Chemical Peel: Stories

I've had about four vi peels. The first one that came out. I used it and had bad break outs. The spa told me to try the one with the booster because i have problems with acne already. It broke me out also. Later in time I tried a new one for acne and bought a package of three. Still broke out. I had to take some antibiotics to clear them up. That was about a year ago. I still had 2 of the 3 peels left. So on Monday I paid a little more to upgrade the remaining 2 peels to the new precision plus peel. And they applied it Monday while I was there. I'm on day 4 and every time I do these peels I swear I won't do them again. Their just like torture plain and simple. The 7 day down time. The itching and peeling is almost unbearable. I've never seen a big difference in my skin. The only time I did see a difference is online with people with bad sun damage spots. I don't have any sun spots or freckles. It did help with a few scabs from some recent acne. All in all I've tried the vi peels enough to see if they would make a good difference in my skin and they have not. I still have fine wrinkles with no improvement and big pores. So I would only recommend the vi peels to people with discoloration to their skin. Sun spots and etc. Good Luck! To the ones who give it a try. Prepare to be uncomfortable for at least a week.

I had this peel and it scarred my right cheek so badly, I got 6-10 icepick scars and around 25 dents from this evil peel, it then led me to fraxel laser resurfacing which in turn TOTALLY ruined my face! If it were not for this shitty peel, I would still be normal today.

Anyone can recommend me a good dermatologist to apply VI peel ?

Let explain something here:
As of last year, there were two types of Vi Peels, you have the Regular Vi Peel, and then there is the Vi Precision.

I had both types done at the spa. The first one is not strong at all. I actually 'peeled'. Afterwards, my complexion was fabulous. I probably had a few small break outs...

ohhhhh but let me tell you about miss precision peel! omg! the precision is STRONGER than the regular one - at least 25% stronger. I had this one done, and my skin never really peeled off like the first one. Why? Because the solution in this precision peel is more concentrated so it DEEPLY seeps into the skin, it will not peel as much as the first one. It felt like wet, stretchy skin slightly rolling off - whereas the regular peel, skin was flaking and falling off.

After i had the precision peel, I had THE WORST CYSTIC ACNE....my skin has NOT been the same. This is probably what most of you have experienced. The Precision peel burns a little more, it irritates your skin, takes longer to peel, and stings a lot. It doesnt hurt, its just more uncomfortable. And yes i know everyone is different.

I would say if you are going to get a Vi - do the regular one. NOT THE PRECISION - the precision is the DEVIL.

I am very pleased with the VI peel. I am now into my 3rd week. I have got several compliments on how great my skin looks. My acne has cleared. My brown pigmented spots have faded. I am scheduled to do a photofacial in three weeks. I am pleased with the results!

Patsy,
You must have misunderstood my post I've never had Fraxel, nor would I. In fact, I clearly stated the only "laser" treatment I've ever had was hair removal, one Vi Peel and some injectables (in very small amounts). Hope that helps to clarify...

I just had the vipeel done yesterday after work. It wasn't a bad experience at all. Just a little burning while the procedure was being done, that subsided and I actually had a good nights rest. But, I woke up this morning and my face was just a little swollen especially under my eyes. I had these little bags of loose skin that were not there before. I am 55 years old and I have some wrinkles under my eyes (was hoping the peel would get rid of some of those), but now I have these bags plus the wrinkles. I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced puffiness under the eyes and if it goes away after a few days. I very nervous about this. Any positive comments would be appreciated. THANKS!

I'm 46. It had been at least a year since my last fraxel. My APS certified Dr's office said it was safe and effective. I'm glad you had a good experience. But everyone is different and my experience was FAR from good. You don't always get the best prime rib at the most expensive restaurant either.

I just decided that I "needed" to post one more comment about the Vi Peel, injectables and lasers, after reading about so many women and men with negative outcomes. The one common thing that I've noticed with those that have had problems is that they seem to have had many procedures done (usually involving some type of laser). In fact, it seems that some people have multiple procedures back to back.

Vi Peel is not the same as a vitalize peel - see information on this site. Additionally, Vi Peel has two strengths - one that is a "lighter" peel - this does not reach any "cellular" level, whatsoever, it simply peels the top layer of the skin. Vi Peel also, now, makes a stronger version called a Precision Vi Peel which is 25% stronger than the original Vi Peel (see their site for more info).

I had a Vi Peel done and had no side effects whatsoever. My face looked red and sunburned, and then peeled off in "sheets" of skin - this took about one week. When the peeling was complete my skin tone was improved, pores were smaller, but "brown age spots" were still apparent. I continued my normal skin routine - over the counter Retin A's, a gentle cleanser and good moisturizer - period - that's all I put on my skin. After 3 1/2 months I went to my plastic surgeon's office and had some small amounts of fillers around my mouth and eyes. I've used injectable fillers, in moderation, for 10 years and have never had a bad outcome, nor does anyone even know that I've had anything "done." I then started using Obagi Nu Derm with .05% Tretinoin, hydroquinone and alpha hydroxy. All of the aforementioned products are included in the complete set of Nu Derm by Obagi, and must be used in a certain order, and only as prescribed. I've noticed on various sites that women buy some of the products (over the internet - bad idea as there are many "fake" products) but not all, or use them in a different order, and can't understand why they are having problems. All of these "procedures" are prescription strength products and should only be used while under a doctor's care. Given that I go to a highly reputable doctor, have used minimally invasive procedures on my skin, and understand that anything that is put on my face is a serious thing to consider I've had great results.

