Sun Damaged Skin Laser Treatments
ST. PETERSBURG
Live in the Joy of Sunny Days Without the Fear of Lingering Sun Damage
When you look at your reflection, do you see the memory of golden summers, vibrant springs, and carefree days in the brilliant sun imprinted on your skin? Is each sunspot a testament to your days spent under the sky, leaving their mark in the form of hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and premature aging signs? While the memories are cherished, the effects on your skin may not always be. At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, we believe you should be able to relish life under the sun without the lingering reminders of sun damage.
With our expertly curated laser treatments under the guidance of Dr. Kesty, we can help you regain your skin’s youthful radiance, vitality, and resilience. Imagine greeting your reflection each day, seeing your skin’s rejuvenated glow, not only reflecting your past experiences but also capturing your aspirations for the future. Unveil your refreshed and revitalized skin, still rich with stories, but now renewed, as if bathed in a new dawn’s light. Embrace the freedom to enjoy life in the sun, knowing you have the power to restore and renew with St. Petersburg Skin and Laser.
—Viviana F.
Benefits of Laser Treatment For Sun Damaged 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
Give Your Skin the Best
Don't settle. Choose confident, natural beauty.
Why Choose Laser Treatment for Sun Damaged Skin
Laser treatments are a modern, non-invasive procedure that utilize light energy to treat sun damage and various skin conditions. They have been proven to be effective in cell rejuvenation the reversal of sun damage, leading to healthier, younger-looking skin.
Benefits of Laser Treatment for Sun Damaged Skin
Targeted Treatment
Laser treatments allow for precise targeting of the affected areas. Each pulse of light is designed to treat damage at the cellular level, encouraging the rejuvenation of skin cells without causing harm to the surrounding tissue.
Pain-Free and Efficient
Our laser treatments, such as the NdYag laser and the erbium laser, are virtually painless and require minimal downtime. Most patients report experiencing only mild redness and swelling after the procedure.
Promotes Natural Healing
The light energy from lasers stimulates your body’s natural healing process, promoting collagen formation and elastin production. This results in younger looking, smoother skin with improved elasticity.
Enhanced Skin Texture and Tone
Over time, sun damage can lead to a coarse skin texture and uneven pigmentation. Laser treatments effectively address these issues by eliminating damaged skin cells and stimulating new cell growth. This results in a smoother texture and more uniform skin tone, giving you that youthful radiance you desire.
Reduction of Visible Signs of Aging
Laser treatments are excellent at combating the visible signs of photoaging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. By promoting collagen production and accelerating cell regeneration, laser treatments can noticeably reduce these signs, lending a more youthful appearance to your skin.
Non-Invasive and Minimal Discomfort
As non-invasive procedures, laser treatments provide a comfortable alternative to surgical interventions. Moreover, with the use of advanced lasers like the NdYAG laser, the intense pulsed light, the CO2 laser, and the erbium laser, the treatments are largely painless, with patients experiencing minimal discomfort.
Quick and Convenient
Laser treatments are relatively quick procedures, usually completed within 10-20 minutes. This makes them a convenient option for those with busy schedules. Plus, with the expertise of Dr. Kesty and the St. Petersburg Skin and Laser team, you can be assured of efficient and effective sessions.
Long-Lasting Results
The results of laser treatments for sun damaged skin are not just impressive but also long-lasting. With a tailored skincare regimen post-treatment and proper sun protection, you can enjoy the rejuvenated, vibrant appearance of your skin for many years afterwards.
Boosts Confidence
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the visible improvement in your skin can provide a significant boost to your confidence. Looking good often translates to feeling good, and by addressing and rectifying sun damage, we aim to help you feel your best. Many of our patients do not feel the need to wear any makeup after Laser Resurfacing with Dr. Kesty.
Choosing the Right Laser Treatment Provider for Sun Damaged Skin
In the realm of medical procedures like laser treatments for sun damage, your provider’s credentials and professional background play a pivotal role in ensuring successful outcomes. One such highly accomplished provider is Dr. Kesty, a Double Board Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship Trained Laser Surgeon with St. Petersburg Skin and Laser.
One of the Few Fellowship Trained Laser Surgical Dermatologist in the United States
Dr. Kesty stands apart in the field of laser medicine, being one of a handful of Fellowship Trained Laser Surgery Dermatologists in the United States. Her extensive education, including a rigorous medical school program and comprehensive board certifications, speaks volumes about her dedication and commitment to patient health. Dr. Kesty has performed over 10,000 Laser and Energy-Based Device procedures, and is a world expert in Lasers.
