VI Peel in Bedford, NH
Peel Away Imperfections
The VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel designed to improve skin tone, texture, and clarity while stimulating collagen production for a youthful glow. This powerful yet gentle treatment targets a range of skin concerns, including fine lines, acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage.
What Is VI Peel?
VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel combining TCA (trichloroacetic acid), retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, and vitamin C to target:
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Epidermal pigmentation (sun spots, age spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
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Uneven skin tone and texture
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Melasma (when used conservatively with proper prep)
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Photoaging and fine lines
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Mild acne scarring
Unlike superficial peels requiring 6-8 treatments, VI Peel penetrates to the papillary dermis, delivering visible results in 1-2 sessions for mild concerns, 3-4 sessions for moderate-to-severe photoaging.
How VI Peel Works
VI Peel creates controlled epidermal injury that:
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Breaks apart pigment clusters in the basal layer and superficial dermis
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Accelerates cell turnover, shedding pigmented keratinocytes
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Inhibits tyrosinase (the enzyme that produces melanin)
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Stimulates collagen remodeling in the papillary dermis
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Improves barrier function and skin thickness over time
The VI Peel Experience:
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Application: 20-30 minutes in-office; peel solution remains on skin for 4-6 hours
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Day 1-2: Skin feels tight, may appear slightly bronzed
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Day 2-3: Sun spots and freckles darken (this is expected—pigment rising to surface)
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Day 3-7: Visible peeling (sheets or flakes, depending on skin thickness)
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Day 7-10: Peeling complete; skin reveals brighter, more even tone
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Weeks 2-4: Continued improvement as new collagen forms
Post-Peel Protocol:
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Do NOT pick, pull, or force peeling (causes PIH and scarring)
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Apply provided post-peel protectant and moisturizer as directed
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Strict SPF 30+ and shade avoidance for 2 weeks minimum
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Avoid retinoids, acids, and actives for 7-10 days post-peel
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No heat exposure (sauna, hot yoga, intense workouts) for 48 hours
Three VI Peel Combination Protocols
We rarely use VI Peel as a standalone treatment. Combination protocols address multiple layers of photoaging for superior, longer-lasting results.
PROTOCOL 1: VI Peel + IPL Photofacial
Best For:
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Moderate-to-severe sun damage with both pigment AND redness
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UV-induced lentigines (age spots, sun spots)
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Facial telangiectasias (broken capillaries from sun damage)
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Post-acne hyperpigmentation combined with residual redness
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Patients needing comprehensive "reset" after summer sun exposure
Why This Combination Works:
VI Peel targets:
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Epidermal pigment through exfoliation and tyrosinase inhibition
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Skin texture and barrier function
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Mild dermal stimulation for collagen remodeling
IPL targets:
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Deep dermal pigment (melanin in the basal layer)
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Oxyhemoglobin (red blood cells in dilated vessels)
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Chromophore-specific damage (precise targeting without surrounding tissue injury)
Together: You're treating pigment at multiple depths (epidermal via peel, dermal via IPL), addressing both brown AND red discoloration, and improving texture simultaneously.
Clinical Evidence: Studies show combination peel + IPL protocols achieve 65-75% improvement in overall photoaging vs. 35-45% with single-modality treatment, with results lasting 15-18 months vs. 8-12 months for peel or IPL alone.
