Page 14 - VI DERM BOOK COM (002)_FINAL

MANAGING POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF
chemical peeling

VI Peels have been specifically designed to minimize side effects, but as an active and effective treatment,
there is always the possibility that a patient might experience unwanted reactions. These are most likely to
occur if the patients has any of the following contraindications:

• Allergy to phenol or aspirin
• Inflamed skin with open lesions
• Accutane use with the past six months
• Immune system disorders under active treatment
• Active cold sores or herpes simplex
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

DETAILED BELOW ARE SOME COMMON SIDE EFFECTS AND SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS FOR MITIGATION:

ALLERGIC REACTIONS
The most common allergic reactions that result from a VI Peel treatment are those to aspirin, phenol, and
hydroquinone. To minimize the risk of allergic reactions, it’s important to conduct a thorough review of your patient’s
medical history prior to their treatment.
In some cases, a patient might be unaware of their allergy to a particular ingredient. In order to avoid these unforeseen
allergic reactions, you might suggest that the patient undergo a patch test with a clinician before their treatment.

If a patient does experience an allergic reaction to the VI Peel, they should consult with the medical director, who might
suggest prescription medication or a simple skin care routine that includes VI Derm Gentle Purifying Cleanser, VI Derm
Post-Treatment Repair Cream and VI Derm SPF 50 Daily UV Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen.

If the patient is experiencing something more than a mild histamine or allergic reaction, they should be instructed to
contact your practice immediately for medical advice. For a severe allergic reaction that affects breathing, they patient
should call emergency personnel.

POST-INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION (PIH)
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a condition wherein inflammation and/or hormonal responses trigger
melanogenesis that results in pigment deposition. The VI Peel consent forms notify patients of the possibility of PIH, but
patients tend to forget and get upset when they think that they’re experiencing an adverse reaction. It’s important for
them to understand that PIH is normal, manageable, and treatable.
In order to suppress potential inflammation, patients need to apply VI Derm Post-Treatment Repair Cream with 1%
hydrocortisone to their treatment area 2–4 times per day for 2–4 weeks after their peel. The repair cream comes
in their VI Peel post-peel kit, along with instructions, but patients should be reminded of these instructions before
each subsequent peel.

THE PATIENT CAN WEAR MAKEUP AS DESIRED, BUT SHOULD AVOID EXCESSIVE SUN EXPOSURE.
IF THE PATIENT HAS DARKER SKIN, THEY SHOULD INCORPORATE RETINOID AND PIGMENT SUPPRESSION
PRODUCTS INTO THEIR DAILY ROUTINE IN ORDER TO STIMULATE THEIR PIGMENT CELLS.

BLISTERING
In order to avoid blistering and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, it’s vital for patients to “stay cool” for 72-96 hours
after their treatment. This involves maintaining low body temperatures both internally and on their body surface. To
avoid unsafe increases in body surface temperature, patients should avoid direct sun exposure and wear a well-ventilated
hat to protect from UV-rays.

14