What are the benefits?

 

The Vi Peel corrects skin problems at the cellular level rather than just burning off the skin. The combined actions of its many acids and vitamins help erase fine lines and wrinkles, remove actinic keratoses, shrink enlarged pores, and build collagen and elastin to tighten skin. It is extremely effective in eliminating hyperpigmentation, including melasma, and provides excellent results for patients with acne.

 

How many treatments do you need?

 

The number of treatments depends on the severity of the conditions you wish to correct and the amount of correction desired. A single Vi Peel behaves like a superficial peel in relation to pain and downtime, but yields results equal to a medium depth peel. Three Vi Peels, two to four weeks apart, will produce results comparable to procedures like the Obagi Blue peel without the pain, extensive downtime, and cost associated with those peels.

 

Who should consider getting a Vi peel?

 

The VI Peel can be used on all skin types. The Vi Peel has been safely used to manage acne in patients as young as 12 years of age and is effective for use on darker skin tones that have not historically responded well to other chemical peel procedures, such as Asian, African-American or Latino skin tones.

 

How is the procedure performed?

 

A Vi Peel is performed in our office by our licensed nurse or certified aesthetician. While older procedures for chemical peels included skin preconditioning, there is no preconditioning needed prior to receiving a Vi Peel. The application process can take up to 30 minutes and involves the chemical solution being topically applied to the skin. The peel is then left on the skin for five hours and washed off by the patient at home. Some patients experience light stinging during application, which subsides quickly. Patients can receive VI Peels repeatedly every two weeks until they receive their desired results; however, most patients need only one initial treatment followed by regular peels three to four times per year for continuing skin renewal and luminosity.

 

What can I expect from the recovery process?

 

Many patients will notice that their skin appears red or tan after their Vi Peel treatment, which is normal and will subside shortly after the procedure. Patients can return to regular activities immediately after their appointment; however, the peel solution must stay on the face for five hours, and strenuous activities, such as exercise, should be avoided until the patient washes the solution off. Patients can apply make-up prior to and after the peeling process, but should not wear make-up while their skin is peeling.

 

The peeling process most often begins on the third day after the procedure and can last from a few days to one week. During the peeling period, patients may have some sensitivity and should avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Moisturizer can be used during this time to mask the light, feathery skin peeling if the patient is concerned about the appearance of their skin.

 

When will I see results?

 

Most patients report noticeable results within a few days after receiving a Vi Peel. Results will include an overall improvement in the appearance of the skin including a more youthful glow and improved tone and texture.

 

Is the Vi Peel approved for use in the United States?

 

While the Vi Peel procedure itself does not hold official FDA approval, each of the ingredients in the peel is FDA-approved. The makers of the Vi Peel have also completed a safety study through International Research Services, Inc., which concluded that the Vi Peel is safe when used as intended.

 

Will my insurance cover my Vi peel?

 

Cosmetic procedures and treatments that are not considered medically necessary, including the Vi Peel, are generally not covered by medical insurance companies. However, patients who wish to receive a Vi Peel and do not want to pay for the treatment up front may have access to financing options or payment plans through our financing partners.

 

Will results be long lasting?

 

Like everything else in life, human skin needs maintenance. The Vi Peel’s wonderful results will last as long as skin care is maintained, sun exposure is moderate and preventive aging with the Vi Peel is performed three or four times per year. In between, skin care is maintained and optimized with an appropriate home care program designed for your skin.

 

What’s the critical key to long lasting results?

 

We believe skin care should be “dentilized”, where we treat our skin with the same care that we treat our teeth. Regular visits to a medical professional coupled with daily maintenance allow us to enjoy what life has to offer, in moderation, without the fear of damaging our skin, the same way we may eat a little chocolate and drink coffee between visits to our dentist.

 

What types of skin respond well to the Vi Peel?

 

The many innovations that created the Vi Peel combine to enable the entire continuum of skin types to enjoy the benefits of the peel. For the first time, Afro-American and darker skin types such as some Asian and Latin skins can experience anti-aging and restorative skin care that was previously unavailable.

 

How much preconditioning of the skin is required?

 

The Vi Peel requires no preconditioning of the skin associated with older generation peels that can take three to five months.

 

Does it burn?

 

Not really. Patients will feel a slight stinging sensation for a few seconds which subsides completely almost immediately. The peel is applied topically, numbing of the skin takes place after the first pass. Some patients may feel more comfortable using a fan or cold air breeze.

 

How badly will my skin peel?

 

The skin peeling associated with the Vi Peel is a light, fluffy peel that will start on day three and generally be finished by the end of day four. The peeling is easily hidden by moisturizer. In some cases, the peel is virtually invisible.

 

What will I look like right after the Vi Peel and during the next few days?

