Among various kinds of chemical treatments recommended for eradicating signs of aging, Vi Peel is among the most recommended options. Unlike some chemical peels that use only one type of peeling agent, Vi Peel uses many proven, abrasive and exfoliating agents, including phenol acid, retinoic acid, salicylic acid and vitamin C to provide comprehensive results. However, some risks are associated with Vi Peel too.
Excessive Swelling and Bruising
Though Vi Peel is more advanced and safe that most chemical peels, it uses the same core concept, i.e. the peeling agent induces a chemical reaction upon the skin’s surface. The chemical reaction is responsible for the peel’s abrasive action wherein it displaces the older, dead skin cells. This peeling-away of the older skin cells allows the underlying, fresher layer of skin to emerge, giving the patient a younger look.
However, among some patients, this can lead to unwanted reactions wherein the skin develops a highly-inflamed or bruised appearance. This is particularly true for people with sensitive skin or those who have a history of rapid scar tissue development. Please note that some degree of redness or blushing is expected for a few hours after the chemical peel. In fact, for nearly 24 hours after the treatment, the skin retains some of the reddish hue. However, this is largely expected and doesn’t call for any apprehensions.
The scenario becomes worrisome when the redness quickly translates into widespread swelling. In some cases, the swelling might progress into bruising which may eventually mature into a scar-like formation.
The freshly-peeled skin needs some time to heal and develop its outer, thicker layer to save it against common external agents like sunlight and water-borne chemicals, allergens and pollutants. In some patients, this process can be delayed, i.e. the recently-peeled skin fails to heal within the stipulated time. This gives rise to the appearance of a red, crusty layer instead of a rejuvenated skin surface.
Unwanted Pigmentation (Hyper-Pigmentation)
A Vi Peel is among the more potent forms of chemical peeling. Unlike fruit peels that are totally superficial, a Vi Peel reacts with the underlying layer of skin in a minimal way. This is largely responsible for its ability to eradicate wrinkles and fine lines and quickly render a refurbished appearance to the skin. However, deep chemical peels can cause a serious problem among some patients—the risk of pigmentation.
This problem is more pronounced among people who have had pigmentation treatment in the recent past or whose facial skin has marks of a recently-healed scar. In deep chemical peels, the active agents of the peel can react with such susceptible spots on the skin and cause unwanted pigmentation.
This form of pigmentation can be understood like an uncontrolled bleach reaction that is beyond the scope of lightening the skin tone. The pigmentation induced here refers to discoloration wherein spots or patches with a color hue vastly different from the surrounding skin develop within days of the treatment. This puts forth an added expense since the pigmentation needs more sittings or a separate treatment.
Women who are undergoing a hormonal treatment or using contraceptive pills for the treatment of any hormonal imbalance have been found to be slightly more susceptible to this problem.
