How Much Does Vi Peel Cost?

A VI peel costs $314 on average, according to 348 reviews from RealSelf members. But you might end up spending anywhere from $199 to $550 for this medical-grade chemical peel, depending on a handful of factors. 

Insurance doesn't cover elective cosmetic procedures like this, but most providers offer payment plans.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About VI Peel

Is the VI Peel worth the cost?

The VI Peel gets a relatively low 56% Worth It Rating from RealSelf members. Some who say it was Not Worth It saw little or no change, while others were left with hyperpigmentation issues or even burns.

A VI Peel treatment can reduce signs of aging and address a host of texture and pigmentation issues (including melasma, rosacea, fine lines, sun spots, large pores, breakouts, acne scars, and dullness caused by dead skin cells). But before you settle on this option, it's worth consulting with a board-certified dermatologist to see if other cosmetic procedures might be a better choice for you. 

A qualified provider can assess your skin tone and concerns before talking you through the benefits of other chemical peels, laser treatments, and collagen induction therapies like RF microneedling, which can do more to ramp up new collagen production. They can also provide personalized cost estimates.

What affects the cost of the VI Peel?

The price of the VI peel can fluctuate by a few hundred dollars, depending on:

1) Where you get your VI peel treatment 

Expect to pay a higher VI Peel price in a major city, where higher costs of living (including rent) also apply to your provider. Seeking out a provider in an outlying neighborhood or suburb could help bring down your cost.

Another factor that affects VI peel treatment cost is provider supply vs. patient demand. If providers don't have to compete for patients, they may be able to charge a premium for their services. 

2) Your provider's credentials and level of experience

Laws vary, but in some states only medical professionals—physicians, nurses, and physician’s assistants—can legally administer professional-strength chemical peels, like VI Peel treatments. 

The VI Peel contains potent active ingredients, including trichloroacetic acid (also known as TCA), salicylic acid, vitamin C, phenol, and retinoic acid (which powers prescription-strength retinoids like Retin-A). 

While the risk of complications with this medium-depth peel is low in experienced hands, hyperpigmentation, scarring, and even burns are possible if you're not a good candidate, the peel is applied incorrectly, or you're not given detailed after-care instructions.

Board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons with decades of experience are likely to charge substantially more for their time and expertise than an RN, who has less advanced training. Even if an MD won't be administering your peel, ask if they can be included in your initial consultation, to help advise on which of the five VI Peel formulas will best treat your concerns. 

3) How many treatment sessions you need

Depending on the severity of your concerns, your provider may recommend you book multiple VI Peel treatments, two to four weeks apart, for optimal results. 

Of course, the more times you go through this peeling process, the more you’ll have to spend.

4) Which type of peel you have

In addition to the original VI Peel, there are four other formulas, each for different skin types and conditions. Stronger formulas (like VI Peel Precision Plus) usually cost more than the original.

Depending on the treatment you received, you may be sent home with a few towelettes (at no extra charge) to use during your downtime, to help along the exfoliation process.

5) Seasonal specials and discounts 

Some providers offer VI Peel deals, especially after the summer when people are often looking to treat dark spots and other sun damage. 

Follow your favorite providers on social media, sign up for their promotional emails, and check their RealSelf profile to ensure you don’t miss out on a potential discount.

Many providers also offer a price break when you book a series of VI Peel treatments and pay for all of them up-front. 

You can also find VI Peel discounts on coupon sites. Just make sure you take the time to do your research, including reading patient reviews, to ensure the provider who will be administering your peel has a strong record of good results and happy patients. 

RealSelf Tip: Even if you know you'll be limiting sun exposure, it's well worth investing in a medical-grade sunscreen with a high SPF to help protect your newly-sensitized skin during and after your recovery. Ask your provider what kind of skin care they recommend using as part of your post-peel aftercare, including recommend a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, too.

VI Peel costs in U.S. states

Browse the average out-of-pocket cost of a VI Peel in select U.S. states, according to patient reviews on RealSelf. States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.

VI peel costs in major U.S. metros

Average costs according to patient-reported data. As of July 2023, the cheapest metro area in the U.S. to get a VI peel is Salt Lake City, while the most expensive is New York City. Cities not listed did not have enough data to include.