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.

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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.

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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

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If you’ve ever wondered how to get rid of brown spots, you’re not alone. The truth is, not all brown spots are the same, and there is no one “best” laser for everyone.

In this episode, Double Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Chelsea Kesty breaks down the most common types of brown spots, including sun spots (solar lentigines), freckles, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, seborrheic keratoses, and moles, and explains how dermatologists properly diagnose each one before choosing a treatment.

You’ll learn why picking the wrong laser can actually make pigmentation worse, how the depth of pigment (epidermal vs. dermal) impacts your results, and why a personalized treatment plan is essential for safe, effective outcomes. Dr. Kesty also walks through the best laser options for different conditions, including IPL and BBL, picosecond lasers, fractional lasers, and erbium lasers, plus when each is most appropriate.

This episode also covers why melasma requires a completely different approach, the importance of medical therapy and sun protection, and why maintenance treatments are key to keeping your skin clear long-term.

Topics covered:- Types of brown spots and how to identify them- Best lasers for sun spots, freckles, and pigmentation- Why melasma is different and how to treat it safely
- Risks of using the wrong laser
- How dermatologists create customized treatment plans
- Prevention, maintenance, and long-term skin health

If you’re dealing with dark spots on your face, chest, or hands and want to understand the safest, most effective treatment options, this episode will help you make informed decisions about your skin.

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

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Welcome back to KestyMD Esthetics! One of the biggest questions patients ask is:"Do I need Lasers, filler, Botox, or surgery?"

In this episode, Dr. Chelsea Kesty sits down with Double Board-Certified Oculoplastic and Cosmetic Facial Surgeon Dr. Soheila Rostami to break down exactly how facial aging happens and which treatments actually address the problem.

Rather than chasing trends or requesting treatments you've seen on social media, learn why the best cosmetic results come from understanding what's causing the aging first and matching the right treatment to the right concern.

In this episode, we discuss:

✔️ Lasers vs fillers vs facelift surgery

✔️ When Botox and fillers are appropriate—and when they aren't

✔️ How facial aging affects the skin, fat, muscles, and bone

✔️ Why some patients need surgery instead of more filler

✔️ The truth about CO2 lasers, chemical peels, and skin resurfacing

✔️ When facelift surgery becomes the best option

✔️ How previous fillers, biostimulatory injectables, RF devices, and threads can affect future surgery

✔️ How to choose a qualified Cosmetic Surgeon

✔️ Common misconceptions about facial rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments

Whether you're considering your first cosmetic procedure or wondering if it's time for a facelift, this episode will help you better understand how Dermatologists and Cosmetic Surgeons work together to create natural, long-lasting results. As discussed throughout the episode, the best outcomes often come from combining lasers, injectables, and surgery—not treating them as competing options.

To learn more about Dr. Soheila Rostami, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

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Does Botox travel to your brain? Can Botox cause dementia? These headlines have sparked a lot of questions — but what does the actual science say?

In this episode of KestyMD Esthetics, Double Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Chelsea Kesty breaks down the research behind the viral claims surrounding Botox and the brain. Rather than focusing on headlines, we dive into the published studies, the biology of botulinum toxin, and what we truly know (and don’t know) about how Botox works in the body.

Dr. Kesty explains how botulinum toxin A works at the nerve-muscle junction, why it is used safely in both aesthetic and medical treatments, and the difference between retrograde axonal transport and the blood-brain barrier — two concepts that are often misunderstood and incorrectly combined.

In this episode, we discuss:

- What Botox actually does at the cellular level

- How botulinum toxin blocks acetylcholine signaling to relax muscles

- The 2008 study that sparked questions about Botox and nerve transport

- What researchers discovered about retrograde axonal transport

- Why animal studies and cosmetic Botox dosing in humans are very different

- How Botox doses used in research compare to typical aesthetic treatments

- What current research says about Botox, the central nervous system, migraines, and chronic pain

- Whether there is evidence that Botox causes dementia or neurological disease

The goal of this episode is not to convince you to get Botox or avoid it — it’s to provide an evidence-based look at the science so you can make informed decisions about your health and aesthetic treatments.

Subscribe to KestyMD Aesthetics for more science-backed conversations about skincare, lasers, injectables, and the latest advancements in dermatology.

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

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Aging isn't just about wrinkles, and that's one of the biggest misconceptions in Cosmetic Dermatology.

In this episode of the KestyMD Esthetics Podcast, Dr. Chelsea Kesty, Double Board-Certified Dermatologist, explains why wrinkles are actually the last visible sign of the aging process. Long before lines appear, your skin, fat, muscle, bone, and collagen are already changing in ways that affect how your face looks.

You'll learn:
- Why aging is much more than wrinkles
- The hidden causes of facial aging
- How collagen, volume loss, skin quality, and bone changes impact your appearance
- How understanding the aging process leads to more natural, long-lasting cosmetic results

Whether you're just starting to notice signs of aging or you're exploring aesthetic treatments, this episode will help you better understand what really causes your face to age and what you can do to age gracefully.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more expert insights on skin health, anti-aging, cosmetic dermatology, lasers, injectables, and evidence-based skincare.

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Thinking about a Laser Blepharoplasty or wondering if eyelid surgery is right for you? In this episode of KestyMD Esthetics, Double Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Chelsea Kesty answers the most frequently asked questions about upper and lower Blepharoplasty, recovery, results, candidacy, and non-surgical alternatives.

Whether you're researching treatment options for droopy eyelids, under-eye bags, excess eyelid skin, or a tired appearance, this episode provides an honest, expert guide to what patients can realistically expect before, during, and after a Laser Blepharoplasty procedure.

Questions Answered in This Episode:

• What is a Blepharoplasty?
• Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
• What is the best age for a Blepharoplasty?
• What kind of Blepharoplasty do I need?
• Can men get a Laser Blepharoplasty?
• Does insurance cover a Laser Blepharoplasty?
• Is a Laser Blepharoplasty worth it?
• Is a Laser Blepharoplasty painful?
• What type of anesthesia is used for a Laser Blepharoplasty?
• Where are the incisions placed during a Blepharoplasty?
• How long is recovery after a Laser Blepharoplasty?
• When can you return to work after eyelid surgery?
• What does Laser Blepharoplasty recovery look like day by day?
• When can you wear makeup and contact lenses again?
• How long do Blepharoplasty results last?
• What are the risks of a Laser Blepharoplasty?
• What are realistic expectations and results from eyelid surgery?
• How can you treat under-eye bags and upper eyelid drooping without surgery?

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