Vi Peel in Austin, TX

Chemical peels are procedures that are done to improve ther appearance of the skin. Chemicals are applied to the skin that change the skin pH which causes the cells to exfoliate. As the outer layer of skin is exfoliated, new growth and healthy skin cells are revealed. Chemical peels can be divided into 3 categories: light, medium and heavy. Light peels remove the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) and is used to treat fine wrinkles, acne and uneven skin tone. Medium peels remove the epidermis and portions of the upper part of the dermis. Medium peels are used to treat wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. Deep chemical peels also remove the epidermis, upper portion of the dermis, and the mid portion of the dermis. Deep chemical peels are used to treat deeper wrinkles, scars and precancerous growths. Different offices perform different types of chemical peels in Austin Tx. Here at Levesque Plastic Surgery we are happy to offer the VI Peel, which is a medium depth chemical peel. 

VI Peel benefits patients who have fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots and discoloration, keratosis pilaris, acne. This peel can be used on all skin types and tones. Ideal candidates are not pregnant or breast feeding. Pregnancy, estrogen use and excessive sun exposure after your procedure can increase the risk of developing dark spots so it is important to inform your provider if any of these pertain to you. Patients who have an allergy to aspirin, hydroquinone or phenol, and those who have used oral Accutane in the past 6 months should not have a VI Peel. Patients who have a history of autoimmune disease, liver disease, a weakened immune system, or those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy within the past 6 months should not have VI Peel. Patients who have active cold sores, warts, open wounds, or a history of herpes simplex should not have a VI Peel.

TECHNIQUE

VIPeel takes about 30 minutes. The treatment will begin with cleansing of the skin and then the VI Peel solution is applied to the skin in 2 layers. VI Peels use a blend of ingredients that include trichloroacetic acid (TCA), phenol, salicylic acid, vitamin C and tretinoin. This peel can be used on the face, chest, eyelids, hands, and back. 4-6 hours after application you will wash the peel off. One hour prior to bed wash the area with a mild cleanser and leukewarm water (Do not use hot water). The post peel protectant moisturizer can be applied to the treatment area. 

When the first treatment layer is applied to the skin some patients report experiencing numbness or tingling. The second layer will turn white or "frost" the skin. The skin may appear light yellow, red or tan immediately following the application, and is temporary. About 4-6 hours after application, a mild cleanser and water are used to wash the treatment area. Do not use hot water to cleanse the area. One hour prior to bed the area should be cleansed with mild soap and water again. The treatment area should be gently patted dry and a post peel towelette should be applied to the area. The area may become itchy, or irritated and if this occurs cool water can be applied. Skin will begin to peel after 3 days after treatment. Moisturizer can be applied throughout the day to keep the skin from over drying and feeling tight.  

After the peel has been administered the patient will be given a pamphlet with patient instructions, 3 towelettes, a gentle cleanser, a sunscreen and a post treatment repair cream. 

4 hours after the VI Peel is applied the skin is to be washed with the gentle cleanser, rinsed with cool water and patted dry with a clean towel. Then a towelette will be applied to the treatment area with gentle pressure. The towelette should be discarded and hands should be washed.

On the same day as initial treatment 1 hour prior to bedtime the skin should be washed again and the second towelette should be applied to the treatment area. Again the towelette should be discarded and hands washed.

The morning of DAY 2 the area should be cleansed with a gentle cleanser, rinsed with cool water and patted dry with a clean towel and sunscreen applied to the skin (even if it is not sunny or if you are not going outside). Makeup can be applied to the skin and the post treatment repair cream can be applied if needed. 

Evening of DAY 2, 1 hour prior to bed the skin should be cleansed, rinsed with cool water and patted dry with a clean towel. The final towelette is now to be applied to the treatment area using gentle pressure. Discard towelette and wash hands. 

DAY 3-7

The treatment area will be very vulnerable to UV rays especially during days 3-6 when the skin is actively peeling. It is important to avoid direct sun exposure during these days.

Patients should avoid strenuous exercise that will result in sweating for at least the first 2 days after treatment. 

The treatment area may be sensitive to touch, movement and light during the peeling process and it will subside after the 5-6th days. 

HOW MUCH DOES VI PEEL COST?

VI Peel cost is $250. Insurance does not cover this treatment. 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The VI Peel is applied to the surface of the skin and causes exfoliation of the uppermost layer of the skin and upper portion of the dermis. As the skin exfoliates it reveals a rejuvenated layer of skin.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A PEEL?

Frequency depends on your budget and the skin condition you are trying to treat. It is recommended to wait 4-6 weeks between peels. Typically we recommend getting a peel every 3 months, and especially in the fall to help remove summer sun damage. 

HOW LONG WITH MY RESULTS LAST?

Skin is constantly exposed to the environment and needs maintenance. VI Peel results can last longer with propter skin care including using a gentle skin cleanser like our Exclusive Levesque Skin Care Refreshing Gentle Cleanser, a daily Vitamin C like our Levesque Skin Care C&E Repair, growth factors like our Levesque Skin Care Biopeptide Growth Factor Cream, a tretinol product like our Levesque Skin Care Ageless Tretinol 1% or Ageless Ret Plus, and a good sunscreen. 

IS IT SAFE?

VI Peel is tolerated well by most however some people do experience some side effects such as itching, burning, dry skin, inflammation, redness and swelling. Very few people experience blistering or allergic reactions. Risk Factors for developing dark spots after a chemical peel include pregnancy, estrogen use and excessive sun exposure. Prior to your treatment all possible risks and side effects will be discussed and any questions will be answered to the best of our knowledge.

Call 512-487-5975 to schedule your consultation appointment or your treatment appointment.

The consultation appointment fee is $50 which is non-refundable, however can be applied to the cost of your VI Peel or towards the cost of other services at Levesque Plastic Surgery in Austin, TX.