Nearly two decades after Luminesse Laser opened its doors in Staten Island, the practice is booming, lauded for personalized care, lasting client relationships, and a commitment to evolving alongside the ever-changing world of beauty and aesthetics.

BY EMMA FLOYD • PHOTOS BY ALEX BARRETO

New industries are evolving as quickly as aesthetics. New technologies emerge every year, treatments gain momentum practically overnight, and clients are more informed than ever before. Through nearly 19 years of change, Luminesse Laser has built its reputation by focusing on something far more enduring: pairing proven technology with honest guidance, personalized care, and relationships that extend well beyond a single appointment.

Luminesse wasn’t part of founder Nicole Cheret’s original career plan. After years in the corporate grind, she found herself searching for more meaningful work. That search eventually led her to aesthetics – not first as a practitioner, but as a client fascinated by what laser technology could accomplish. “After many years in the corporate world, I was ready for something that was more aligned with my love for helping people feel confident in their own skin,” she said. “As a client of a laser clinic, I became fascinated by the technology and the results it could achieve.”

Inspired by those experiences, Cheret became laser-certified before opening Luminesse, establishing a philosophy that has guided the practice ever since. “My vision was simple: combine advanced technology with honest, personalized care to help people look and feel their best, while also making these services more accessible and affordable.”
As the aesthetics industry has exploded with new technologies and treatments, Cheret, who co-owns and operates Luminesse alongside her partner, Adam, said the practice has never measured success by scale. “We’ve never chased trends or tried to be the biggest. We focus on being the best at what we do. We invest in proven technology, continue our education, and stay on the leading edge of the industry.”

At Luminesse, every consultation begins with a conversation about a client’s goals, lifestyle, and expectations before a personalized treatment plan is developed. Cheret believes education is just as important as the treatment itself; she helps clients understand not only what a procedure can accomplish, but whether it’s the right fit. “Our philosophy is simple: treat every client like a VIP,” she said. “We believe in building relationships, not just performing treatments.”

That philosophy shapes every recommendation the practice makes. “We take the time to educate our clients, set realistic expectations, and create personalized treatment plans based on their individual goals,” Cheret said. “Most importantly, we only recommend services we truly believe will deliver the best results, because trust is the foundation of everything we do.”
As the industry has matured, so have the people seeking treatment. Today’s clients arrive more informed than ever. Cheret regularly meets people who have already researched procedures, followed the latest developments online, or seen results firsthand through friends and family. The focus has shifted away from dramatic transformations to maintaining healthy skin, preventing future concerns, and choosing treatments that fit seamlessly into busy lives.

That mindset is reflected in many of Luminesse’s most requested services this summer. Laser hair removal remains one of the practice’s most in-demand treatments, while Emsculpt NEO continues to attract clients seeking the dual benefits of muscle building and fat reduction in a single treatment. Body contouring and lymphatic therapies are also on the rise as more people pursue subtle, natural-looking definition with little to no downtime.

Regenerative aesthetics has become another major area of growth. Treatments incorporating stem cell–derived products, exosomes, growth factors, and PDRN are attracting clients interested in science-driven approaches to skin rejuvenation and healthy aging. BioRePeel has emerged as another standout, delivering brighter, smoother skin with minimal downtime while remaining suitable for virtually every skin type and season. Demand for hair restoration has also surged. Cheret has seen more clients seeking solutions for thinning hair, particularly those experiencing hair loss associated with GLP-1-related weight loss. Treatments such as Alma TED and ProCell have become valuable tools for stimulating the scalp and encouraging healthier, fuller hair.

Looking ahead, Luminesse is preparing for its next chapter with the addition of a new medical director, allowing the practice to expand its medical-grade technology, regenerative treatments, and advanced aesthetic offerings. Among Luminesse’s proudest milestones, however, isn’t a buzzy new device or technique. “One of the most rewarding things we’ve realized recently is that we’re now caring for a new generation of clients,” she said. “Many of our longtime clients are bringing in their children, and to me, there’s no greater compliment.”

For Cheret, those multigenerational relationships represent nearly two decades of earning trust, one client at a time. After several years in business, Cheret remains guided by the same philosophy that first inspired her to open its doors: combining advanced technology with honest advice and genuinely personal care. In an industry defined by constant reinvention, Luminesse’s greatest achievement may not be the treatments it offers, but the generations of clients who continue to place their trust – and now their families – in its care. “After all these years, we’re still just as passionate as we were on day one,” she said. “This industry is constantly evolving, which means we’re always learning, growing, and finding new ways to help our clients feel more confident.”

Luminesse Laser — 4056 Amboy Road • 347.682.2482 • luminesselaser.com