resting.
13 hours ago, dazzed said:Thanks for generously sharing your experience. I don't think I've actually ever interacted or seen someone document this online, at least not for scarring and in someone young. I've only read accounts of older, usually Caucasian ladies doing this for wrinkles because of pigmentary issues. You're like the exact opposite of that, and it'll be fascinating to see your experience.
Good luck!.
If you contact the office, they have some more examples of ethnic skin.I do want to point out I'm half caucasian. I didn't ask, but I suspect the phenol concentrationmay be altered depending on skin type.
Day 3: Swelling is supposed to peak today, however, it's starting to come down and I think it peaked around 5 am today. I look miserable but do not feel miserable, I feel great. I'm oozing puss but the green mask absorbs it up and I apply a bit more of the green mask. I wake up every few hours to clean up, eat, check my skin for abnormalities, and go back to sleep. In the below picture, there is oozing on the chin area. Tomorrow I hope to resume a normal schedule. If I had to drive home today, I would feel comfortable doing so tonight, but I'm still leaving Friday as I prefer the weather in Chula Vista. I probably didn't really need the caretaker, just a driver, but it was nice for peace of mind.
Overall, treatment and recovery are going smooth. Just need to wait 1 month for the results.
Day 4 (~ 3 real days post 1st session): Yesterday afternoon and evening were really difficult for me. The liquid diet started to hit me, where my mind and body started craving solids like an addict may crave drugs. I was irritable and restless, I still am as I write this, and I ended up getting little sleep last night.
Today I drive home once the sun goes down; I will probably put a bit of oatmeal in my system once I get back as I can't tolerate only Soylent for much longer. Hopefully, oatmeal can be eaten through the hair dye bottle. The irritability has calmed down a little bit and I'm trying to keep my mind occupied with something else.
My forehead is 50% raw, all the pink spots are areas where dead skin has flaked off. I hate accidentally touching those areas; they're really sensitive. Some parts of the yellow mask now have air pockets, which is a good sign. Once the entire mask feels like there is an air pocket underneath, that's when it's time to take off the mask. My eyes as you can see are back to normal also.
Confirmed with the doc these results so far are normal.
Wow, thank you so much for sharing your journey so closely. Hoping you heal so wonderfully and this is truly the end of the journey for you! Im curious about the meds. It sounds like you didnt need to take the pain pill in office. Did you take it for the 2nd days procedure? Have you been taking pain, sleeping, or antiobiotic pillssince being in recovery?
7 minutes ago, Smile7 said:Wow, thank you so much for sharing your journey so closely. Hoping you heal so wonderfully and this is truly the end of the journey for you! Im curious about the meds. It sounds like you didnt need to take the pain pill in office. Did you take it for the 2nd days procedure? Have you been taking pain, sleeping, or antiobiotic pillssince being in recovery?
In the office, they will sedate you - there is no pain pill.
After they give you Lortab, 4 or 5 pills I forget. I used thosepain pills to sleep, found it quite effective.
I'm now out of sleep meds and pain meds and won't be getting more as it disruptsmy normal sleep without drugs. I've been taking acyclovir (antiviral) and cephalexin (antibiotic).
3 hours ago, cautiouslyhopeful said:What is the expected recovery time?
7 - 8 days. Then pink.
Looking great, brah! I was going to see Rullan again after I take one of my board exams at the end of July for my third subcision/CROSS (might add microneedling this time). This would be approx. 3 months from the last tx I did end of April.I saw that you did rf needling and have seen Infini recommended on here. Was it worth doing and did it make a big difference. I'm considering rf needling with your doc in Santa Monica and push treatments with Rullan further out if I go for Infini now.
Sorry to bother you, 1 more question whenever you have time. So you arent doing the 3 oxygen facials since you went home, correct? Do they give you a bit of a discount off the price since you arent utilizing the oxygen facials? Or is there an expiration on them? Just curious!
