Present day status of the chemical face peel.

A phenol chemical face peel restores a clean, youthful appearance by removing the fine wrinkles of the tired, aged face. This procedure has the additional advantage of decreasing the rate of appearance of precancerous and probably early cancerous lesions of the photoaged skin of the face. Knowledge of the history, theory, histology, and technique are made current. A comprehensive review demonstrates that pigmentary changes, third degree scarring, and cardiac arrhythmias appear to be the main complications. The technique is safe and effective if used in a judicious manner.