What is the proper procedure for performing a carbon facial?

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Last updated: December 30, 2025View editorial policy

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Carbon Facial Procedure is Not a Medical Procedure

I cannot provide medical guidance on performing a "carbon facial" because the evidence provided relates exclusively to medical procedures (colonoscopy tattooing, basal cell carcinoma treatment, and laser resurfacing), none of which describe the cosmetic "carbon facial" treatment you're asking about.

What the Evidence Actually Addresses

The term "carbon" in the provided medical literature refers to:

  • Sterile carbon particle suspension for endoscopic tattooing during colonoscopy to mark colorectal lesions for future surgical localization 1
  • Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing for treating photodamaged skin, rhytids, and acne scarring under topical or general anesthesia 2

Neither of these procedures is a "carbon facial" as understood in the cosmetic industry.

What a Carbon Facial Actually Is (General Knowledge)

A carbon facial (also called a "carbon laser peel" or "Hollywood peel") is a cosmetic procedure that typically involves:

  • Application of a liquid carbon layer to the face
  • Use of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser to heat and vaporize the carbon
  • The carbon particles absorb laser energy to exfoliate skin and reduce pore size

This procedure is not addressed in any of the provided medical guidelines or research studies.

Critical Safety Considerations

If you are seeking to perform cosmetic procedures:

  • Proper training, credentialing, and supervision are essential for patient safety 3
  • All equipment must be properly sterilized according to healthcare facility standards 4, 5
  • Sterile technique must be maintained throughout any procedure involving skin penetration 6

I cannot provide a step-by-step protocol for carbon facial procedures based on the evidence provided, as none of the sources address this specific cosmetic treatment.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Patient safety in procedural dermatology: Part II. Safety related to cosmetic procedures.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2015

Research

Disinfection and sterilization in health care facilities: what clinicians need to know.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 2004

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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