Is Hyperpigmentation After Vi Peel Permanent?

Question

I had Vi Peel on April 2, and my face became two shades darker. Is this permanent? I'm a light-skinned African-American and I'm really scared.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Vipeel chemical peels can cause post treatment redness, itching, 
dryness, and ironically, hyperpigmentation. Early post-peel care is 
vital. I would use a curated combination of Covalent peels, fractional 
laser, and topical creams to treat the skin after a Vipeel. Start with 
Elevase to help with dryness of the skin. Melarase creams are ideal to 
combat pigmentation. 
AM: Melaclenz, Melapads, and Melarase AMPM: Melaclenz, Melapads, and Melarase PMBest, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Skin should be prepped prior to peels. There are several important reasons for this. One, it helps take off the stratum cornium (the dead skin layer) and allows the peel to penetrate deeper. Second, it reduces the hyperactive pigment cells that can cause post inflammatory hyperpigmentation ( dark spots). Third, it helps  to see how compliant the patient will be with their skin care, in the critical  and vulnerable post peel period.

	I like to use a product with Retin A, hydroquinone, Kojic acid, hydrocortisone, Vitamin E and C, for a minimum of six to eight weeks, and even longer in darker skin types, before peeling my patients.

	People with darker skin, or genetic background of darker skin, even if they are light skinned, have a greater risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Prep well before your peel. If you develop  post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, have your doctor start you on a lightening program. See them frequently. Be patient as it  may take a while to improve.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
 Though this is not a common occurrance with the vi peel, there is always a risk of pigmentation changes after any chemical peel.
Typically this reaction is not permanent and can be resolved.  It sounds as though you are experiencing Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.  This can be due to inadvertant sun exposure that caused the activation of the pigment cells during the healing process after the peel.
If the skin has not returned to its normal shade after the peeling process is completed, I would recommend seeing the person that performed the Vi Peel and they should be able to prescribe a bleaching cream that you can apply that will lighten the skin.

Anshul Gambhir, MD · Answer

Thank you for your message! With any darker skin tones, there is an increased risk of hyperpigmentation with any type of resurfacing procedure. The VI peel tends to be more gentle on darker skin tones, though hyperpigmentation is still possible. Often retinols, hydrocortisone cream, and hydroquinone can be used to help lessen hyperpigmentation. Other procedures such as laser resurfacing and/or IPL can be used, though you must be very cautious given there is an increased risk of further hyperpigmentation! I would recommend following up with your provider!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Brown skin and African American skin is prone to hyperpigmentation.
Before you spend $$ on peels or IPL, try these topicals.
This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). 
I recommend Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams from Kare Skin as well as a broad spectrum sunblock like Spectrase. Bothe are from Kare Skin. Scler-x post inflammatory hyperigmentation relief complex is a great supplement to take as well. See link below. 
Spectrase is a wide spectrum sunblock SPF 50+that is also recommended to prevent ongoing inflammation.

George Papanicolaou, MD · Answer

Hyperpigmentaion after peels is common especially in stronger peels because the peel is pulling pigment to the surface after the peeling resolves the skin should be lighter. It is most important to follow a home care skin care system such as; SPF, Retin A and a 4% hydroquinone for optimal results. A monthly maintenance of microdermabrasions, superfical peels and medical grade facials are a good way to maintain healthy skin.

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

It is normal for the pigment to get darker at first because it is bringing it to the surface. After peeling, it should be lighter. Be sure to wear sunscreen every day because it is new skin exposed and is more sensitive to the sun.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a risk after any chemical peel, including the Vi peel. It is very unlikely that it will be permanent. In fact, you can even treat this problem with another peel. Discuss your problem with your treating doctor. It will likely fade on its own but there are several thing you can do to speed up the process.

Lee Kleiman, MD · Answer

The post inflammatory hyperpigmentation should resolve. Use of a steroid cream and hydroquinones can be helpful. IS Clinical Active Solution has a mushroom extract that can help with this matter. Stay out of the sun! Apply sunblock. Give it a tincture of time.

Bryan K. Chen, MD · Answer

The hyperpigmentation you are experiencing is called "postinflammatory hyperpigmentation."  It is unlikely to be permanent.  Skin lightening agents such as hydroquinone in combination with tretinoin cream and azelaic acid can help normalize your pigmentation faster.  I would consult a board certified dermatologist regarding your problem.
Good luck.

Is Hyperpigmentation After Vi Peel Permanent?

Answers (11)

More VI Peel Questions

Will a Vi Peel Get Rid of Melasma?

Fungal Acne and VI peel

Would a VI Peel fix my undereye wrinkles and pores?

Can a VI peel or other chemical peel help with hyperpigmentation around mouth/in my nasolabial folds? (Photo)

Does VI peel help with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS