
The gold standard in the treatment of extreme skin damage
Wrinkles, sun damage, sagging skin, pigment shifts, acne scars or a dull complexion – all of these are classic signs of ageing skin or skin diseases that many of my patients find very distressing. These changes are particularly noticeable on the face and often cannot be adequately corrected with conventional cosmetics or superficial peelings. Lasers, injections and even face lifts cannot always achieve the desired results either.
In fact, many medical-aesthetic procedures only work in the upper layers of the skin and therefore only achieve limited results for deep skin changes. Or they work like a facelift in depth without significantly improving the superficial appearance of the skin. Phenol peeling, on the other hand, belongs to the premier class of non-surgical anti-ageing treatments: It is a highly intensive, deep and surface-effective chemical peel that works even where other methods have long since reached their limits.
As a renowned dermatologist with over 20 years of experience and specialisation in complex peeling procedures, I offer phenol peeling under the highest safety standards in my practices in Munich and Zurich.
AT A GLANCE
COSTS
from 4.000 Euro
DURATION
about 120 minutes
ANAESTHESIA
Local anaesthesia with or without twilight sleep
DOWNTIME
about 6 weeks
Advantages of a phenol peel
- Reduction of deep to very deep wrinkles
- Effect also in the deep connective tissue, i.e. tightening of the subcutaneous tissue
- Lasting result
Treatment areas for phenol peels
Only on the face
What makes phenol peeling so special
Phenol peeling is the only peeling method that penetrates into the deepest layers of the skin. It stimulates comprehensive regeneration of the skin tissue, breaks down damaged structures and stimulates the formation of new collagen and elastic fibres. The resulting effect is an almost complete skin renewal process, comparable to a surgical facelift, but without a scalpel.
Typical areas of application:
- Deep perioral or mimic wrinkles (e.g. on cheeks, lips, forehead)
- Sun damage (‘leather face’, actinic keratoses)
- Deep acne scars and other scarring
- Severe pigmentation disorders (melasma, lentigines)
- Sagging skin on the face
For me, phenol peeling is the most effective treatment available in aesthetic dermatology. My patients get a completely new skin appearance that lasts for about 10 years. However, there are also risks of side effects if the peeling is used incorrectly. Only a few specialists are able to perform this treatment safely and effectively.
Experience
FEEDBACK FROM MY PATIENTS
Procedure
This is how a phenol peel works

Consultation
Before I carry out a phenol peel on you, I will first welcome you for a detailed consultation. I will take the time to analyse your skin and understand your individual needs. I will explain to you in detail how the treatment will work, what results you can realistically expect, what preparation and aftercare measures are necessary and what downtime and side effects you should expect. Patient co-operation (following the instructions exactly) is also a basic requirement.

Preparation
Careful preparation of your skin is crucial for the success of phenol peeling and should begin at least 4 weeks before the treatment. I will provide you with care products specially tailored to your skin type, which you will use daily. Depending on your individual skin condition, certain washing gels, bleaching agents or antioxidants may also be used. This is the best way to prepare your skin for the peel and reduce the risk of possible skin irritation and pigmentation disorders as much as possible. It is particularly important during this period to avoid sunbathing and tanning beds, as this could jeopardise the success of the treatment.

Treatment
To make the phenol peeling treatment as painless as possible for you, I recommend a local anaesthetic with twilight sleep with the help of an anaesthetist. The treatment itself takes about 2 hours, followed by a monitoring phase in my practice.
First, I cleanse your facial skin thoroughly, then I apply the phenol solution with a special brush in a time-delayed manner. This precise technique allows me to treat each area individually and in a controlled manner. I then cover the treated areas with special protective patches or a powder dressing, which neutralise the solution and are removed after 24 hours. The antiseptic powder applied alternatively, depending on the case, forms a firm crust that remains on the skin for about 1 week.

Aftercare
Phenol peeling is usually associated with a healing phase of at least 4 weeks. Only then will you be socially acceptable again. Following the treatment, you may experience a burning sensation and discomfort, which can be alleviated with appropriate products.
I advise you to avoid making strong facial expressions in the first few days; take it easy on your face and keep it as still as possible. As soon as I remove the powder mask, you should follow a special aftercare plan with special skin care and sun protection. A hygienic approach is absolutely essential here. You should avoid sunbathing and sunbeds completely for the first 30 weeks. I also recommend special cleansing of the skin after the treatment. I will of course provide you with detailed information about the appropriate products for restorative care and will be on hand to advise you throughout the entire regeneration phase.
Please bear in mind that a phenol peel completely renews your skin. It is therefore sensitive and should not be exposed to strong sunlight in the long term. With consistent sun protection, the results of the phenol peel may last longer and you can enjoy your rejuvenated skin for many years to come.
Frequently asked questions about the phenol peel
Answers from the expert Dr Duve
Is a phenol peel dangerous?
How much pain does a phenol peel cause?
Who is phenol peeling not suitable for?
Which zones/areas can be treated with phenol peeling?
Does phenol peeling leave scars?
Is a phenol peel carcinogenic?
At what age is phenol peeling useful?
Personal consultation
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