TREATMENT CADENCE (EXAMPLE):
Visit 1: VI Peel
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Promotes controlled exfoliation, pigment lift, and tyrosinase inhibition
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Sets foundation for IPL by removing surface pigment barriers
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Recovery: Days 3-7 visible peeling
Visit 2 (2-3 weeks later): IPL Photofacial
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Targets residual deep pigment and red vessels
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Fresh, newly exfoliated skin allows better light penetration
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Recovery: "Coffee ground" darkening of sun spots, flaking off days 7-10
Visit 3 (3-4 weeks later): VI Peel
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Clears residual dyschromia and post-IPL crusting
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Brightens overall tone
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Addresses any rebound pigmentation
Visit 4 (3-4 weeks later): IPL Photofacial (if needed)
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Refines remaining hyperpigmentation
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Targets any persistent vessels
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Final polish
Typical Treatment Plan:
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Mild photoaging: 2 sessions (1 peel + 1 IPL)
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Moderate photoaging: 3 sessions (2 peels + 1 IPL OR 1 peel + 2 IPL)
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Severe photoaging: 4 sessions (2 peels + 2 IPL, alternating)
Seasonal Timing:
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Ideal timing: September-April (post-summer, pre-summer)
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Avoid June-August due to increased UV exposure and PIH risk
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Patients must commit to strict sun avoidance during treatment series
Pricing:
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VI Peel: Starts at $250 per session
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IPL Photofacial: $550 per session
Member Pricing Available (Members receive preferred pricing)
PROTOCOL 2: VI Peel + RF Microneedling (with BENEV Exosomes)
Best For:
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Photoaging WITH texture concerns (enlarged pores, rough skin, crepey texture)
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Pigmentation combined with early skin laxity
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Post-acne scarring + residual hyperpigmentation
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Patients seeking both pigment correction AND collagen banking
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Younger patients (late 20s-30s) with sun damage who want preventative collagen stimulation
Why This Combination Works:
VI Peel targets:
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Epidermal pigment and texture
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Surface renewal and barrier optimization
RF Microneedling (Secret RF) targets:
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Deep dermal collagen remodeling (0.5mm-3.5mm depths)
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Enlarged pores from sun-induced collagen loss
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Acne scars and texture irregularities
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Skin tightening via thermal injury to reticular dermis
BENEV Exosomes:
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Enhance healing and reduce downtime post-needling
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Support collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration
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Minimize PIH risk in darker skin tones
Together: You're resurfacing the epidermis (peel) while simultaneously rebuilding the dermal foundation (RF microneedling). This addresses both pigment AND the structural damage that sun exposure causes to collagen architecture.
Clinical Advantage: Patients with pigmentation often have underlying texture issues from the same UV damage. Treating both simultaneously is more efficient than addressing sequentially, and the peel prep optimizes RF penetration.
TREATMENT CADENCE (EXAMPLE):
Visit 1: VI Peel
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Exfoliates and preps skin for RF treatment
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Begins pigment clearance
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Recovery: Days 3-7 peeling
Visit 2 (4 weeks later): RF Microneedling + BENEV Exosomes
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Stimulates deep dermal collagen remodeling
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Addresses pores, texture, and structural sun damage
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Exosomes minimize inflammatory PIH risk
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Recovery: 24-48 hours redness, makeup typically day 2
Visit 3 (4 weeks later): VI Peel
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Clears residual pigmentation brought to surface by collagen remodeling
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Brightens and refines texture gains from RF
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Recovery: Days 3-7 peeling
Visit 4 (4 weeks later): RF Microneedling + BENEV Exosomes (if needed)
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Second pass for deeper collagen stimulation
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Further pore refinement
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Final structural improvement
Typical Treatment Plan:
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Mild concerns: 2-3 sessions (2 peels + 1 RF OR 1 peel + 2 RF)
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Moderate concerns: 4 sessions (2 peels + 2 RF, alternating)
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Severe concerns: 5-6 sessions (3 peels + 2-3 RF, with maintenance peels quarterly)
Recovery Planning:
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Schedule RF sessions when you can avoid makeup for 48 hours
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Schedule peels when you can tolerate visible peeling for 5-7 days (avoid social events)
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Combine strategically: Some patients do RF on Friday (weekend recovery) and peels during low-visibility weeks
Pricing:
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VI Peel: $250 per session
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RF Microneedling (includes BENEV Exosomes): $899 per session
Member Pricing Available
PROTOCOL 3: IPL + RF Microneedling (with BENEV Exosomes)
Best For:
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Resilient, thick skin with moderate-to-severe photoaging
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Patients wanting maximum impact in minimal sessions
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UV-damaged skin with BOTH pigment AND texture concerns
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Busy patients who can tolerate combined downtime for faster results
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Skin types I-III (same-day combo avoided in types IV-VI due to PIH risk)
Why Same-Day Combination Works:
Performing IPL and RF microneedling in the same session creates:
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Synergistic thermal injury that amplifies collagen remodeling
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Immediate pigment targeting (IPL) + structural rebuilding (RF)
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Single recovery period instead of two separate downtimes
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Cost efficiency with combination pricing
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However: This is the most aggressive protocol. Not appropriate for:
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Sensitive skin or rosacea-prone patients
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Fitzpatrick IV-VI (staged approach safer to minimize PIH)
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Patients with low pain tolerance
