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Professional medical image showcasing skin texture and scar treatment area for laser therapy
ST. PETERSBURG

Laser Treatment for Scars

Transform visible scars with advanced laser treatments. Regain your confidence and celebrate your skin with our specialized scar revision therapies designed to restore smooth, healthy-looking skin.

Why Choose Us for Your Skin?

Unlock age-defying transformations with the tailored expertise of Dr. Kat Kesty, a pioneer in laser cosmetic dermatology

Double Board Certified Dermatologist

Broadest selection of lasers in Florida (30+)

One of a handful of Fellowship Trained Laser Surgeons in the nation

Customized treatments merge science & artistry

Advanced Technology & Expertise

State-of-the-art laser systems combined with years of specialized training ensure optimal results for every patient.

Dr. Kesty performing advanced laser scar treatment

Benefits of Laser Treatment For Scars

Addressing the unwelcome changes that sun damage, aging, and other factors bring to your skin.

Why Opt for Laser Treatment for Scars?

Unveiling the Advantages of Laser Treatment for Scars

Significant Reduction in Scar Visibility

Laser treatment for scars provides a significant reduction in the visibility of all types of scars, including those stubborn acne and keloid scars. With every session, you'll witness your scars gently fade into the background, leaving behind smoother, clearer skin.

Improved Skin Texture

Laser scar treatment goes beyond mere aesthetics. It meticulously breaks down coarse scar tissue, replenishing it with fresh, soft skin. With each treatment, your skin's texture improves, providing you with the confidence to touch and feel the difference.

Lowered Infection Risks

Our state-of-the-art laser technology not only diminishes the appearance of scars but also reduces the risk of infection, a common concern associated with other invasive procedures. Our lasers promote faster wound healing, setting you on the quickest path to recovery.

Reduced Chances of Edema or Secondary Infection

Unlike invasive procedures like plastic surgery, laser scar treatment presents a minimal chance of edema (swelling), bleeding, or secondary infection. The laser's precision allows for effective treatment without the common post-procedure discomforts.

Alleviation of Itch and Pain

Our carbon-dioxide and erbium laser treatments do more than just treat the scar's appearance. These therapies can alleviate the often overlooked discomforts associated with scars – itch and pain. Not only does laser therapy jump-start the body's natural healing process, but it also brings relief to the everyday annoyances of living with scars.

Benefits of Laser Treatment For Scars

Addressing the unwelcome changes that sun damage, aging, and other factors bring to your skin.

Results Gallery

Scar treatment results - before and after
Laser scar treatment results

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$197 Consultation + Skin Analysis

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727-474-9399

One of our friendly staff will be happy to book your private consultation with Dr. Kesty.

Patient Stories

"Dr. Kesty and staff were very professional, respectful and friendly. Explained everything well. Look forward to being under her care from now on."

—Ana H.

Identifying the Right Laser Scar Treatment Provider

Credentials and Proficiency

When it comes to addressing your skin condition and choosing a provider, it is paramount to consider their qualifications and experience. Our practice, led by Dr. Kesty, prides itself on its commitment to providing state-of-the-art care.

Dr. Kesty, a seasoned practitioner in Dermatologic Surgery, specializes in ablative laser resurfacing and scar treatments, among other advanced dermatological procedures. She has published many research papers in the field of Lasers, including for the American Academy of Dermatology, Lasers Surg Med, and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons.

Tailored Treatment Approach

Every scar has its story, and so does every patient. Therefore, we believe in creating personalized treatment plans for laser scar removal or laser scar revision. Understanding your unique skin type, scar history, and aesthetic goals enables us to provide the most effective and customized care.

Who Will You Trust: A Fellowship-Trained Physician or a Medical Spa Laser Tech

Indeed, while many medical spas offer treatments for scars, it is crucial to remember that laser treatments are complex medical procedures. These should ideally be administered by a certified medical professional who possesses extensive knowledge of the skin's physiology and the intricacies of laser medicine as well as the capability to understand your full medical history.

Dr. Kesty is not only a medical doctor but also an experienced laser medicine practitioner. She is one of only a handful of Laser Fellowship Trained Dermatologists in the world. She is also Double Board Certified in Dermatology and Mohs Surgery. Her credentials in the field of Dermatology and Laser treatments are exemplary, having undertaken comprehensive training in these areas.

Exploring Your Laser Treatment Options for Scars

Innovative Laser Treatment Technologies for Scar Treatment

As the field of laser medicine continues to evolve, a range of advanced technologies have been developed, each with its unique benefits and applications. Understanding these distinct laser types can provide a clearer picture of how your individual scar treatment plan may look.

Nd:YAG Lasers

Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) lasers penetrate deep into the skin, making them an ideal choice for treating scars that extend beyond the skin's superficial layers. These ndyag laser treatments work by generating heat in the targeted tissue, promoting collagen production and wound healing process, crucial for reducing the appearance of deep scars.

Carbon Dioxide Lasers

Carbon dioxide lasers, often abbreviated as CO2 lasers, are widely used in the treatment of superficial scars. These lasers perform skin ablation using a specific wavelength of light (10,600 nm) that targets water in the lesion, removing the outer layers of the skin, stimulating skin cell regeneration.