Dr. Kesty’s strong foundational knowledge in cell biology and chemistry, coupled with her specialized expertise in Laser Medicine and Dermatology, sets her apart in providing effective treatments for sun-damaged skin. Her keen understanding of the light energy’s interaction with tissue during laser treatment allows her to minimize damage and maximize results.
As a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, she stays at the forefront of the latest research and advancements in skincare, laser treatment technologies, and risk management. This ensures that her patients always receive care that is current, safe, and optimized for their unique skin conditions.
The Essential Role of Customized Treatment Plans
At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, we understand that each patient’s skin is unique. That is why we take great care to personalize each treatment plan. This involves assessing the patient’s skin type, severity of sun damage, desired results, and overall health.
In addition, Dr. Kesty’s expertise in wound healing and skin rejuvenation helps in crafting an effective post-treatment care plan. This ensures optimal results and rapid improvement in the skin’s appearance.
The customization extends to the management of pain, inflammation, and edema, with Dr. Kesty prescribing appropriate post-procedure topical medications or broad-spectrum antibiotics when necessary.
The focus of Dr. Kesty and the team at St. Petersburg Skin and Laser is not just to provide effective treatments but also to ensure the patient’s comfort and satisfaction throughout the process. This comprehensive and personalized approach to care is what makes us stand out as the provider of choice for laser treatment for sun-damaged skin.
Sun Damaged Skin and The Power of Modern Laser Treatment Technology
Modern laser treatment technology offers a powerful and precise approach to reversing the effects of sun damage. At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, we employ a variety of laser technologies, including ablative lasers, non-ablative lasers, and other advanced technologies, each carefully selected to provide the best outcome for each unique case of sun damage.
Ablative Lasers
Ablative lasers work by removing the outer layers of the skin to stimulate the production of new skin cells and collagen, improving the skin’s texture and appearance. This approach is particularly effective for treating wrinkles, sunspots, actinic elastosis, and actinic keratosis.
CO2 Lasers
CO2 lasers, a type of ablative laser, are a time-tested method for treating sun damage. By targeting water within the skin cells, the high-energy carbon-dioxide laser light vaporizes the damaged skin tissue in the epidermis and dermis, promoting the growth of healthier skin. CO2 Lasers can treat any wrinkle, melasma, a scar, rosacea, sun spots, uneven skin tone, dark spots, irregular patches of pigment, and solar keratoses.
Erbium Lasers
Erbium lasers offer a gentler ablative treatment, causing less heating and damage to surrounding tissue. This results in less discomfort and a shorter recovery time. Erbium lasers are particularly useful for treating sunspots, fine lines, and uneven skin color. Erbium laser is suitable for all skin types and can treat actinic keratoses, deep wrinkles, damage due to both uva and uvb rays, a freckle, or any skin lesion.
Non-Ablative Lasers
Unlike ablative lasers, non-ablative lasers leave the skin’s surface intact, working underneath to stimulate collagen production and promote the healing process. This results in minimal downtime, though it may require more treatment sessions to achieve the desired results.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
While not technically a laser, IPL therapy uses high-intensity pulses of light to penetrate deep into the skin. It targets pigment-producing cells, reducing the appearance of sunspots and uneven skin color. This laser skin treatment can also treat broken capillaries or a vein in the treatment area and leave you with younger looking skin. The potential risks of this type of of laser skin resurfacing include mild swelling after treatment which can be covered with moisturizer and cosmetics.
Fraxel
Fraxel lasers are a type of non-ablative laser that deliver light energy into the skin leading to microscopic collagen breakdown, stimulating collagen production and skin rejuvenation. This laser is suitable for dark-skinned people and people with lighter skin. Treatments have significant results in just a few weeks after laser resurfacing.
Q-Switched Lasers
Q-switched lasers are effective in removing brown spots and tattoos. They release energy in a single, powerful pulse, shattering pigment particles in the skin which are then naturally eliminated by the body.
Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Nd:YAG) Lasers
Nd:YAG lasers offer a non-invasive infrared laser treatment for various skin conditions including sunspots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation. The laser light penetrates deeper into the skin compared to other types of lasers, allowing for effective treatment of deeper lesions.
Potassium Titanyl Phosphate (KTP) Lasers
KTP lasers are used for treating vascular lesions, such as spider veins and red spots. This dye laser is ideal for targeting red and brown pigmentation in the skin.