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Active breakouts or skin infections
Treatment Sequencing:
Same-Day Protocol:
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IPL First (20-30 minutes)
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Targets melanin and oxyhemoglobin
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Creates photothermal injury to pigmented lesions and vessels
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Immediate RF Microneedling (30-40 minutes, performed same session)
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Needles penetrate post-IPL skin to deliver RF energy to dermis
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Stimulates collagen while skin is in acute injury response
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BENEV Exosomes Applied
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Infused during and after RF for healing support
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Reduces inflammatory response and downtime
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Alternative: Staged Protocol (1-2 Weeks Apart)
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For sensitive skin or darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI)
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IPL first, allow 7-14 days healing, then RF
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Safer PIH risk profile while still achieving combination benefits
Treatment Series:
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Minimum 2-3 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart
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Most patients see optimal results with 3 sessions
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Maintenance: Annual single session to preserve outcomes
RECOVERY TIMELINE:
Same-Day Combination:
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Immediate post-treatment: Moderate swelling and redness (like sunburn + microneedling combined)
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Hours 0-24: Intense redness, swelling peaks around hour 12-18
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Days 1-3: Redness fades to pink, IPL "coffee grounds" begin forming
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Days 3-10: Coffee ground darkening and flaking, skin feels rough/dry
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Days 10-14: Most visible recovery complete, mild residual pinkness
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Weeks 2-8: Continued collagen remodeling, progressive improvement in tone and texture
Staged Protocol:
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IPL recovery: 7-10 days coffee ground phase
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RF recovery (1-2 weeks later): 48-72 hours redness, then healing
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Total timeline: ~3 weeks from start to full recovery
Post-Treatment Protocol:
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ICE frequently first 24-48 hours (reduces swelling)
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Gentle cleanser only, no actives for 7-10 days
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Heavy moisturizer + healing ointment (Aquaphor, Alastin TriHex, BENEV)
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Strict SPF 50+ physical sunscreen, ZERO sun exposure weeks 1-2
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No heat, exercise, alcohol for 48 hours post-treatment
Pain Management:
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Topical numbing cream pre-treatment
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Ice packs during and after
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Over-the-counter pain relief if needed (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
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Most patients rate discomfort 5-6/10 during treatment, 2-3/10 after
PRICING:
Same-Day IPL + RF Microneedling (includes BENEV Exosomes):
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Single Session: $1,449
Staged Protocol (1-2 weeks apart):
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Priced as individual treatments: IPL $550 + RF $899 = $1,449 per round
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Package pricing available for multiple rounds
Member Pricing Available
Customizing Your VI Peel Protocol
During Your Consultation, We'll Assess:
1) Pigmentation Type
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Solar lentigines (sun spots): VI Peel + IPL excellent
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Melasma: VI Peel alone or with conservative IPL (heat-sensitive, requires caution)
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Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: VI Peel + RF preferred (IPL can worsen)
2) Skin Type (Fitzpatrick I-VI)
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I-III: All protocols appropriate, same-day combos safe
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IV-VI: Staged protocols preferred, conservative energy settings, aggressive PIH prep
3) Texture Concerns
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Smooth skin with pigment only: VI Peel + IPL
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Texture + pigment: VI Peel + RF
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Severe texture + pigment: IPL + RF same-day or staged
4) Depth of Damage
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Superficial epidermal pigment: VI Peel alone may suffice
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Mixed epidermal + dermal: Combination protocol required
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Deep dermal pigment: IPL essential component
5) Lifestyle Factors
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Sun protection compliance (non-negotiable for all)
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Heat exposure habits (melasma patients must avoid)
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Downtime tolerance (same-day combo requires 7-10 days social downtime)
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Treatment timing (September-April ideal, avoid summer)
6) Budget & Timeline
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Aggressive budget: IPL + RF same-day, 2-3 sessions, done in 3-4 months
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Moderate budget: VI Peel + IPL alternating, 3-4 sessions, 4-6 months
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Conservative budget: VI Peel series (3-4 sessions), most affordable, 3-4 months
Your provider will design a customized protocol during consultation, explaining rationale for each component.
VI Peel Pricing
Realistic Expectations: What VI Peel Can and Cannot Do
What VI Peel Protocols CAN Achieve:
✓ 60-80% reduction in sun-induced pigmentation (lentigines, age spots) ✓ 40-60% improvement in overall skin tone evenness ✓ 30-50% improvement in fine lines and texture from photoaging ✓ Visible brightening and "glow" within 10-14 days post-peel ✓ Results lasting 12-18 months with proper sun protection and maintenance ✓ Safe for all skin types when properly customized
What VI Peel Protocols CANNOT Achieve:
✗ 100% elimination of pigmentation (especially melasma—management, not cure) ✗ Permanent results without lifestyle changes (sun protection non-negotiable) ✗ Correction of deep wrinkles or significant laxity (requires structural treatments) ✗ Instant results (requires treatment series and 3-6 month timeline) ✗ Success without medical-grade home care (skincare is non-negotiable)
Special Considerations for Melasma:
Melasma is hormonally and heat-driven, making it the most challenging pigmentation to treat:
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VI Peel can improve melasma 40-60% but recurrence is common
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Requires strict heat avoidance (hot yoga, saunas, intense workouts trigger flares)
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IPL used cautiously or avoided (heat can worsen melasma)
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Long-term management with hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, and strict SPF required
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Realistic expectation: "Management" not "cure"
We'll be transparent during consultation if melasma is present—we won't promise results we can't deliver.
