Treating Actinic Keratosis with Lasers
Advanced laser treatments to clear actinic keratosis and prevent progression to skin cancer. Expert care from Fellowship-Trained specialists.
Expert Treatment for Actinic Keratosis
At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, we understand how actinic keratosis (AK)—those rough, scaly patches from sun damage—can be frustrating and concerning. AK are precancerous, with up to 10% potentially turning into squamous cell carcinoma if ignored. Fortunately, Lasers provide a non-invasive way to clear them without surgery, freezing, or irritating creams.
Under the guidance of Dr. Kat Kesty and Dr. Chelsea Kesty, Double Board Certified Dermatologists and Fellowship Trained Laser Surgeons, we design custom plans to treat AK effectively and comfortably.
What Is Actinic Keratosis and Why Treat It?
Understanding Actinic Keratosis
AK develop on sun-exposed areas like the face, arms, and scalp, appearing as red or brown spots that feel like sandpaper. They're common in fair-skinned people with outdoor lifestyles, signaling cumulative UV damage.
Ignoring AK raises cancer risk, but early treatment prevents progression. Traditional options like cryotherapy or topical meds can cause discomfort or prolonged redness. Lasers offer precision, removing AK while rejuvenating skin.
The Laser Treatment Process for AK
Lasers use light energy to target and eliminate abnormal cells. For widespread AK, we treat the entire area—called field treatment—to clear multiple spots at once and encourage healthy skin regrowth from hair follicles.
Your Treatment Visit
Your visit begins with a detailed exam. We numb the area topically, and treatment takes 15 to 60 minutes. Expect mild pinkness that fades quickly, with little downtime. Our physicians perform all procedures, fine-tuning for your skin.
Laser Options for Clearing AK
Our extensive collection of over 30 Lasers allows personalized choices:
Ablative Lasers
Ablative Lasers such as CO2 and Er:YAG peel the top layer gently. Er:YAG clears 86% to 96% of facial AK, healing in 5 to 8 days without scars or color changes.
Fractional Lasers
Fractional Lasers make micro-columns of treatment, speeding healing. Non-ablative types improve AK by 79% after three sessions, with high satisfaction and few effects.
Vascular Lasers
Vascular Lasers focus on supporting vessels, aiding clearance in precancerous zones.
Combinations with topicals enhance results, selected by our experts.
Key Benefits for AK Patients
Choose Lasers for:
No Scars or Irritation
Smoother healing than freezing or creams.
Fast Results
Many see improvement quickly, with less recurrence.
Skin Renewal
Treatments fix sun damage, leaving skin healthier.
Clinical Results
Er:YAG outperformed topical 5-fluorouracil for extensive AK, with fewer comebacks at 12 months.
Evidence from Studies
Research backs Laser use for AK. Reviews show fractional Lasers effective for diffuse areas, outperforming isolated treatments like cryotherapy. Side effects are mild, like brief redness, outweighed by benefits.
Is Laser Treatment Right for You?
If you have multiple AK from sun exposure, Lasers could be ideal. We check for suitability—active infections may delay.
At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, Dr. Kat Kesty and Dr. Chelsea Kesty ensure safe, effective care. With their Double Board Certified expertise, you're in trusted hands.
Ready to Banish Those Spots?
Call 727-474-9399 or go to stpeteskinandlaser.com for a consultation. Your clearer skin awaits.
Your Clearer Skin Awaits
Schedule a consultation to learn how laser treatment can address your AK and give you peace of mind about your skin health.