Pulsed Dye Lasers

Pulsed dye lasers, known for their gentle approach, are especially effective in treating hypertrophic and keloid scars and reducing the signs and symptoms of a scar. These lasers target blood vessels within the scar tissue and dermis, reducing redness and itch, while promoting wound healing.

Erbium Lasers

Erbium lasers are an option for laser resurfacing of scars. Erbium lasers are targeted towards specific skin structures, minimizing heat damage to surrounding tissues of the treated skin. This laser treatment is a medical procedure and can be used for superficial to moderately deep scars.

Fractional Lasers

Fractional lasers create micro-damage in the skin, stimulating the body's natural healing process and promoting new, healthy tissue growth in the treatment area. These lasers can target both the outer and deeper layers of the skin, making them versatile for treating various scar types.

Charting Your Treatment Course for Scar Treatment

Treatment Duration and Session Count

Multiple treatments are typically required for the best scar results. Expect anywhere from 2 to 6 sessions, tailored to your scar severity and personal goals. For recovery time of the lasered skin, plan for about 2-7 days, though this may vary based on the specific laser treatment utilized and the type of scars.

Funding Your Laser Treatment

Laser scar treatment costs vary depending on the size and location of the scar, the type of laser(s) used, and the number of sessions required.

We understand that paying for your treatment might be a concern. That is why we offer flexible payment schedules and various financial solutions to accommodate your budget and ensure that you receive the care you need. We also offer financing for laser procedures through CareCredit.

Understanding Scarred Skin

Recognizing Types of Scars

Understanding the various types of scars can provide valuable insight into the most effective treatment strategies. Each type of scar possesses unique characteristics and may respond differently to laser treatment.

Keloid Scars

Keloid scars are a result of aggressive wound healing, often extending beyond the original injury site. They are raised scars, typically larger than the original wound, and may appear red or darker than surrounding skin.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars, similar to keloids, are thick and raised, but they do not extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound. These scars are typically red, and while they may decrease in size over time, they often remain thick and visually noticeable.

Atrophic Scars

Atrophic scars form when the skin is unable to regenerate tissue effectively, resulting in a sunken or pitted appearance. This type of scar is common with conditions like acne or chickenpox. The indented nature of atrophic scars can make them particularly challenging to treat.

Contracture Scars

Contracture scars occur following skin loss due to burns. These scars tighten the skin, potentially impairing the ability to move and may also go deeper, affecting muscles and nerves.

Hypopigmented Scars

Hypopigmented scars are a specific type of scarring that results in loss or reduction of skin pigment. This occurs when the skin's melanocytes, cells responsible for skin color, are damaged or destroyed during the wound healing process.

Acne Scars

Acne scars are often a mixture of atrophic scars and hyperpigmentation. They result from severe acne cases and vary in shape and size. Some acne scars may be shallow, while others can be deep and narrow.

Uncovering Causes of Scars

Traumatic Injury

Injuries can disrupt the skin's structure, leading to scar formation during the healing process.

Surgery

Surgical incisions often result in scars, the appearance of which can be improved with laser treatment.

Conditions such as Acne

Persistent or severe acne can lead to lasting scars. Early treatment of acne can help prevent or reduce scarring.

Prevention Strategies for Scars

Adequate Wound Care

Proper wound care following an injury or surgery can minimize the likelihood of visible scarring.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and practicing sun safety can promote better wound healing.

Consulting with a Medical Professional

Early consultation with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help guide scar prevention strategies.

Evaluating Alternative Scar Treatments

While laser treatment stands as a front-line solution for scar mitigation, it's essential to understand the range of options available. Let's explore these alternatives and how they compare to laser treatment.

Topical Scar Treatment Solutions

These creams are a non-invasive option, suitable for treating minor scars or as supplementary support alongside other treatments. While useful, they do not deliver the level of improvement attainable with laser treatment.

Surgical Intervention for Scars

In some cases, surgical scar revision could be a practical alternative, especially for pronounced, raised, or indented scars. However, surgery often carries higher risks and longer recovery periods compared to laser treatments.

Dermabrasion for Scar Smoothening

Dermabrasion is a technique that can help reduce the visibility of superficial scars. However, it may not effectively address deeper or more complex scars as laser treatment can.

Chemical Peels

By applying a chemical substance that peels off the top layers of skin, this treatment uncovers smoother skin underneath. Although chemical peels can make a difference, they may not deliver the precision of laser technology.

Microneedling

Microneedling promotes collagen production, improving skin texture and the appearance of scars. While beneficial, the results are not as dramatic or rapid as those achieved with laser treatments.

Give Your Skin the Best

Don't settle. Choose confident, natural beauty.

FAQs about Laser Treatment for Scars

Trusted by Patients & Recognized by Industry Leaders

American Board of Dermatology certification - Board Certified Dermatologist credential
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship Training certification
American Academy of Dermatology membership badge - Professional medical association
Medical excellence and patient safety certification from healthcare quality organization
Top Doctor award for dermatology excellence and patient satisfaction
American Board of Dermatology certification - Board Certified Dermatologist credential
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship Training certification
American Academy of Dermatology membership badge - Professional medical association
Medical excellence and patient safety certification from healthcare quality organization
Top Doctor award for dermatology excellence and patient satisfaction