If you look at my pictures you can see what I look like - I'm 54 years old, and have great looking skin. I promised people that I would update them about my results with Obagi. I'm now on week 3/4, and have had peeling (light) specifically around my chin area. When my chin has gotten red, or the peeling seems "too much" I've backed off the Tretinoin for a day, and then will resume when my skin calms down. Thus far the regime is working great. My skin looks better every day, but it is a slow process and a long time commitment. My "brown sun spots" are fading rapidly, and I assume they will be totally gone by the time I'm done using the product (12-18 weeks).

You can research the use of alpha hydoxy acids, hydroquinone and Tretinoin, and see that these products are "proven" to improve skin texture, and reduce brown spots caused by sun damage. One must absolutely stay out of the sun, and use a strong SPF everyday once you begin using these products. Obagi has just put all of these scientifically proven "creams" into a "system" that works together to get the best results. You have to use common sense, and back off the irritating products if you have very sensitive skin. In fact, you can use the Tretinoin every other day, or every two-3 days, if you can't tolerate it initially.

As to the issue of lasers (see my other posts as I'm married to a physician) they are very serious, and all lasers have been associated with side effects in some people. Do serious research before using any laser especially on your face. The only "laser" I've ever used was for permanent hair removal, and it worked very well. I would never have a laser "peel" as I've seen too many bad outcomes in friends that have gone this route. I hope that my information has helped clarify some of the "issues" that I've read about on this site. I do believe that there can be too much of a "good" thing. I wonder why 25 year old women are having laser peels. I would also beg everyone to do their due diligence before allowing anyone to do anything of an invasive nature to their face. No one, but a doctor should be injecting you, using a laser on you, or doing a chemical peel on you - period. The aforementioned procedures are medical procedures and are not even vaguely similar to a simple facial. There are too many disreputable "spas" that provide services that should only be performed by a physician. For those of you with horrific outcomes my best advice is to go to the nearest teaching hospital, and see a dermatologist, or plastic surgeon, and to stop having any more treatments until you have a definitive diagnosis.

Remember beauty shines from within...

The only treatment that is out there without the downtime is the Clear and Brilliant laser. Some may consider it a "baby" faxel. It works well with dark spots and for tone and texture. A series of 3 - 8 treatments may be necessary depending on the severity of your condition. Most importantly, in addition to Chemical peels, it is necessary to have a good home care routine such as Retin A in the PM and Vitamin C serum in the AM before a good SPF.

I went and would only go a P/S or Dermatologist for anything to do with my face. I only have one! I also feel many of these women are doing way too many treatments month after month. Like picking a scab; it will never heal.

Just a comment - warning (I'm married to a doctor who's partner is a well known, and highly reputable plastic surgeon). I was strongly warned to never, ever purchase any of these products - Vi Peel, Obagi, etc. over the internet as many are "fake" products. This is your face, and all peels, laser treatments, injectables, etc., should be done my a physician, not an esthetician at some spa. These are procedures, depending on the medicines your on, your skin type, and ethnicity, that should not be considered without the care of a physician. This is your face, and I believe that it is imprudent to save a few dollars to have anyone, but a physician to apply these products by anyone other than a doctor. Please see my other posts about Vi Peels, injectables and Obagi - a prescription system for rejuvenating your skin with the use of prescription strength alpha hydroxy's, hydroquinone, etc. Please pay the extra money so that you don't have a bad outcome. Also, with a product like Obagi, if your skin becomes cracked, severely irritated, etc., back off the stronger products for a day, or two, to let the highly irritated areas to heal, then start adding the products that irritate again. This has worked for me, and my skin looks better every day. Just use some common sense as if your skin is cracking and bleeding - that is too extreme.

I have been having problems with uneven skin, dark pigment and periodic acne. I am hispanic with medium olive tan skin. Early 40's. Not bad, I got a little burn when first applied. First night it was a bit ittchy... I just told myself anything great is not easy. I got through it but I could not wait to wash my face in the morning and put on the moustirizer. That really helped. I will also put on the SPF, in a few minutes. I wanted the moustirizer to do its thing before I apply sun protector. Face is a little red this morning. Today is day 2. I will keep you posted. I paid $300 for this procedure and I am very confident in my esthetician so I really hope this helps my skin. I have an identical twin sister with beautiful skin so I know I can achieve this too! I hope the sun spots and acne and acne scars fade. I am a big fitness fanatical person. Right now I wear mineral coverage to hide my bad skin. I want to stop wearing this coverage to the gym....I will keep you posted

Update on last post: That evening after the peel I washed off the potion and applied the towelette. Not really any pain, but an hour later I started to get itchy. Not in any one place just a bit here and there. During the night I realized I was really itchy. She told me if it got bad, wash off the towelette and apply the moisturizer. Told me to take a Benedryl, which I did, because I couldn't fall asleep. It helped within an hour and I slept. Nothing bad last night after 2nd towelette treatment. No itching at all. Today, I'm still red (Look healthy!)and starting to peel around my chin area. I do notice when my skin feels tight, I apply moisturizing cream..it's soothing and I think necessary. I'll post again after a week.

Here's my two cents worth: I had the peel done on Thurs. a.m. They asked me if I was using Retin A or any gycolic acid items in the past 2 weeks. I have not. The procedure was literally painless. I had a peel once and almost levitated off the table! This was fine, they gave me a small fan to hold while applying the liquid. They mention some people get the "boost" formula, but only after going through the first one. She told me to wait 4-5 mos. if I want another one...up to me. Not pushy and was done in a P/S office, not a spa. Girl told me she was licensed...I think that is important. She did the procedure on herself first, said she wouldn't do anything to a patient unless she tried it. Liked that imput!
I'll continue with my update on another post. I talk a lot!