Chemical peels are most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons – to enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Chemical peels may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars, and even control acne.
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs)
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can’t spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Your doctor will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin’s texture.
Improvements from AHA peels may be very subtle at first. You may detect a healthier glow to your skin. With continued treatments, you will notice a general improvement in the texture of your skin.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. The results of TCA peel are usually less dramatic than and not as long-lasting as those of a phenol peel. In fact, more than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result. The recovery from a TCA peel is usually shorter than with a phenol peel.
Although the results of a TCA peel are usually not as long-lasting as those of phenol peel. Your skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking.
Phenol
Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep peel. It is used mainly to treat patients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure, or pre-cancerous growths. Since phenol sometimes lightens the treated areas, your skin pigmentation may be a determining factor as to whether or not this is an appropriate treatment for you. Phenol is primarily used on the face; scarring may result if it’s applied to the neck or other body areas.
If you’re planning a phenol peel, you can expect dramatic improvement in the surface of your skin – fewer fine wrinkles, fewer blemishes and more even-toned skin. Your results will be long-lasting, although not immune to the effects of aging and sun exposure.
VI Peel
A specially formulated, medical-grade chemical peel designed to improve skin’s appearance when struggling with sun damage, acne, or the signs of aging. It rejuvenates the skin as unsightly wrinkles, acne, unevenness, and age spots are reduced in appearance, while youthful collagen production revives skin from the inside out. VI Peels have proven effective in the treatment of numerous forms of skin damage, and can also aid in the removal of precancerous skin cells.
How does a VI Peel work?
A unique chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the damaged surface layers, allowing the healthy skin underneath to be revealed, while collagen from within the tissue is encouraged to flourish.
What are the advantages of a VI Peel over other procedures?
Who is a candidate for a VI Peel?
Anyone seeking to improve their skin’s tone and reduce blemishes may be a candidate for a VI peel. The VI peel has been tested and used on individuals of a variety of skin tones, including Asian, African-American, and Latino skin types, which traditionally have not always responded positively to chemical peel treatments. The VI peel was originally developed as a treatment for acne and acne scarring, and is still extremely successful at treating this sometimes frustrating condition in individuals as young as 12-years-old.
How is the procedure performed?
The VI Peel treatment is performed in at our medspa by a nurse, aesthetician, or cosmetic physician. No pre-treatment is required before the peel, making the VI peel more convenient that other chemical peels. The treatment area is cleansed, and then the peel is spread topically over it. The process usually takes only 20 to 30 minutes to complete, and most patients remain comfortable throughout although a minor stinging sensation is normal. The patient will be able to resume normal activity right away, but must leave the peel on the skin for five hours following the appointment.
What is the recovery like?
Following the application of the chemical peel solution, skin may appear reddish or tan for a brief time but this can be concealed with make-up. Cosmetics can be worn before and after the skin peels, but should be avoided during the actual peeling process.
Around day three following the procedure, the damaged surface layers of skin will begin to peel away, and will continue to do so for up to a week. While the skin is actively peeling, the patient should avoid the use of make-up, but is encouraged to apply moisturizers to minimize the appearance of peeling. The skin may be more sensitive while it is peeling, but this will fade when the peeling period is complete. Patients can return to work or other daily activities immediately after receiving their VI Peel, though strenuous exercise should wait until after the first five hours after the chemical peel solution is applied.
What will my results be like?
Positive changes in the skin’s overall aesthetic will be noticeable just a few days after treatment. Depending on the nature of a patient’s skin concerns, they may wish to schedule a series of VI peels every two weeks for intense improvement of the skin’s appearance, however many patients are satisfied with the results of just one peel. Most experts do recommend maintenance peels a few times per year to continue to enjoy the results and to protect against aging and sun damage.
Is the VI Peel approved for use in the U.S.?
The VI Peel itself is not yet approved by the FDA, but evey ingredient in the VI Peel is FDA-approved. The VI Peel has been widely used and its safety has been evaluated by clinical studies by International Research Services, Inc., which report that the VI Peel performs safely and effectively in the treatment of acne, age-related concerns, sun damage, and more.
Contact us to find out more about VI Peel.
Cost of Medical Grade Peels
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) Peels
Light Chemical Peels
30 to 45 minutes – $75
Gives your skin a healthy exfoliation of dead skin cells, which provides your skin a glow with no peeling. Best if done every 2-4 weeks.
Enzyme Peels
Lactic 15% | Glycolic 15% to 30%
Package of 3 – $200
Package of 6 – $338
Medium Depth Chemical Peels
30 to 45 minutes – $85
Lightens sun spots and age spots, clears acne by causing light flaking of the skin and opening up the pores. Best if done every 3-4 weeks.
Salicylic 30% | Glycolic 40% to 70% | Modified Jessner 14% | Alpha Beta 17% | Retin A
Package of 3 – $228
Package of 6 – $450
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) Peels
Deep Chemical Peels
30 to 45 minutes – $115
Must be prepped on 4% hydroquinone and tretinoin for at least 4-6 weeks before peel. These peels will reduce fine lines, age spots, acne scarring and will help with collagen reproduction. Best if done every 4-6 weeks.
Trioplex with Retin A Peel | TCA 15% with Retin A Peel | Jessner with Retin A Peel
Package of 3 – $300
Package of 6 – $570
Phenol Peels and VI Peels
Extra Deep Chemical Peels
30 to 45 minutes – $300
Obagi Blue Peel | VI Peel
Package of 3 – $750
Package of 6 – $1250
