What is a VI Peel?
The VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel used on the face, hands, chest or other areas of the body to improve the appearance of skin and combat the signs of aging, sun damage and acne. Initially created to assist acne management, this treatment is now used to treat hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, acne, acne scarring, uneven skin tone, uneven texture, sun and age spots, and enlarged pores. It is also an effective way to enhance collagen production and enhance overall appearance through brighter, refreshed skin. VI Peels can also assist in the removal of precancerous cells.

How does a VI Peel work?
The VI Peel uses a chemical solution to remove the top layers of the skin to reveal new, fresh skin and promote collagen production.

What are the advantages of a VI Peel over other procedures?
• Suitable for all skin types
• Less painful than other chemical peel procedures
• Minimal downtime or recovery
• Peeling is easily masked with moisturizer
• Patients can return to normal activities immediately

Who is a candidate for a VI Peel?
The VI Peel is considered safe and effective for all skin types, including darker Latino, Asian or African-American skin tones, which do not generally respond well to other chemical peel procedures. This is also an effective treatment for acne and has been used on patients as young as twelve.

How is the procedure performed?
The VI Peel procedure is administered in a cosmetic dermatology office or medspa by a certified aesthetician, licensed nurse or cosmetic physician. Unlike older chemical peel procedures, no preconditioning is necessary prior to treatment. The peel is applied topically to the skin in the area to be treated and the patient is required to leave the peel on the skin for five hours after the appointment. The application process typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes and the patient may experience some slight initial stinging during application.

Many patients only require one treatment to achieve their desired results; however, the peel can be repeated as necessary in two-week intervals for more damaged skin. It is generally recommended that patients schedule VI Peels three to four times each year to combat aging and sun damage.

What is the recovery like?
The most significant aspect of the recovery period is the peeling that will occur a few days after the procedure. Peeling generally begins around day three and can last up to one week. During this time, the patient should not wear make-up, should avoid sun exposure and should apply moisturizer liberally. The patient may experience some skin sensitivity during the peeling process, which should subside once the peeling concludes.

Immediately after the procedure, the skin will likely take on a reddish or tan appearance, which will subside shortly. Make-up can be worn as soon as the peel has dried and can be worn continuously before and after peeling, but should not be worn during the peeling process. Because the peeling skin is generally light and feathery, moisturizer can be used to mask the skin’s appearance during this process.

Normal activities can be resumed after receiving a VI Peel, including exercise. Exercise or other strenuous activity should be avoided for at least five hours after the appointment, which is the recommended time allowed prior to washing the solution off of the skin.

What will my results be like?
Patients will notice significant improvement in texture, tone and overall appearance within a few days after treatment. An overall glowing, more youthful appearance can be expected and is usually achieved with just one VI Peel.

Is the VI Peel approved for use in the U.S.?
The VI Peel procedure does not have official FDA approval; however, all of the VI Peel ingredients are FDA-approved and the procedure has been tested for safety through a clinical study by International Research Services, Inc., which showed that the VI Peel is both effective and save when used appropriately.

Is the VI Peel covered by insurance companies?
Cosmetic treatments and procedures that are not deemed medically necessary, which include the VI Peel, are most often not covered under medical insurance policies. Patients who are not able to pay for treatment at the time of receipt or would prefer paying for their VI Peel over time may want to consider patient financing options or in-house payment plans offered by many providers.

How much does a VI Peel cost?
A VI Peel typically costs between $400 and $500. The VI Derm Skin Care System, which many patients use after receiving one or more VI Peels, is usually available at medspas and cosmetic dermatology offices that provide VI Peels and products range from $32 to $88.

Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.

By OnlineSurgery.com Staff
Updated: August 20, 2009