By offering the full range of laser technologies, St. Petersburg Skin and Laser ensures that each patient receives the best possible care for their sun damaged skin. No other Laser Surgeon in West Florida has more lasers or experience than Dr. Kesty.
Your Treatment Timeline for Sun Damaged Skin Laser Treatment
Every patient’s journey to restore their skin is unique, as are the treatment plans that Dr. Kesty and the dedicated team at St. Petersburg Skin and Laser design for them. Our emphasis on personalized care means that the duration and number of your treatment sessions will be carefully calibrated to suit your individual needs, taking into account the type of laser best suited to your case, the extent of your sun damage, and your personal aesthetic goals.
Treatment Duration and Number of Sessions:
Most laser treatments are relatively quick, with sessions often completed within 30 minutes to an hour. However, the number of sessions required for optimal results varies widely from patient to patient. For example, non-ablative treatments such as Fraxel might require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart to gradually improve the skin’s appearance and texture. Conversely, more aggressive treatments such as ablative CO2 lasers may show significant results in fewer sessions, but with a longer recovery period in between.
In our St. Petersburg clinic, we prioritize patient education and communication. Dr. Kesty will provide you with a clear timeline for your treatment course during your consultation, making sure you understand and are comfortable with every step of the process.
Recovery Time and Process:
Recovery times, like treatment plans, are dependent on the type of laser treatment you receive. Non-ablative treatments typically involve minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to their daily activities almost immediately, albeit with some mild redness or swelling.
Ablative laser treatments, on the other hand, might require a more extensive recovery period due to the more invasive nature of these procedures. You can expect some redness, swelling, and potentially some peeling as your skin heals and regenerates. Dr. Kesty and the St. Petersburg Skin and Laser team provide thorough post-treatment care instructions to ensure your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Above all, it is important to remember that every patient’s experience is unique. Dr. Kesty’s in-depth knowledge of Dermatology, coupled with our use of advanced laser technology, ensures that your treatment is as efficient and effective as possible, guiding you to healthier, rejuvenated skin.
Determining Laser Treatment Cost for Sun Damaged Skin
Several factors determine the cost of laser treatment, including the type of laser used, the number of sessions needed, and the area being treated.
Insurance Coverage for Cosmetic Treatments
Most insurance providers do not cover cosmetic treatments. However, some treatments for precancerous conditions like actinic keratosis may be covered. It is best to check with your insurance provider for specifics. If you have a history of pre-cancers (treated with zyclara or aldrara), skin cancers, acne, or any other skin condition please let Dr. Kesty know.
Make the Investment in Yourself
Taking control of your sun-damaged skin with laser treatment isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in your skin’s future health, radiance, and resilience. With each treatment, you are committing to a future where your skin reflects not just your history, but also your aspirations for health and youthful vitality. Dr. Kesty and the St. Petersburg Skin and Laser team are your partners in this journey of skin restoration, ensuring you receive the care and value your investment deserves.
Give Your Skin the Best
Don't settle. Choose confident, natural beauty.
Uncovering the Condition of Sun Damaged Skin
How the Sun Damages Our Skin
The sun, while essential for life and a source of vitamin D, can wreak havoc on our skin over time. The primary culprit is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which the sun emits in abundance. When our skin is exposed to this radiation, it can result in damage to the cells and tissues, particularly in the epidermis, the outermost layer of our skin. Extended sunlight from suntanning, indoor tanning beds, and working outdoors damages skin over time. Even a childhood sunburn has its effects on us later in life.
The effects of this cellular damage are manifold. Premature aging, or photoaging, is one of the most common results, marked by wrinkles and a leathery texture of the skin. Hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin color, can occur as melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color, is produced in excess in response to the sun. Prolonged UV exposure can also lead to the formation of actinic keratosis, precancerous lesions that appear as rough, scaly patches on the skin. At its most severe, sun damage can even lead to skin cancer, underscoring the need for effective treatment and preventative measures like sunscreen.
Types of Sun Damage
Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis, a result of long-term sun exposure, presents as rough, scaly patches on the skin. They are considered precancerous and can develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. These lesions are particularly common on areas often exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, and backs of the hands.
Solar lentigines
More commonly known as sunspots, solar lentigines are small, dark patches that appear on the skin following excessive sun exposure. These spots occur when melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, proliferate or produce excess pigment in response to UV radiation. Though usually harmless, they can be a cosmetic concern due to their dark color and high visibility.