On 6/28/2019 at 1:53 PM, Smile7 said:Sorry to bother you, 1 more question whenever you have time. So you aren™t doing the 3 oxygen facials since you went home, correct? Do they give you a bit of a discount off the price since you aren™t utilizing the oxygen facials? Or is there an expiration on them? Just curious!
I won't do the facials. No discount.
3On 6/27/2019 at 4:46 PM, dodgerguy18 said:Looking great, brah! I was going to see Rullan again after I take one of my board exams at the end of July for my third subcision/CROSS (might add microneedling this time). This would be approx. 3 months from the last tx I did end of April. I saw that you did rf needling and have seen Infini recommended on here. Was it worth doing and did it make a big difference. I'm considering rf needling with your doc in Santa Monica and push treatments with Rullan further out if I go for Infini now.
Yes Infini was worth it after Sculptra. Ask the doctor for the pill - it makes you feel tipsy - it'll make the pain bearable. He didn't give it to me the first time.
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Day 5
Day 6
Peeling stage is gross, skin melting off. But overall it looks like it's healing fine.
As many of you are asking specific questions on aftercare, I feel it's best to post this below for Chemabrasion - Dr Rullan's - Deep Chemical Peel Resurfacing (At The End of Your Scar Journey it's great to take care of textural scarring - better than laser). Dr Rullan is a master/expert at Chemical Peels and teaches other Dr's how to do them. Please Note The below poster also had the procedure (successfully) and lots of great info was posted there as well. I will cross Link these posts as examples.
2 DAY PHENOL CHEMABRASION PEEL By Dr Rullan (San Diego, CA)
PRE/POST OPERATIVE CARE
Peels can improve many aspects of your appearance. However, it is extremely important that you follow the instructions explained below to help insure that you receive the best results from your peel. PLEASE SEND DR. PETER RULLAN YOUR PHOTO EVERY DAY AND ASK QUESTIONS. His cell phone # is XXX-XXX-XXXX. You will want to make sure that you have the following items available:
Over the Counter:
- White vinegar (1 TBSP in one cup water for compress) for neck peels only
- Anti inflammatory (Motrin or Advil)
- Aquaphor ointment or Vaseline (office gives it)
- Epionce's Medical Barrier Cream or Cetaphil cream or other approved moisturizer.(office)
Epionce or Cetaphil cleanser or other gentle cleanser - Eye wash solution to cleanse eye area if crust develops-as needed (office)
- 4 or 5 new plastic hair dye bottles to drink liquids/shakes obtain nutrition (you will want to limit mouth movements yawning, chewing and talking (office)
- "Colorscience" sunblock powder (available in our office) or sunblock containing zinc oxide
- Face visor shield for privacy and sun protection (available at our office or at www.facevisor.com)
- Benadryl (for itching during healing phase)
- Bismuth powder (given to you at our office)
- Blender or hand mixer to mix nutritious shakes or soups
- Fresh Fruit, Yogurt, Boost, Ensure, Slim Fast, or Cream of Wheat
- Metamucil
Additional arrangements:
- Caregiver: Because your eyes may be swollen shut it is impottant to arrange to have someone stay with you for the first 3-4 days after the procedure. The person that you select must be reliable to give medications on a scheduled basis and drive you to and from your appointments.
- We will give you a letter that must be completed by your family Doctor giving clearance for
the procedure to be done. Please have him/her Fax completed form to our office. - 10-12 lead EKG - copy of results faxed to our office
- Blood Tests: HIV, CBC, ALT, Creatinine - copy of results faxed to our office
Pre op visit:
We will take photographs, make sure all consent forms are signed, and all EKG & blood test results have been received. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and for us to meet your caregiver and instruct them on how to care for you after the phenol procedure. We also give you your written prescriptions at this time. If you are interested in camouflage makeup we can set up an appointment for you to meet with our esthetician.
- Dr. Rullan may suggest Botox injections 1-2 weeks prior to procedure. There will be an extra charge for the Botox injections.
