There are many laser treat­ments being offered today. So how does one choose which is best for them? When choos­ing a treatment, quality of the operator, as well as quality of the laser itself must be consid­ered.

In many states a cosme­tologist may administer laser treatments. No regulations for training or supervision exist. So buyer beware!

Fortunately, New Jersey law requires a physician to perform all laser treatments. This does not; however, guarantee your safety. Many physicians are per­forming laser treatments with little to no training in cosmetic treatment of the skin. To insure a safe and effective procedure make certain it is administered by a physician board certified in Facial Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery or Dermatology with added training in cosmetic laser treatments. The wrong doctor can result in an ineffective treat­ment at best or at worst, burns leading to permanent scarring of the skin.

Determining which laser is best is difficult for the con­sumer. A variety of intense pulse light and laser companies promise hairless, wrinkle- free, vein- free and pigment- free skin. A single laser cannot do all things well. Each laser has a wavelength that determines its optimal use. Intense pulsed light (IPL’S) have become very common. Unfortunately, they target no specific problem and usually deliver sub-optimal results. Recent dermatologic research has also linked repeated treatments with IPL’S to an increased risk of skin cancer.

Hair reduction is the most common cosmetic laser treat­ment today. The Alexandrite laser is the optimal laser for hair reduction in fair to medium skin types. The knowledge of the physician in choosing appropriate settings is what guarantees optimal results. Alexandrite lasers are not rec­ommended for patients with dark complexions. The ND YAG laser is best for hair reduc­tion in darker skinned indi­viduals. This laser targets the hair follicles without affecting the pigment in the skin. This insures a safe and effective treat­ment. Both lasers permanently eliminate all hair follicles that are actively producing hair. Occasionally, due to changes in hormones, new hair follicles may become active and need treatment.

The elimination of wrinkles and loose and sagging skin without the risk of surgery has lead to an increased interest in laser skin tightening. There are several lasers offering these benefits. Some target the skin in areas damaged by age and sun exposure better than oth­ers. Accent Aesthetics offers the Affirm laser by Cynosure. This laser combines two specific wavelengths that target areas of the skin affected by age and sun damage. This leads to stimula­tion of collagen that smoothes and tightens your skin. The treatment requires no anesthe­sia and takes less than thirty minutes to administer. There is little down time with the skin appearing sunburned for 24 to 48 hours.

Accent Aesthetics has exten­sively researched current laser treatments. The multiple lasers offered were chosen to assure the safest and most effective treatments available. This saves you time, money and most importantly insures your well being.

Call today and mention this article for a free skin consulta­tion to determine which laser is best for you.