Acne Laser Treatment
ST. PETERSBURG
st. petersburg skin & Laser
Because Good Skin is In
Just like the glowing reviews you’ll read below, you too can step into a fresh chapter of radiant, youthful skin. Embrace a future where you celebrate every reflection in the mirror.
Discover Clear Skin and Renewed Confidence
Are you tired of persistent acne constantly stealing your peace of mind? Do you often find yourself looking in the mirror, wishing away the acne that’s causing distress, impacting your self-esteem, and perhaps even keeping you from living your life to the fullest? We understand your concerns. At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, we empathize with the emotional toll that acne can have on an individual. Our mission is to help you regain your confidence and give you the freedom to face the world with a smile, unburdened by skin woes.
Under the expert guidance of Dr. Kat Kesty, a renowned board-certified dermatologist, we’re committed to helping you realize your aspirations for clear, vibrant skin. Dr. Kesty is not only a medical professional at the pinnacle of her field, but also a compassionate guide who acknowledges the profound impact of acne on your life. She understands that you’re not just seeking a treatment, but a transformative solution that fits your unique skin and lifestyle. With Laser Treatment for Acne, we offer you just that—an effective, scientifically-backed therapy to reduce and manage your acne, paving the way for a future where your skin is no longer a source of stress, but a reason for your confidence.
—Ana H.
Benefits of Laser Treatment For Acne
Why Choose Us for Your Skin?
Unlock age-defying transformations with the tailored expertise of Dr. Kat Kesty, a pioneer in laser cosmetic dermatology
Give Your Skin the Best
Don't settle. Choose confident, natural beauty.
Why Choose Laser Treatments for Acne?
The Benefits of Laser Treatments for Acne
Avoid Oral Antibiotics and Accutane
- Choosing Laser Treatments with Dr. Kesty for acne can help you avoid the side effects of oral antibiotics and/or accutane to clear your acne. Lasers are the all-natural option and do not disturb the delicate balance of your body like oral medications.
Effectiveness for All Skin Types
- Regardless of your skin color, laser treatments can be tailored to address the specific needs of your skin. This makes laser for acne a universal solution for a diverse range of patients struggling with acne.
Boost in Self-Esteem
- Acne can take a toll on a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem. By effectively treating acne, laser treatments can help patients regain their confidence, allowing them to face the world with a renewed sense of self-assurance.
Minimal Side Effects
- Laser treatment for acne is generally well-tolerated, with most side effects being temporary and mild, such as redness and mild irritation, which subside within a few days.
Speed and Convenience
- Laser treatments are quick and can be conveniently scheduled into busy routines. Most sessions take less than an hour, enabling patients to return to their daily activities promptly.
Non-Invasive and Painless
- Laser treatment for acne is a non-invasive procedure. Any discomfort during treatment is minimal and can be managed with local anesthesia, making the procedure virtually painless.
Long-Term Results
- While topical medications often provide temporary relief, laser treatments offer a more long-term solution by targeting the root cause of acne at the cellular level.
Improvement in Skin Texture and Tone
- Laser treatments not only target acne but also improve overall skin texture and tone. By stimulating collagen production, these treatments can lead to firmer, smoother skin over time.
Feel More Youthful and Refreshed
- By treating acne and improving overall skin texture and tone, laser treatments can result in a more youthful, vibrant complexion. This can help patients not only look better, but also feel more energized and refreshed.
Choosing the Right Provider for Your Laser Treatment for Acne
When it comes to laser treatment for acne, your provider’s understanding of skin biology is vital. At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, we recognize the distinctive characteristics of each patient’s skin, which can range from light to dark skin tones. We understand that each skin type may react differently to various treatments. With her in-depth knowledge and expertise, Dr. Kesty tailors the type and intensity of laser treatment to suit each individual’s specific needs, ensuring optimal results.
Dr. Kesty brings an impressive array of credentials to the table. She is double board-certified and is one of a handful of fellowship trained laser dermatologists in the country. Dr. Kesty stays abreast of the latest advancements in her field, applying cutting-edge technology and techniques to her practice. She is not just a healthcare provider but a dedicated medical professional who genuinely cares about the well-being and satisfaction of her patients. Choosing a provider like Dr. Kesty ensures that you are not only investing in advanced acne treatment but also placing your trust in a reputable, experienced, and caring medical professional.
