Setting realistic patient expectations for any aesthetic treatment can be a challenge. Explaining the VI Peel to your patient, and what they should expect, is an important step during the consultation process. Some patients have unrealistic expectations about aesthetic treatments. The biggest misconception that practitioners face is that their patients think they will have heavy peeling or peel in sheets. There will always be exfoliation with the VI Peel, but it may be at the cellular level, which is not always visible to the naked eye.

The biggest misconception that practitioners face is when their patients think they will always have heavy peeling or peel in sheets. Please keep in mind that there is a spectrum of the amount of peeling after a VI Peel. Everything from light flaking/peeling to sheet peeling is considered normal. VI is unique in that we use a multi-acid solution that penetrates through the dermis at a medium depth level. There will always be cellular turnover, improvements in the texture, tone and overall appearance of the skin whether or not peeling occurs. Those who receive treatments on a regular basis may not see visible peeling because the layers of dead skin cells are at a healthy number.

The degree of peeling is affected by many factors:

Skin preparation: Skin must be thoroughly cleansed and fully degreased with 100% pure acetone. This step is very important. It strips the skin of all oils and debris, allowing for the optimal penetration of the VI Peel. If patient has oily skin it is suggested to degrease the skin twice.

Peel Selection: The VI Peel portfolio contains 5 unique blends. Each blend targets specific skin conditions. Selecting the correct peel for your patient’s condition will assure the optimal outcome. For oily or congested skin Purify and Purify Precision Plus’s blend will combat excess sebum and result in greater solution penetration.

Application Method: VI Peel portfolio must be applied with the gauze provided in the peel kit. It is loosely woven material which makes it abrasive. The peel solution must be applied with pressure to drive the peel solution to the papillary dermis.

Products used at home: Does the patient use retinol products or do they exfoliate on a regular basis? When was their last VI Peel or laser treatment? If a patient is having a series of VI Peel® treatments, the amount of peeling may vary between each VI Peel treatment.

Reasons why a patient may not peel heavily: Just because a patient did not peel in sheets, doesn’t mean the peel was not effective. Sometimes a patient might be so well exfoliated that their skin does not need to peel heavily. It is still exfoliating at a cellular level, which is not visible to the naked eye. If a patient with very oily skin is not degreased properly, the peel may not penetrate to the papillary dermis, which is needed for an efficacious outcome.

Application technique: Did you cleanse the patient’s skin? Did you completely degrease the skin with 100% pure acetone? Did you use the gauze provided? Did you apply the peel solution in multiple passes with pressure, and not use all the solution on the first pass? Did you use the full VI Peel® vial? Did you apply anything on top of their skin before they left the office?

Patient home care: Make sure the patient didn’t apply anything to their skin for 4 hours after solution is applied. This includes VI Derm® SPF 50+ or any other products. Did the patient leave the peel solution on for 4 hours? Did they follow the Post Peel Towelette protocol on day 1 and day 2? Did they exercise or raise their body temperature during the first 72-96 hours ?

All of the above factors will affect the way a patient will peel. Remember, peeling will vary from light flaking to sheet peeling. Educating your patients and managing their expectations are keys to a successful VI Peel® treatment.