Nellie's Skin Journey
"Pfeffer Sal is the only place I visit for laser. Their Real Life Retouching AFT treatment has transformed the skin on my back, chest and shoulders."
As soon as Creative Director Nellie Eden knew she was going to be wearing a strapless wedding dress, she wanted us to help her even out the skin tone and remove sun spots from her décolletage and back.
We worked closely with Nellie in the months running up to her wedding on a bespoke treatment plan of Real Life Retouching, using Advanced Fluorescent Technology (AFT, the next gen, advanced form of IPL), to target any unwanted hyper-pigmentation.
Our initial review and recommendation
Therapist notes - Based on Nellie’s concerns regarding hyper-pigmentation on her decolletage and back, we proceeded with a course of Real Life Retouching, alternating appointments for each area so as to not overdo it.
We also recommended at-home care to maximise results and for maintenance.
What is Real Life Retouching?
Here's the tech-y bit! Real Life Retouching uses an AFT laser. And how does that work you may ask?
Lower energy AFT light pulses are converted into heat and absorbed by the chromophore (the molecules in the skin that are responsible for colour) delivering better results with less discomfort than traditional IPL treatments. This permanently targets the pigment, while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected.
Therapist note: While the word laser may sound scary, the laser we use during this treatment does not alter the top layer of skin. It uses light and heat to break down pigment or inflammation in the skin.
One thing to note is that Real Life Retouching can only be done if your skin has had no sun exposure in the 4 weeks ahead of the treatment, and needs to be kept out of the sun for the 4 weeks after each treatment.
Nellie's Treatment Plan
It was great that Nellie came in over 6 months ahead of her big day, so we had the time to complete a course of treatments, for the best results possible.
Nellie was an existing client and had tried Real Life Retouching in the past, so we knew she had been a suitable candidate for the treatment. As she had not been into the clinic in over a year, we did want to be cautious, so we started with a patch test to make sure it was still possible for us to proceed.
Nellie's treatments took place over 6 months, stopping approximately 1 month ahead of her wedding day.
The Treatment Programme
- 16 November - Real Life Retouching Medium Area on the décolletage
- 9 December - Real Life Retouching Medium Area on the décolletage
- 6 January - Real Life Retouching Medium Area on the décolletage
- 8 February - Real Life Retouching Medium Area on the décolletage
- 15 February - Real Life Retouching Medium Area on the top of shoulders and upper back area
- 25 February - Real Life Retouching Medium Area on the décolletage, at this stage we were seeing great results and the therapist recommended that only one-two more sessions on the décolletage was needed
- 14 March - Real Life Retouching Medium Area on the top of shoulders and upper back area. This time the therapist used the setting to target redness in the skin rather than hyperpigmentation, e.g. redness and capillaries
- 8 April - Real Life Retouching Medium Area on the top of shoulders and upper back area
- 15 April - Real Life Retouching Medium Area on the décolletage and top of shoulders
- 19 May - Real Life Retouching Medium Area on décolletage, back and top of shoulders. At this stage there were very few areas of pigment left so it was about targeting them. No more needed after this as the wedding was in 4 weeks.
Meanwhile back at home
While Nellie (or anyone!) undertakes an AFT treatment course, it’s so important to keep the area hydrated and protected from the sun. We recommended a hydrating cream on the area and when it is not covered up, that it is kept protected with a broad spectrum sunscreen, such as Sunscreen SPF 30 from Esse Skincare.
As the décollatage, shoulders and back can be easily protected during the treatment period, the aftercare is quite straightforward.
If a client was receiving AFT on the facial area, we would recommend a similar approach - hydration and protection - however, it’s important to avoid strong active ingredients such as retinoids and acids in the days before and after your treatments. It’s too much for the face to handle!
Results according to Nellie
"Pfeffer Sal is the only place I visit for laser. Their AFT treatment has transformed the skin on my back, chest and shoulders. After historic damage from trigger happy tanning as a teenager I never thought I'd feel confident about those areas.
The AFT treatment is the most effective and transformative treatment I've ever had - that might sound like hyperbole, but my skin is tight, smooth and unblemished. The Pfeffer Sal team helped me to really feel my absolute best on my wedding day and I tell anyone who will listen about my favourite clinic in London"
If you’re planning to visit us regularly, or embarking on a skin journey with us, why not go for a course of treatments? You are welcome to mix and match treatments too.
Buy 3 treatments, receive the 4th half price.
Buy 5 treatments, receive the 6th for free.