The Role of Laser Treatment in Acne Management
Laser treatments can help treat active acne, reduce inflammation, and manage post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a common side effect of acne. Ablative lasers can also perform laser resurfacing, removing layers of skin around the acne scars.
How does LASER treatment for Acne Work?
- Traditional treatments for acne, such as topical medication, have varied results and may cause adverse effects like irritation and dryness. Dr. Kesty, with her vast experience and board certification in dermatology, introduces a new dimension to acne management using laser technology.
- Laser treatment for acne represents the cutting edge of cell biology and medical technology in skincare. It primarily targets the sebaceous glands, tiny oil-producing structures within the skin, which play a crucial role in the formation of acne. These glands can overproduce oil (sebum), leading to clogged pores, which provide the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to flourish.
- Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to tackle this issue head-on. The light from the laser penetrates the skin, precisely targeting the overactive sebaceous glands. This targeted approach reduces oil production and shrinks the gland size, resulting in fewer comedones, or skin blockages, often seen as blackheads or whiteheads.
- Furthermore, laser treatment also targets the bacteria that causes acne. The applied wavelengths are designed to eliminate Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne inflammation and cyst formation. By diminishing the bacterial colonies within the sebaceous glands, laser therapy can reduce the incidence of inflamed acne lesions.
- Another major advantage of laser treatment for acne is its role in photorejuvenation. The treatment aids in wound healing and encourages the production of collagen, a vital protein that maintains skin’s elasticity and firmness. Enhanced collagen production can not only alleviate the appearance of existing acne scars but also strengthen skin structure, reducing the likelihood of future scarring.
- It is crucial to note that laser treatment for acne is not a makeshift or experimental solution. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has approved these procedures, ensuring their safety and efficacy. This means the treatments have undergone rigorous clinical trials and studies, demonstrating their effectiveness and confirming that their benefits significantly outweigh any potential risks.
- In the hands of a trained professional like Dr. Kesty, laser treatment for acne can offer a revolutionary approach to managing this common skin condition, providing patients with a clear path towards healthier, clearer skin.
What to Expect During and After Laser Treatment for Acne
- Before starting the laser treatment, patients are advised to avoid excessive sun exposure and certain acne medications. The laser therapy session involves a laser device emitting pulses of light to the affected skin. The procedure is generally well-tolerated; however, some patients may experience mild discomfort, which can be managed with a local anesthetic.
- The skin may appear red and feel slightly irritated post-treatment, similar to mild sunburn. It is critical to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen post-procedure to protect the skin during the healing phase. Dr. Kesty’s clinic also provides a comprehensive skincare plan post-treatment to prevent infection and promote optimal results.
Demystifying Acne: A Deep Dive into a Complex Skin Condition
- Acne, one of the most prevalent skin disorders, is often perceived as just a surface problem. However, it is more complex and runs much deeper. Acne primarily originates from the inflammation of the sebaceous glands nestled within the layers of human skin. These glands are responsible for the production of sebum, an oily substance that protects and moisturizes the skin. In a balanced state, sebum is beneficial, but when these glands overproduce oil, it can lead to acne.
- When sebum combines with dead skin cells, it can clog the pores of the skin. The trapped sebum and skin cells create a conducive environment for Cutibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria that thrives in these blocked pores and contributes to the inflammation. This reaction can cause red, tender bumps, often filled with pus, known as pimples. More severe forms manifest as comedones or cysts, which can be not only painful but also lead to scarring and discoloration. The appearance of these lesions on visible areas like the face and neck can cause significant distress and impact one’s self-esteem, making acne far more than a physical condition. This is why understanding acne is the first step towards effective management and treatment.
Begin Your Journey Towards Clear Skin Today
Are you ready to regain your confidence and let your true self shine through? It’s time to step out of the shadows of persistent acne and embrace clear, healthy skin with laser treatment for acne. St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, under the compassionate care of Dr. Kat Kesty, is here to guide you on this transformative journey. We invite you to book a consultation with us today. Let’s create a personalized treatment plan, designed to address your unique skin condition and start you on a path to a life free from the constant worry of acne. Your journey towards a confident, acne-free life begins here at St. Petersburg Skin and Laser. Let’s unveil the radiant skin that can be yours.
Give Your Skin the Best
Don't settle. Choose confident, natural beauty.
FAQs About Acne and Laser Treatments
Is laser treatment effective for all types of acne?
Laser treatment can be beneficial for many types of acne disease, including inflammatory acne lesions and acne scars. Dr. Kesty will evaluate your skin condition and determine the best treatment approach.