 

The skin will look slightly tan to red immediately after the peel. On days one and two the skin will feel slightly tighter with no Visible signs of having a peel except for looking slightly tan, as if the patient just returned from a relaxing weekend at a resort. Any pigmented areas might appear slightly darker, which is a good sign. On about day three, the patient begins to peel. The first signs of peeling usually begin around the mouth area, continuing for a day or two. With the use of the VI Derm™ moisturizer, patients go about their usual daily routine. By day six or seven the patient is done peeling and the results are dramatic!

 

What about normal activities after the Vi Peel?

 

There are no restrictions. Normal activities can be resumed immediately after the peel.

 

What will the Vi Peel do for my skin?

 

It uses the synergy of all available and known modes of action of various acids to produce a multitude of positive effects. It tackles skin problems at the cellular level rather than just burning skin off. Thanks to the concerted actions of its many acids and Vitamins, it will help erase fine lines and wrinkles, shrink enlarged pores and build collagen and elastin which tighten skin. It is extremely effective in practically eliminating hyper pigmentation including melasma, the most difficult pigmentation issue to address. The Vi Peel also provides excellent results for patients with acne.

 

How many peels are needed?

 

The peel may be repeated as often as every two weeks, if necessary, for damaged skin. Our recommendation for average skin would be once every three months to prevent damage and the underlying aging of the skin. The physician will evaluate the patient’s damage, goals and expectations and make an appropriate recommendation for ongoing skin care. We preach the “dentilization” of skin care for optimum results.

 

I have a social event coming up, can I wear makeup after the Vi Peel?

 

While the long-term goal is to eliminate the need to use any makeup, it may be worn at any time after the peel solution has dried. Makeup should not be applied on the days that the skin is peeling, just moisturizer. Makeup can then be resumed at any time after the skin peels.

 

What about the hands or chest?

 

Of course! The Vi Peel is incredibly effective in removing sunspots from the hands and chest and eliminating the wrinkles associated with sun damage on the décolletage. Your skin care professional will customize the application for each patient.

 

How long will the Vi Peel take?

 

The facial cleansing and peel application typically take 30 to 45 minutes.

 

What kind of final results will the patient see after a single Vi Peel?

 

It takes about four days after you finish peeling for the skin to return to its normal pH and to see the final effects. The skin will look luminous and glowing. You will feel refreshed with slightly tighter skin. Hyper-pigmentation will be improved or gone, depending on the amount of damage. Texture will be improved with an overall more youthful appearance.

 

What should be used on the skin in conjunction with the Vi Peel?

 

Our first line of defense is tretinoin with a prescription line of products that takes the patient through the necessary steps of maintaining new skin. Skin care products appropriate for your skin type and condition should be used on a daily basis to maintain new skin appeal.

 

Does the Vi Peel make the skin thinner?

 

No. By sloughing off the old skin, forcing the body to recreate new skin at a faster rate in a sequence faster than its own rate, the skin actually thickens, stimulating the underlying structure to make more collagen and elastin.

 

Will the patient’s skin be more sensitive after the Vi Peel?

 

The skin will only be more sensitive, if at all, during the peeling process itself. The patient may experience up to four days of sensitivity until pH of the skin is replenished.

 

Will the Vi Peel tighten neck skin?

 

The skin on the neck responds well. The Vi Peel has proven to help improve texture and quality with gradual softening of the lines and some tightening effects.

 

What other areas can the Vi Peel be performed on?

 

Face, neck, hands and chest all respond well to a VI Peel.

 

Can the patient go in the sun after the Vi Peel?

 

Sun exposure should be limited and adequate protection with a good sunscreen should be used. As part of the post-peel skin care kit, sunscreen is provided along with a moisturizer. However, the VI Peel was created to be practical. The only days where exposure to the sun should be seriously avoided are days three and four, when the skin is peeling, to avoid uneven exposure. After that, the patient can enjoy moderate sun exposure, continuing regular “dentilized” skin care maintenance.

 

What about exercise after the Vi Peel?

 

Again, the VI Peel was created to be practical. We only ask that the solution be left on the skin for five hours prior to exercising, washing it off immediately before commencing exercise.

 

Can cold sore sufferers have a Vi Peel?

 

Of course. In some cases, medication may be recommended prior to the peel. If the patient breaks out with a sudden cold sore the day of the peel, often the VI Peel will eliminate the sore and medication may be applied immediately after the peel.

 

Are teenage acne sufferers too young for the Vi Peel and would it help their acne?

 

The peel is excellent for both adult and adolescent acne. We have effectively peeled acne patients as young as 12. The results are quick and very impressive. Combined with a daily skin regimen, almost all acne cases can be readily and safely managed. Talk about happy patients — acne sufferers love this peel!

 

Does the Vi Peel help with precancerous cells?

 

Yes, the Vi Peel, like many other peels, helps to remove precancerous cells. Of course, a patient with a history of skin cancer should always see their dermatologist on a regular basis.