Frequently Asked Questions About TCA Peels
Unlike those peels, the Vi Peel requires no oral or IV sedation to avoid pain. The VI peel is almost painless, and requires no skin pre conditioning required by those peels when used on dark skin- skin types 4 to 6.
In addition, the VI peel has very few of the complications and hazards that come usually with those peels.
For most patients, peels should be done three to four times a year starting at puberty to repair sun damage that is already present, and to avoid permanent scarring for those affected by acne.
The frequency of the peel depends on various factors, and will be determined by your doctor. For extremely damaged skin, the VI Peel can initially be done once a month to get quicker desired results.
Without exception, obsolete peels of the past epitomize the “No pain, no gain” approach to skin care. Before the Vi Peel the deeper the peel, the more painful, the more downtime, the better the results. The VI Peel is the first peel to combine the strongest and most effective acids, yet it’s virtually painless with little downtime.
A single Vi Peel will achieve significant repair and add a healthy glow to the skin. Some conditions like acne scars, pore enlargement and hyper pigmentation might require multiple applications. It is a restorative and painless repair of damaged skin, including sun damage and acne. Best of all, it is a true aging preventive for younger skin with no visible damage.
Like everything else in life, skin needs maintenance. The Vi Peel’s results will last as long as skin is maintained with the Obagi NuDerm Skin Care Line. For maximum results, VI Peel can be performed a few times per year.
The many innovations that created the Vi Peel combine to allow ALL skin types to enjoy the benefits of the peel. For the first time, African-American and darker skin types such as Asian and Latin patients can experience anti-aging and restorative skin repair previously unavailable.
The Vi Peel requires no preconditioning of the skin associated with older generation peels that can take three to five months.
Not really. You will feel a slight stinging sensation for a few seconds which subsides almost immediately. The peel is applied topically, and numbing of the skin takes place after the first pass. Some patients may feel more comfortable using a fan or cold air breeze.
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. Patients using tretinoin- Retin A may experience heavier peeling. The peel can be modulated by your skin care provider to produce a deeper, more aggressive peel, if necessary, depending on your skin condition.
The skin will look slightly tan, yellow or red immediately after the peel. On days one and two the skin will feel slightly tighter, with no visible signs of having had a peel. Any pigmented areas might appear slightly darker. On approximately day three, you will begin to peel. The first signs of peeling usually begin around the mouth area and continue for a day or two. With the use of the Vi Derm™ moisturizer, you may go about your usual daily routine. By day six or day seven you will be done peeling and the results are dramatic! If a more aggressive peel was performed, a secondary peel might occur around day seven.
There are no restrictions. We recommend avoiding heavy sweating for the first few days after the peel. Normal activities can be resumed immediately after the peel.
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 reducing or eliminating hyper pigmentation including melasma, the most difficult pigmentation issue to correct. The Vi Peel also provides excellent results for acne.
One peel may be all it takes to achieve your goals. For more severe damage or aging a, more peels may be desired. The peel may be repeated as often as every two weeks initially, if necessary, for damaged skin and problematic skin. Our recommendation for maintenance of average skin would be once every three months to prevent damage and aging of the skin. Your doctor or skin care professional will evaluate your skin, as well as your goals and expectations and make an appropriate recommendation for ongoing skin care.
While the long term goal is to eliminate the need for makeup, it may be worn at any time after the peel solution has dried completely (two hours or more post peel).
The Vi Peel is incredibly effective in removing sunspots from the hands, arms and chest and eliminating the wrinkles associated with sun damage on the décolletage. The peeling process is different and longer than for the face. Please ask your provider for more information.
Your appointment will take only about 20 minutes or less.
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. Hyper-pigmentation will be improved or eliminated, depending on the amount of damage. Tone and texture will be improved for a more youthful, radiant appearance.
After you have healed, we recommend Obagi Nuderm with tretinoin or Obagi Clenziderm be used on a daily basis to maintain the results of the Vi Peel.
No. By sloughing off the old skin and 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.
The skin will be more sensitive during the peeling process itself. You may experience up to four days of sensitivity until PH of the skin is replenished.
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. The peeling process and results are different from the face.
The neck, arms, hands and chest all respond well to a Vi Peel.
Sun exposure should be limited and SPF 30+should be used liberally. 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, you can enjoy moderate sun exposure, continuing regular skin care maintenance and daily sun protection.
Again, the Vi Peel was created to be practical. The solution must be left on the skin for two hours prior to exercising, washing it off immediately before commencing exercise. Please avoid heavy sweating for the first few days after the peel.
Of course. In some cases, the physician may recommend pre-medication prior to the peel. If you break out with a sudden cold sore the day of the peel, often the Vi Peel will eliminate the sore and medication may be started concomitantly.
Dr. Kalil originally formulated the Vi Peel for his fifteen year old daughter, an acne sufferer. The peel is excellent for both adult and adolescent acne. We have effectively peeled acne patients as young as twelve years old. Results are quick and very impressive. Combined with a daily skin regimen, almost all acne cases can be successfully managed. Your provider has access to advanced protocols. Please note that treating acne scars will require a series of peels.
Yes, the Vi Peel, like many other peels, helps to remove precancerous cells. Of course, those with a history of skin cancer should always see their dermatologist or surgeon on a regular basis. The VI Peel is not designed to treat cancer but offers a comprehensive way to prevent it.
Maria Viera, Esthetician and laser technician, or Danielle Zielinski, nursing assistant and laser technician, will perform the Vi Peel for you under the direction of Dr. Bloy.