Are there side effects of laser treatment for acne?
As with any medical procedure, laser medicine treatment for acne may have potential side effects like temporary redness, swelling, and irritation. These are typically mild and resolve within a few days.
Is laser treatment for acne painful?
Laser light therapy treatment for acne is generally well-tolerated. If patients feel discomfort, a local anesthetic can be used to minimize the sensation.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of laser treatment sessions varies depending on the severity of acne and individual skin characteristics. Some patients may see improvement after a single treatment, while others may require multiple treatments for optimal results.
What is acne vulgaris?
Acne vulgaris is often referred to simply as acne. Comedones (blackheads or whiteheads), papules (small red bumps), pustules (pimples), nodules (large, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin), and/or cysts (deep, painful, pus-filled lumps), which are a consequence of obstruction and inflammation of pilosebaceous units (sebaceous glands and the hair follicles they accompany), characterize acne vulgaris. The condition primarily manifests on the face and upper trunk, predominantly impacting adolescents.
What role does heat play in acne laser treatment?
Heat is crucial to acne laser treatment, as it aids in ablating (removing) the outer layers of the skin. This encourages new, healthier tissue to grow, reducing the appearance of acne and acne scars.
How does acne laser treatment affect a comedo?
The laser’s heat targets the comedo (blackhead or whitehead), destroying the bacteria within the pore, reducing inflammation, and preventing further breakouts.
What lasers are used in acne treatment?
Several types of lasers can be used, including neodymium:YAG lasers (aviclear), BroadBand Light (BBL), intense pulsed light (IPL), erbium (2940), dye lasers, and carbon-dioxide lasers. Dr. Kesty has all of these lasers at her clinic and will recommend the best combination of lasers for your skin.
What is the role of a Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in acne treatment?
An Nd:YAG laser targets the sebaceous glands, reducing oil production which helps prevent future breakouts. The ndyag laser is effective, safe, and FDA-approved.
How does a carbon-dioxide laser work in acne treatment?
Carbon-dioxide lasers emit short bursts of extremely high-energy light to destroy the outer layer of skin (ablation). The healing process encourages new skin cell growth and collagen production, reducing the appearance of acne scars.
Is acne laser treatment beneficial for overall skin health?
Yes, laser treatment promotes the growth of healthier skin tissue and stimulates collagen production, which can improve skin health and appearance.
How does laser treatment affect the epithelium?
Laser treatment causes controlled damage to the epithelium (outer skin layer), promoting new skin cell growth and accelerating the healing process of existing acne.
What is the role of keratinocytes in acne, and how does laser treatment affect them?
Keratinocytes are cells in the skin’s outer layer. They can contribute to acne when they combine with sebum and block pores. Laser treatment helps regulate keratinocyte production and the tissue biology, reducing pore blockages and subsequent signs and symptoms of acne.
Can laser treatments cause any harm to the skin’s tissue?
When performed by a trained professional like Dr. Kesty, the risk to skin tissue is minimal. The laser targets specific depths, preserving healthy tissue while treating acne-affected areas.
Are there any side effects of laser treatment on the skin’s epithelium?
Common side effects include temporary redness and swelling (edema). However, the laser treatment promotes the growth of healthier epithelium, thereby improving the skin’s overall appearance. Special attention should be paid to your skin both before and after laser treatment for acne and rosacea. An anti-inflammatory may be taken to help with the mild discomfort after laser. Smoking should be avoided. Herpes labialis should be reported to your physician. A moisturizer should be applied several times per day after laser.
Can laser treatment help reduce acne scarring?
Yes, laser treatment is particularly effective for reducing acne scarring. It works by removing the top layer of skin, promoting the growth of new, healthy skin and encouraging collagen production which helps to smooth out acne scars.
Is laser treatment effective for severe acne?
Yes, laser treatment can be highly effective for severe acne. It targets the sebaceous glands to reduce oil production, aids in killing bacteria that cause acne, and encourages the growth of new, healthy skin.
What is photodynamic therapy?
Photodynamic therapy involves applying aminolevulinic acid to the skin before laser treatment, making the skin more responsive to the laser. It can boost treatment effectiveness.
Can I use acne medicine while undergoing laser treatment?
Some acne medications, such as isotretinoin, may cause skin to be more sensitive. Consult with Dr. Kesty to ensure your current medicine is compatible with laser treatment.