The night before the procedure:
1. Remove all makeup and eyeliner the night before the treatment (its best if you don't wear makeup 24 hours before peel.
2. Take your Acyclovir medications- if you think you may have trouble sleeping you can take half to one (1) Halcion pill before bedtime.
3. Remove any acrylic fingernails and fingernail polish.
The morning of the procedure:
1. Wash your hair and brush your teeth-you will not be able to do either again for 7-8 days.
2. Do not apply any make up
3. Do not wear any jewelry
4. Remove Contact lenses
5. Do not take your antibiotic pill until day 3 or 4; as it may cause nausea.
6. Do take one (1) pain pill (Lortab) or Diazepam 5 mg- one hour prior to procedure
7. Do take Acyclovir (antiviral) 
8. It is o.k. to eat a very light breakfast six (6) hours prior to procedure
9. Drink only clear liquids, no coffee or juice
10. Wear a button down shift, and comfortable pants. We will remove your shoes; so you can bring an extra thick pair of socks.
First Day Phenol Procedure:
Please arrive a half an hour before your scheduled appointment, but no earlier than 8:00 a.m. Make sure we have your caregivers' cell number so that we can contact them after the procedure to pick you up. We will have you wash your face again and we may give you another pill to help you relax. Your vital signs will be measured and carefully monitored continuously during the treatment.
The R.N. will start an IV for fluids and then give you small amount an intravenous sedative or pain medication. We can repeat those medications as needed. You may feel a warm or burning sensation for several minutes during the procedure, but every effort is made to keep you comfortable through IV and oral medication. The procedure takes like one hour. We may leave your IV in place for tomorrow. After the procedure a. tape mask is applied to your skin. It is important that you not talk or otherwise move your mouth that the mask will remain in place. You will get very swollen.
During Day and Evening of the Procedure:
1. After the procedure and during the evening :
a. Fluid will ooze from under the edges of the mask.
b. You will feel some burning, which will lessen in 6-8 hours.
c. Your pain medication will lessen but will not completely stop this burning.
d. Your face and eyes will begin to swell.
2. It is important to minimize your facial movements. Do not talk or use the phone. Use note pads and gestures instead of talking. Have your caretaker prop your head with pillows to ensure you will sleep on your back and not on your side.
3. Medications: Do not take your medications on an empty stomach.
a. When you get home you can begin taking diazepam, Toradol or Lortab
b. Take the pain medication every 4-6 hours, while awake
c. Take the Toradol and Loratab together for more significant pain. Take them one (1) hour apart for less significant pain.
d. Take Zofran if nauseous every 6-8 hours.
e. Take diazepam (valium) every 6-8 hours during day to help you relax.
f. At bedtime take Halcion instead of diazepam.
4. Drink only liquids, shakes, soups using the hair dye bottles- no straws, no solid foods
Day 2 (Chemabrasion):
1. Take one (l) of your pain pills one (1) hour before your appointment.
2. Please arrive a half hour before your appointment. No earlier than 8:00 a.m.
3. We may give you a pill to help you relax.
4. The R.N. will re-start the IV fluids and the sedatives/narcotics
5. Your tape mask will be removed, and your skin debrided and cleansed.
6. Deep lines and acne scars will be curetted more phenol will be applied.
7. We then apply the Green powder mask to your face which will stay on for the next 6-7
8. Re-apply this powder whenever you see "wetness" building over the powder already on your face.
Lay down with a towel on your chest and cover your eyes with eye-pads and have assistant use a large Q-Tip and a "cup" with powder in it. You can spray water-mist on face to help powder stick.
9. Your eyelids and face will continue to swell. It is not uncommon for your eyes to become swollen shut. If this happens, open your eyes regularly with two Q-tips. Apply Vaseline on your eyelids.
10. It is important to keep your head elevated with several pillows in a reclining position.
11. Today and tomorrow will be your most difficult days. Continue to take medication as prescribed.
Day 3
1. Today is usually when the most swelling happens; fluid from face swelling may go down and cause some swelling of the neck and chest. Continue to keep head elevated.
