Considering fully ablative Laser resurfacing or wondering what recovery is really like after a full-face ablative Laser treatment? In this episode of KestyMD Esthetics, Dr. Kat Kesty breaks down everything you need to know about fully ablative laser recovery, laser resurfacing aftercare, healing time, skincare, and results.

Fully ablative laser resurfacing can dramatically improve wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, skin texture, pigmentation, and overall skin quality, but the recovery process is more involved than with fractional laser treatments. Knowing what to expect and how to properly care for your skin can make a major difference in your healing and final results.

Dr. Kesty answers the most common questions patients have about ablative laser recovery, including:

• How long does fully ablative laser recovery take?
• How is fully ablative laser different from fractional laser resurfacing?
• What does the first 24–48 hours after laser resurfacing feel like?
• Why is my face oozing after laser treatment? Is it normal?
• What should I use for fully ablative laser aftercare?
• Why are Vaseline and Aquaphor recommended after ablative laser resurfacing?
• How often should you apply ointment after laser resurfacing?
• When can you wash your face after a fully ablative laser?
• When can you restart moisturizer or PRP serum?
• Why should you avoid exfoliation and active skincare during recovery?
• How long should you avoid retinol after laser resurfacing?
• How important is sun protection after laser treatment?
• What does a week-by-week laser resurfacing recovery timeline look like?
• Why can different areas of your face heal at different rates?
• How can you manage pain, swelling, and itching after laser resurfacing?
• When can you wear makeup after a fully ablative laser?
• What happens at your post-laser follow-up appointments?
• What skincare products should you avoid during laser recovery?
• How long do fully ablative laser results last?

Whether you're researching CO2 laser resurfacing, fully ablative laser treatment, laser skin resurfacing, or anti-aging laser treatments, this episode gives you a realistic look at the recovery process from the initial healing period to getting back to your normal skincare routine.

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Every week, we share expert conversations about laser resurfacing, cosmetic dermatology, skin rejuvenation, anti-aging treatments, injectables, skincare, advanced aesthetic procedures, and more.

Have questions? Call us at 727-474-9399 or message us on social media!

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In this episode, Double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Laser Surgeon Dr. Kat Kesty breaks down everything you need to know about Fraxel Dual laser treatment — one of the most studied and published lasers in aesthetic medicine, with over 150 clinical studies backing its results.

Dr. Kesty explains how the Fraxel Dual's two wavelengths (1550 and 1927) work together to treat melasma, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines — while stimulating deep collagen production for long-term skin rejuvenation.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What Fraxel Dual is and how it differs from other Fraxel devices (Repair, Restore)
• Whether Fraxel is safe for darker skin tones
• How Fraxel treats melasma, acne scars, and stretch marks
• What to expect during treatment — including pain management and comfort measures
• Realistic recovery timelines and downtime (1–8 days depending on settings)
• When to expect visible results (7–14 days for pigment, 3–6 months for collagen)
• Potential risks and how to prepare for your appointment
• Fraxel Dual vs. CO2 laser vs. microneedling — which is right for you?

Whether you're considering your first laser treatment or trying to understand which option fits your skin goals, this episode gives you the dermatologist-level insight you need to have an informed conversation at your next cosmetic consult.

Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe to our channel, and turn on notifications to stay updated with our latest content!

Have questions? Call us at 727-474-9399 or message us on social media!

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Thinking about CO2 laser resurfacing but not sure where to start? In this episode, double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kat Kesty of St. Petersburg Skin and Laser breaks down everything you need to know about CO2 Laser skin resurfacing — from how it works to what recovery really looks like.

Whether you're dealing with sun damage, acne scars, fine lines, or uneven texture, this episode gives you an honest, expert look at one of the most talked-about treatments in cosmetic dermatology — including who's a good candidate, what to expect during recovery, and whether it's actually worth it.

In this episode, Dr. Kat Kesty answers:

- What is CO2 laser resurfacing and what does it actually treat

- Fractional vs. fully ablative CO2 — what's the difference, and which do you need?

- Am I a good candidate? Is it safe for darker skin tones?

- CO2 vs. Erbium vs. Fraxel — how do they compare?

- How many treatments will I need?

- Does CO2 laser resurfacing hurt?

- What kind of numbing is used during the procedure?

- How long is the recovery/downtime?

- When can I wear makeup again?

- How long will my skin stay pink or red?

- How soon will I see results, and how long will they last?

- What are the risks?

- What results can I realistically expect?

- Is CO2 laser resurfacing worth it?

Whether you're considering this procedure for the first time or just want an expert, no-fluff explanation of what it involves, this episode covers it all.

Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe to our channel, and turn on notifications to stay updated with our latest content!

📍 Learn more or book a consultation: www.stpeteskinandlaser.com/contact

Have questions? Call us at 727-474-9399 or message us on social media!​​

https://www.instagram.com/stpeteskinandlaser

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https://www.stpeteskinandlaser.com