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
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Avoid excessive sun exposure for one weeks prior (includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds).
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Avoid skin irritants 5 days prior to treatment (products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, astringents, etc.
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Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.
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Stay hydrated!
Post-Peel Maintenance (After peeling complete, days 7+):
Goal: Maintain results, prevent new pigmentation, support continued improvement
Required Products:
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ZO Brightalive or Hydroquinone 4%: Melanin inhibition, prevents rebound pigmentation
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ZO Retinol (0.5-1.0%): Sustains cell turnover, prevents pigment re-accumulation
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ZO 10% Vitamin C: Daily antioxidant protection against new UV damage
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Medical-grade SPF 50+ (physical): The single most important product—without this, results won't last
Enhanced Options:
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Alastin C-Radical Defense: Environmental protection with TriHex Technology for collagen support
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SkinMedica Even & Correct: Advanced pigment correction for melasma or stubborn spots
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Tranexamic Acid (topical or oral): Emerging evidence for melasma control and PIH prevention
For RF Microneedling Combinations:
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Alastin Restorative Skin Complex: TriHex peptides support collagen remodeling post-needling
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BENEV Recovery Serum: Exosome-based healing support (applied in-office, available for home use)
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SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum: Growth factors for cellular repair and collagen synthesis
The Non-Negotiable Truth About Skincare:
Medical-grade home care isn't optional, it's the difference between:
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With proper skincare: 70-80% pigment reduction, results lasting 15-18 months
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Without proper skincare: 40-50% pigment reduction, results lasting 6-9 months, faster recurrence
We'll recommend specific products during consultation based on your skin type, budget, and treatment protocol.
Expect to invest $200-400 initially for core products (retinol, vitamin C, SPF, brightening agent), with quarterly replenishment.
This isn't upselling, it's ensuring your investment in treatments isn't undermined by inadequate home care.
Contraindications & Safety
You Are NOT a Candidate for VI Peel If:
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Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
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Active skin infection (herpes, impetigo, cellulitis)
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Open wounds or lesions in treatment area
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History of abnormal scarring (keloids, hypertrophic scars)
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Currently on isotretinoin (Accutane) or stopped within last 6 months
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Active eczema, psoriasis, or severe rosacea in treatment area
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Allergies to peel components (phenol, TCA, retinoic acid, aspirin/salicylates)
Relative Contraindications (Discuss at Consultation):
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History of cold sores (prophylactic antiviral required)
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Fitzpatrick V-VI skin (requires conservative protocol, PIH prep)
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Recent waxing, laser hair removal, or other facial procedures (<2 weeks)
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Immunosuppression or autoimmune conditions
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Unrealistic expectations or poor sun protection compliance
We will NOT perform VI Peel if:
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You cannot commit to strict sun avoidance post-treatment
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You refuse medical-grade skincare (results won't last without it)
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You have active melasma and refuse to address heat/hormone triggers
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You expect instant or permanent results
This isn't gatekeeping—it's practicing ethical medicine and setting you up for success.
Booking Your VI Peel Consultation
What to Expect:
Initial Consultation (30-45 minutes, complimentary)
1) Lifestyle & Medical History:
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Sun exposure habits (current and historical)
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Skincare routine audit
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Medical conditions, medications, allergies
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Pregnancy/breastfeeding status
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Previous aesthetic treatments and outcomes
2) Skin Assessment:
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Fitzpatrick skin type determination
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Pigmentation mapping (type, depth, distribution)
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Texture evaluation (pores, scars, lines)
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Vascular concerns (redness, telangiectasias)
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Photos (for progress tracking)
3) Treatment Plan Design:
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Recommended protocol (VI Peel alone or combination)
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Number of sessions and timeline
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Pricing and package options
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Pre-treatment prep requirements
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Post-treatment expectations and downtime
4) Honest Conversation:
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What we can realistically achieve
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What requires managing vs. curing (melasma)
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Lifestyle modifications needed for results
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Medical-grade skincare requirements
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Alternative approaches if you're not a candidate
5) Lifestyle Factors
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Sun protection compliance (non-negotiable for all)
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Heat exposure habits (melasma patients must avoid)
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Downtime tolerance (same-day combo requires 7-10 days social downtime)
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Treatment timing (September-April ideal, avoid summer)
We will NOT pressure you to book immediately. Take time to consider whether you can commit to:
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Treatment series timeline (3-6 months typically)
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Strict sun protection (non-negotiable)
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Medical-grade skincare investment ($200-400 initial, quarterly refills)
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Recovery downtime (7-10 days per peel, 24-48 hours per RF/IPL)
If you can commit, we'll achieve excellent results together. If you can't, we'd rather have that conversation now than watch you waste money on treatments your lifestyle will undermine.