Photoaging
Photoaging is premature skin ageing caused by repeated exposure to UV radiation. The collagen and elastin in our skin, proteins that maintain our skin’s structure and elasticity, are damaged by the sun’s rays. This results in the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and a leathery texture to the skin. In severe cases, photoaging can also lead to telangiectasia, where the dilation of blood vessels near the skin’s surface causes red, threadlike lines, or patterns. Photoaging can also show up as “tanned” or dark skin, also known as “summer skin”. The melanocyte in your skin gets overstimulated by the sun and produces too much of the protein melanin.
Factors Affecting Treatment Results
Skin type
Every individual’s skin type can affect how well their skin responds to laser treatment. People with darker skin tones may require more sessions or a different type of laser to achieve their desired results. This is because melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, absorbs the laser energy. Too much absorption can lead to unwanted side effects, such as changes in skin color or scarring. Therefore, the treatment parameters are carefully adjusted based on the skin color and the patient’s specific needs for the most effective and safe outcome.
Severity of sun damage
The extent and severity of your sun damage can influence the type of laser treatment needed, as well as the number of sessions required. For example, intense pulsed light (IPL) may be sufficient for treating mild sun damage, while more severe conditions like actinic keratosis might require ablative lasers. Dr. Kesty, with her expertise in dermatology and laser medicine, will provide an in-depth evaluation of your skin and tailor a treatment plan to ensure optimal results. Dr. Kesty has the full array of state-of-the-art lasers at her practice, so she can treat any skin type and cosmetic concern.
Your Consultation for Healthier Skin
Your journey to healthier, more radiant skin starts today. Sun damage might have taken its toll on your complexion over the years, but with modern laser treatments, we have the power to turn back the clock.
At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, we believe in creating personalized treatment plans that cater to the unique needs and goals of each patient. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Kesty, a Board Certified Dermatologist with extensive experience and training in Lasers, we offer a comprehensive approach to tackling sun damage. Our advanced laser technology can address issues ranging from actinic keratosis to photoaging, and even the most stubborn sunspots.
Every treatment journey begins with a thorough evaluation, wherein Dr. Kesty will assess the extent of your sun damage, consider your skin type, and discuss your specific aesthetic goals. Based on this evaluation, she will devise a treatment plan that optimizes the power of laser treatments to rejuvenate your skin, improve its texture and tone, and most importantly, restore your confidence in your skin.
The time to reclaim your skin’s health and vitality is now. Take the first step by scheduling a consultation for a sun-damaged skin evaluation with Dr. Kesty at St. Petersburg Skin and Laser. Let us help you unveil the smoother, more youthful skin that lies beneath the sun damage. You deserve nothing less than the best in skin care, and that is precisely what we strive to deliver.
Give Your Skin the Best
FAQs About Sun Damaged Skin and Laser Treatments
What should I expect during a sun-damaged skin evaluation?
During a sun-damaged skin evaluation, the Dermatologist will assess the extent of your sun damage, consider your skin type, and discuss your specific aesthetic goals. Based on this evaluation, a tailored treatment plan will be devised to optimize the power of laser treatments to treat any sun damage and rejuvenate your skin.
Is sun damage reversible?
Modern laser treatments offer effective ways to reverse sun damage, address issues ranging from actinic keratosis to photoaging, and even the most stubborn sunspots. The goal is to rejuvenate your skin, improve its texture and tone, and reveal a more healthy and younger-looking you!
How does severity of sun damage affect laser treatment?
The extent and severity of sun damage can influence the type of laser treatment required and the number of sessions. For instance, mild sun damage may be treated with intense pulsed light (IPL), while more severe conditions like actinic keratosis might require ablative lasers. If you have more extensive sun damage, you may require more sessions of Lasers to reverse the effects of the sun on your skin.
What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers in treating sun damage?
Ablative lasers are more aggressive, removing thin layers of skin and requiring longer recovery times. They are often used for more severe sun damage. Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, are less invasive and work by heating up the underlying skin tissue without harming the surface, promoting collagen growth and skin tightening.
What is photorejuvenation and how can it help treat my sun-damaged skin?
Photorejuvenation is a non-invasive treatment method that uses light-based technology, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) or laser light therapy, to improve skin condition. It is effective in treating various signs of sun damage like age spots, uneven skin color, and wrinkles by encouraging the production of collagen and promoting skin renewal. This leads to rejuvenated skin with improved texture and tone.
