Your skin tells the story of your life. As we age, fine lines, deep wrinkles, sun damage, and skin laxity begin to accumulate, making us look older or more tired than we feel. Over-the-counter creams and lotions may offer temporary improvements, but many patients want a more dramatic rejuvenation.
For those patients seeking transformative skin renewal without surgery, triple board-certified plastic surgeon and dermatologist Dr. Vincent Hung offers the croton oil peel: a powerful deep chemical peel designed to significantly improve wrinkles, pigmentation, laxity, and overall skin quality.
Also known as a Hetter peel or modified phenol peel, a croton peel is a chemical peel that penetrates the deeper layers of the skin to deliver substantial resurfacing and tightening. It is composed of a mixture of croton oil and phenol (carbolic acid), a formula originally refined by Dr. Gregory Hetter.
Unlike traditional phenol peels, the croton peel contains a higher concentration of croton oil and a lower concentration of phenol. Research has shown that croton oil is the key ingredient responsible for the deep resurfacing and cellular renovation effects of deep peels (while phenol is primarily a vehicle). By refining the formulation, physicians can achieve dramatic results with more controlled healing and often a shorter recovery time compared to older phenol-based peels.
When applied to the skin, the croton peel exfoliates damaged outer layers of the skin and stimulates collagen production deep within the dermis. Over the following days and weeks, old skin sheds and is replaced with smoother, firmer, healthier-looking skin.
This treatment goes beyond a superficial spa peel or an at-home peeling treatment. The croton peel is a medical-grade resurfacing treatment that delivers significant improvements in wrinkles and skin quality.
One of the most remarkable advantages of the croton peel is that it stimulates collagen formation. Results, therefore, are not just surface-level—the skin actually becomes firmer and more resilient over time.
The croton peel is also highly versatile. It doesn’t need to be applied to the entire face. Dr. Hung can target specific areas, such as around the mouth or eyes, to focus on problem areas while limiting recovery time.
For patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who are not ready for facelift surgery, the croton peel can provide meaningful tightening and rejuvenation without incisions.
If you’re looking for a powerful yet non-surgical treatment for skin rejuvenation, you may be a candidate for the croton peel.
Croton peel candidates often desire improvement in:
The croton peel often yields excellent results for patients with these skin concerns. However, if you have significant sagging in the lower face, jowls, or neck, facelift surgery may be more appropriate. In some cases, patients combine procedures—undergoing facelift surgery first, followed by a croton peel approximately six weeks later, when initial recovery has resolved. This approach allows Dr. Hung to address both deeper structural aging and surface skin quality for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
The best way to determine if the croton peel is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hung in Pasadena by calling (626) 432-5032.
Common pre-treatment steps include antiviral prophylaxis to prevent herpes simplex virus activation—one of the risks associated with deep resurfacing. If appropriate, based on individual risk factors, you may be prescribed antibiotics.
Dr. Hung and his team will provide you with in-depth pre-treatment guidelines prior to your appointment.
Because this is a deep peel, anesthesia or sedation is typically recommended to ensure patient comfort. Our highly trained OR team will monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels, and Dr. Hung will carefully apply the peel to minimize systemic absorption.
The peel works by penetrating into the deeper dermal layers, triggering exfoliation and collagen remodeling. Dr. Hung can control the depth and distribution of the peel with the concentration of croton oil in the formula.
Patients should expect at least two weeks of visible redness, with some patients experiencing lingering redness for several months.
Immediate recovery includes oozing, crusting, and skin tightness. These are a normal part of the skin’s response as it heals from a controlled chemical wound. Dr. Hung and his team will provide you with a take-home care kit, typically including a soak solution, towelettes, and a protective ointment.
Intensive barrier care, complete avoidance of the sun, and antiviral prophylaxis are critical elements of healing.
As a general timeline:
Complications to watch for include cold sores, bacterial or fungal infections, delayed healing, new scars, and areas of lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) patches. If you notice any of these, call Dr. Hung immediately. Don’t hesitate or try to manage them on your own.
The croton peel is known for the noticeable, long-lasting improvement it delivers. After initial flaking and peeling are complete, redness or pinkness tends to persist for several weeks to months.
However, patients love the fresh, smooth skin this treatment reveals. Deep lines, particularly around the mouth, forehead, and eyes, are softened dramatically. Loose skin on the face and lower eyelids is visibly lifted. Hyperpigmentation, age spots, and acne scars are gone or significantly improved for an overall brighter, more even complexion.
Because this peel not only removes damaged skin but stimulates deep collagen production, these stunning results often last for several years.
To preserve results and skin health, diligent sun protection is essential—including an SPF sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during peak sunlight hours when possible.
The cost of a croton peel in Pasadena or Newport Beach can range from $1,800 to $7,500 or more. This is a medical procedure, and pricing reflects the expertise required to perform a deep peel safely. Pricing also varies depending on the treatment area, the depth of the peel, anesthesia requirements, and pre-treatment skin care.
During your consultation, you will receive a personalized treatment plan and a detailed cost estimate. Dr. Hung’s office can also discuss available financing options.
A croton peel must be administered by a trained physician in a medical setting, with trained staff, vital-sign monitoring equipment, and sterile wound-care supplies on hand.
Dr. Vincent Hung is uniquely qualified: He is triple board certified in internal medicine, plastic surgery, and dermatology, and has advanced training in Mohs surgery for skin cancer. This means he understands both the structural anatomy of the face and the complex biology of the skin.
Dr. Hung’s rare, comprehensive background allows him to optimize patient safety, precisely control the depth of the peel, and recommend combination procedures when appropriate. Patients in Pasadena and Newport Beach trust Dr. Hung for helping them safely achieve natural-looking rejuvenation.
If you are ready to see dramatic improvement in wrinkles, sun damage, skin texture, and overall complexion, a croton peel may be the solution.
To learn more about croton peel treatment in Pasadena or Newport Beach, contact Dr. Hung’s office at (626) 432-5032 (Pasadena) or (949) 574-8292 (Newport Beach). You may also complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
Before and After Photos - individual results may vary
Some images may be models.
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