Ready to Address Sun Damage the Right Way?
Book your complimentary consultation to discuss VI Peel combination protocols customized for your skin type, pigmentation concerns, and lifestyle.
We'll be honest about what's achievable, what's required from you, and whether you're a good candidate. That's the PM Aesthetics way—medicine first, always.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Depends on severity and whether you're doing combination protocols:
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Mild sun damage: 1-2 VI Peels or 1 VI Peel + 1 IPL
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Moderate sun damage: 2-3 VI Peels + 1-2 IPL or RF sessions
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Severe photoaging: 3-4 VI Peels + 2-3 IPL and/or RF sessions
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Melasma: Ongoing maintenance every 3-4 months (management, not cure)
Your provider will give specific recommendations during consultation.
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Not recommended. Ideal timing is September-April (post-summer, pre-summer) to minimize UV exposure during recovery. Summer peels carry significantly higher PIH risk and compromised results due to sun exposure.
Yes, but requires:
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Conservative protocol with pre-treatment PIH prep (hydroquinone or brightening agents 2-4 weeks before)
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Lower energy settings if combining with IPL or RF
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Aggressive post-treatment sun protection and melanin inhibitors
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Staged protocols (not same-day combinations) in Fitzpatrick V-VI
We treat all skin types, but we customize aggressively to minimize PIH risk.
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Depends entirely on sun protection compliance:
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With strict SPF 50+ daily, reapplication, sun avoidance: Results last 15-24 months
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With inconsistent sun protection: Pigmentation returns within 6-12 months
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Without sun protection: Waste of money—don't do the treatments
We can correct existing damage, but we cannot prevent new damage without your lifestyle commitment.
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No. Application feels like mild tingling/stinging for 20-30 minutes. After you leave, skin feels tight and mildly uncomfortable (like mild sunburn) but not painful. The peeling phase (days 3-7) is physically uncomfortable (tightness, itching) but managed with heavy moisturizer.
RF microneedling hurts more (5-6/10 with numbing), IPL hurts minimally (rubber band snapping sensation).
No makeup during days 1-7 while actively peeling (makeup won't adhere and picking at peeling skin causes scarring). After peeling complete (day 7+), mineral makeup is safe.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots), potential scarring, infection risk, and compromised results. DO NOT PICK. Let skin shed naturally. Use heavy moisturizer to manage discomfort.
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VI Peel: Initial glow visible day 7-10 post-peel; continued improvement weeks 2-4
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IPL: Coffee grounds flake off days 7-10; full pigment clearance visible weeks 3-4
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RF Microneedling: Subtle tightening immediate; collagen remodeling peaks months 2-3
Full results from combination protocol visible 3-6 months after completing series.
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Yes, but hold retinol 5-7 days before peel and 7-10 days after peel completes. Retinol pre-treatment actually improves peel penetration, but active use during peeling phase causes excessive irritation.
No. Pigmentation treatment is cosmetic, not medically necessary (except rare cases of post-traumatic pigmentation or disfiguring melasma—discuss with provider).
All treatment costs are out-of-pocket. We offer package pricing, member discounts, and CareCredit financing for larger treatment series.
Restore & Renew with the Sun Undone Package
Reverse the effects of sun damage and rejuvenate your skin with the Sun Undone Package. This targeted treatment is designed to reduce pigmentation, even out skin tone, and restore your skin’s natural radiance. By combining advanced skincare technologies, the Sun Undone Package helps repair and revitalize sun-exposed skin, leaving you with a brighter, healthier, and more youthful glow.


Join Us on Your Aesthetic Journey
Every PM Aesthetics consultation begins with lifestyle assessment, not treatment sales. We evaluate sun protection, nutrition, sleep, stress, exercise, and other factors that determine 70-80% of aging outcomes. If your lifestyle foundation needs attention, we'll tell you, even if it means less treatment revenue for us. Medicine first, always.