What are the signs of sun-damaged skin?
Signs of sun damage can include changes in skin texture, such as a rough or leathery feel, wrinkles, discoloration or hyperpigmentation, actinic keratosis, and in severe cases, skin cancer.
Can sun damage result in uneven skin color or hyperpigmentation?
Yes, hyperpigmentation or uneven skin color can occur due to sun damage. This happens as melanin, the pigment that gives our skin color, is produced excessively in response to the sun’s UV radiation.
How does skin type affect the results of laser treatment for sun damage?
Skin type can influence how well skin responds to laser treatment. People with darker skin tones may require more sessions or a different type of laser because melanin, which gives skin its color, absorbs laser energy.
What is the pre-treatment care before I have my laser treatment for sun damaged skin?
Before your laser treatment, avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with sun protection factor of 30 or greater to protect your skin. Self-tanners, a sunburn, or a sun tan are not recommended 4 weeks before or after any laser procedure. If you are using a retinoid, you can stop it 1 week prior to your laser procedure. Do not get botulinum toxin (botox) injections on the same day as your laser procedure.
What is the post-care treatment I should use after laser treatment to make sure I get the best results for my sun damaged skin?
After treatment, keep your skin moisturized, and continue using sunscreen to protect the treated area. Follow all instructions provide by Dr. Kesty and her team at St.Petersburg Skin and Laser.
Are there alternative treatments for sun damage apart from laser therapy?
Yes, alternative treatments include chemical peels and microdermabrasion. However, laser treatments are preferred due to their precision, effectiveness, and minimal downtime.
How does the sun cause skin damage?
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation which can harm our skin cells, especially in the outermost layer called the epidermis. This can result in premature aging, uneven skin color, actinic keratosis, and even skin cancer.
What is actinic keratosis and what causes it?
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous condition characterized by rough, scaly patches on the skin. It is a result of prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV radiation and can develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
What is photoaging and how is it related to sun exposure?
Photoaging refers to premature skin aging caused by repeated exposure to UV radiation from the sun. This can damage collagen and elastin, proteins that maintain our skin’s structure and elasticity, leading to wrinkles, age spots, and a leathery skin texture.
What is telangiectasia and how is it related to sun damage?
Telangiectasia refers to the dilation of blood vessels near the skin’s surface, causing red or blue lines or patterns on the skin. It is often a result of severe photoaging, which is premature skin aging caused by prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
Can sun damage result in uneven skin color or hyperpigmentation?
Yes, hyperpigmentation or uneven skin color can occur due to sun damage. This happens as melanin, the pigment that gives our skin color, is produced excessively in response to the sun’s UV radiation.
What is solar lentigines and how does it relate to sun damage?
Solar lentigines, commonly known as sunspots, are small, dark patches that appear on the skin due to excessive sun exposure. They occur when melanocytes produce excess pigment in response to UV radiation.
Can I schedule a consultation for a sun-damaged skin evaluation?
Absolutely. At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, we offer comprehensive evaluations led by Dr. Kesty, a Physician with Double Board Certification in both Dermatology and Mohs Micrographic Surgery. After assessing your skin, Dr. Kesty will devise a personalized treatment plan optimizing laser treatments for your skin rejuvenation.
Does indoor tanning also contribute to sun damage?
Yes, indoor tanning beds emit UV radiation similar to the sun, which can damage skin cells over time and contribute to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, actinic keratosis, and skin cancer.
What is melanin and how does it affect sun damage?
Melanin is the pigment that gives our skin its color. In response to sun exposure, our skin produces more melanin, leading to a tan. However, excessive sun exposure can cause uneven skin color or hyperpigmentation due to excess melanin production. Melanin absorbs the energy from laser treatments. In individuals with darker skin tones, the high melanin content can lead to more absorption, potentially causing unwanted side effects such as changes in skin color or scarring. Treatment parameters are carefully adjusted based on skin color and patient needs for safe and effective outcomes.
Are sunspots and solar lentigines the same?
Yes, sunspots are also known as solar lentigines. These small, dark patches appear on the skin due to excessive sun exposure when the cells that produce melanin, called melanocytes, proliferate or produce excess pigment in response to UV radiation.
What measures can I take to prevent sun damage to my skin?
Preventive measures include avoiding excessive sun exposure, especially during peak hours, regularly applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding indoor tanning.