Can I use retinoid creams while undergoing laser treatment for acne?
Retinoid creams can make your skin more sensitive to light, which could affect how your skin responds to laser treatment. It is essential to discuss your current skincare regimen, including the use of retinoids, with Dr. Kesty before treatment.
Does laser treatment replace antibiotic acne medication?
Laser treatment can be a standalone treatment or complement to antibiotic therapy. This depends on the individual patient’s needs and the severity of their acne. One advantage of lasers to treat acne is that you can avoid oral medications such as oral antibiotics that may contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
Can I continue my regular skincare routine after laser treatment?
Post-laser treatment, your skin may be more sensitive. Dr. Kesty will provide personalized skincare advice to aid your healing process and maintain the results of the laser treatment.
Is there any specific care needed for the skin after laser treatment?
Post-treatment, acne patients should avoid direct sunlight, use a good quality sunscreen, and follow a gentle skincare regimen. Cosmetics and your regular acne products can usually be resumed a few days after treatment. The downtime will depend on what laser or combination of lasers was used by Dr. Kesty to treat your skin. Doctor Kesty will provide detailed post-treatment care instructions tailored to your skin’s needs.
Does the laser treatment affect hormones causing acne?
While laser treatment doesn’t directly impact hormones, by targeting and reducing the size of sebaceous glands, it indirectly reduces acne caused by hormonal fluctuations and thus acne breakouts.
Are lasers for the treatment of acne FDA-Approved?
Yes, lasers are FDA-Approved for treating active acne. There is ample research supporting the use of lasers as acne therapy. Each randomized controlled trial showing that light devices are an effective treatment has been published in reviewed journals including dermatol clin, dermatol surg, j am acad dermatol, lasers surg med, cosmet laser ther, j cosmet laser, and others. Data has shown that patients can improve their skin with infrared, fraxel, q-switching, carbon dioxide laser, radio frequency, blue light, carbon laser peel, fractional lasers, laser skin resurfacing, pulsed dye laser treatment, non ablative laser, and a combination of one to three treatments with a significant reduction in the oil glands, acne causing bacteria, moderate acne, cystic acne, promoting healthy skin cells, and residual scarring.
Can I get Lasers to treat Acne if I am less than 18 years old?
Yes! Acne is a common skin disorder if you are less than 18 years old and can affect your self confidence. You can safely get lasers to treat acne during adolescence. A private consultation with Dr. Kesty where you will discuss your options and gather information on medical treatments is the first step to clear skin!
Can I get Laser to treat Acne at the same time as a laser to treat Acne Scars?
Yes! Dr. Kesty is uniquely qualified to treat both active acne and acne scars. To accomplish this, she will develop a bespoke set of lasers to target your specific skin concerns. Lasers are a cosmetic procedure with many benefits for inflammatory acne vulgaris and atrophic facial acne scars. The lasers act as an antimicrobial, decreasing the bacteria that are part of the pathogenesis of acne. The lasers also treat the blood vessel and scar tissue therefore treating acne scars completely. Dr. Kesty will also perform acne scar surgery for hypertrophic scarring as well as treat any dark spots or pigment that may have come up after healed acne bumps (particularly common in people with darker skin tones or melasma). Comedonal acne is also improved with lasers. To find out if you are a good candidate for one of Dr. Kesty’s bespoke laser regimens, call our office today!
Do I continue topical acne treatments while getting Lasers for Acne?
Dr. Kesty will develop a bespoke regimen of lasers and potentially topical treatments to heal your acne in the treated area. This may include topicals such as retin-a, topical minocycline, salicylic acid, tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, a toner, adapalene, azelaic acid, azelex, and finacea. Treatment options will be discussed in detail during your private Cosmetic Consultation with Dr. Kesty.
Can I combine lasers with chemical peels to treat acne?
Yes! Dr. Kesty uses lasers in conjunction with chemical peels to treat inflammatory lesions of acne as well as acne scars. Patients treated with more than one laser and/or cosmetic procedure have better results.
Is acne laser treatment a form of plastic surgery?
While laser treatment may be used in plastic surgery, acne laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that targets the superficial layers of skin, not requiring surgical incisions. Lasers are a medical device that should only be used by board certified physicians with training in lasers.
How long does it take to see results from acne laser treatment?
Patients often see improvement a few weeks after the first treatment, but optimal results typically require multiple sessions. The exact timeline varies based on individual skin conditions and the severity of acne.