2. Keep face dry when bathing.
3. There may be fluid oozing into the powder mask, causing it to get lumpy and darker. You may want to tie a scarf or bandana around your neck to absorb the draining liquid.
4. Your skin may feel warm under the mask.
5. You may begin using the Perioguard mouthwash 3 times daily using the hair dye bottle.
6. If your lips and upper eyelids feel dry you can apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor ointment.
Days 4-7
1. The powder mask will become firmer. Some areas may begin to crack around the mouth and eyes. To reapply powder; fine mist the area with water and use a brush or Qtip to apply a small amount of powder. Continue to avoid facial movements.
2. If your mask starts to lift off or separates from your skin, carefully apply Aquaphor ointment to your pink skin underneath air pocket of mask. You can come in to the office
3. Itching is common and Benadryl pills can be taken to relieve symptoms.
4. Continue to eat and drink through the hair dye bottles.
Day 7-8 (the day that your mask is ready for removal)
(touch and feel that the mask isn't touching the skin. - there's a space between skin and mask feels 'bouncy" and the skin doesn't hurt)
1. During the day and early evening follow instructions as for Days 4-7
2. At bedtime apply a very heavy coat of Vaseline over your entire powder mask; this will help to loosen and soften the mask as you sleep.
Day 8-9
1. The next morning, after you eat, take time to wet your face with either dilute white vinegar (one tablespoon in one cup of water). You can also take a warm shower with a soft "spray" and let the water run over your face. You can apply Vaseline in the shower to try to lift up loose mask. If the mask is too attached in some areas, leave it on. Try later again in the day. Small pieces will come off first, continue to gently rub in more Vaseline under the loose edges of the mask. This will cause larger pieces to peel off.
2. After the mask has been removed, you can your shampoo your hair and brush your teeth.
3. It is normal to see lines and creases on your skin. Do not let this upset you. These are not wrinkles but only temporary marks left by the rigid powder mask. They will go away in a few hours or days.
4. Do not start eating any solid food that requires heavy chewing. The less you move your facial muscles, the better results you will get (laying down new collagen).
5. We will discuss post peel skin care with you at your first oxygen facial. You will receive a skin care kit to take home.
6. Your new skin will be red. This red color should fade in 3-12 weeks. We can suggest a special camouflage makeup to cover this redness.
7. If an area of skin remains "weapy, yellowish" we suggest you continue applying wet white vinegar compresses, and either apply more green powder or mupirocin antibiotic ointment. Please send Dr Rullan a photo via text message for more advice.
8. We recommend that you purchase a face visor shield to protect your skin against the sun and wind.
Skin care first 30 day™s:
1. Oxygen facials with our Aesthetician and acne facials for milia.
2. Sun and heat avoidance in order to avoid PIH and persistent redness. Body heat from exercise will lead to redness on the face, a challenging problem for many patients who are used to exercising. Removing makeup will also increase the redness of the skin, especially around the eyes, so wear make-up at your own discretion.
3. Colorescience powder can help cool and protect the skin.
4. You will gradually transition from heavier to lighter lotions as your skin heals and these are our recommendations. Switch from Vaseline or Aquaphor to EPIONCE's MEDICAL BARRIER CREAM as soon as possible to minimize acne and milia. The Barrier Cream will become 'too heavy" around week 3, and actually can make your face more red, so change to a lighter cream like Hyalotopic to Hyaluronic Acid Serum. You can even try serums with Vitamin C which may actually feel lighter and reduce your redness faster than lotions.
5. Use gentle cleansers like Cetaphil, Cerave, Ponds or Elta Gentle Foaming
6. Sunblocks with clear Zinc Oxide like Elta MD 46 or Topix.
7. Consider Pulsed Dye lasers for persistent redness or telangiectasias.
8. Consider Class VI steroid creams (desonide).
9. Realize that injection of fillers or Botox will cause bruising more easily during 1st month after
