Hetter Chemical Peel
Facial Resurfacing, Variable Croton Peel (VCP)
The Hetter Peel is an advanced chemical peel used for deep skin resurfacing — treating wrinkles, scarring, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation at a level most surface peels can't reach.
The technique traces back to the Baker-Gordon (phenol) peel used for decades in facial plastic surgery. In 2000, Dr. Gregory Hetter published research identifying croton oil — not phenol — as the ingredient actually driving the peel's results. That discovery allowed the concentration of croton oil to be adjusted with much greater precision, producing a peel that could be customized to a patient's skin and calibrated for safety. This modified formula is now widely known as the Hetter Peel.
What the Hetter Peel Can Help Improve
Fine lines and wrinkles, including smoker's lines
Textural irregularities from acne or chickenpox scarring
Deep pitting and depressed acne scars
Crow's feet and fine wrinkling around the eyes
Sun damage, brown spots, and uneven pigmentation
Rough, "leathery" or sun-etched skin texture
Scars from trauma or prior surgery
Overall skin tone and texture
Results build over time: most patients complete visible surface healing within about 10 days, with continued improvement over the following 6 to 18 months as new collagen forms.
Is the Hetter Peel Right for You?
Good candidates are adults dealing with visible sun damage, acne scarring, wrinkling, or uneven pigmentation who want a more significant result than a light peel can provide. Because deeper peels affect melanin-producing cells, patients with darker skin tones face a higher risk of pigment changes and should discuss this carefully during consultation — a personalized skin assessment with Dr. Joseph will determine whether the Hetter Peel, a different peel depth, or another resurfacing option is the safer, better fit.
What to Expect
The Hetter Peel is performed under mild sedation for comfort. Peel strength isn't one-size-fits-all. Dr. Joseph evaluates your skin's response during the procedure and adjusts the solution and number of coats accordingly, so treatment is tailored to your specific concerns.
In the days that follow, expect redness and visible peeling as the skin resurfaces. Most patients are through this phase within about 10 days, with noticeable improvement soon after. Full results continue to develop over 6 to 18 months as collagen remodels beneath the surface. Our team will walk you through aftercare and follow-up so recovery goes smoothly.
F.A.Q
What is the Hetter Peel and how does it work?
It's a deep skin resurfacing treatment using a customized croton oil peel formula that removes damaged outer layers of skin and stimulates new collagen production, improving texture, pigmentation, wrinkles, and scarring.
Who is a good candidate?
Adults with sun damage, acne scarring, pigmentation irregularities, or textural concerns who want significant improvement. Skin tone is an important factor — a consultation with Dr. Joseph will determine if this peel, or an alternative, is right for you.
How long is recovery?
Most patients experience redness and peeling for up to about 10 days, with visible improvement soon after. Full remodeling continues for 6 to 18 months. Recovery is generally shorter than with laser resurfacing.
How is this different from laser resurfacing?
The Hetter Peel resurfaces skin chemically instead of with heat, which typically means less prolonged redness and fewer complications, with results that can rival or exceed laser treatment.
Can it treat more severe skin concerns?
Yes — peel depth and strength can be adjusted for mild to more significant concerns, including deeper wrinkles, scarring, and pigmentation issues. Dr. Joseph tailors the approach during your consultation.