Lasers for Treating Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Advanced laser treatments for skin cancer removal without surgery or scars. Expert care from Fellowship-Trained laser dermatologists.
Expert Laser Treatment for Skin Cancer
Welcome to St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, where we specialize in advanced, patient-centered care for skin health. If you've been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS)—common types of non-melanoma skin cancer—you may be exploring options beyond traditional surgery. Lasers offer a precise, scar-free alternative that targets cancer cells while preserving healthy skin.
Led by Dr. Kat Kesty and Dr. Chelsea Kesty, our Double Board Certified Dermatologists and Fellowship Trained Laser Surgeons, we create customized treatment plans to help you achieve clear skin with minimal downtime.
Understanding Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Common Types of Skin Cancer
BCC and SCC are the most frequent skin cancers, often caused by years of sun exposure. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads, but it can damage nearby tissue if untreated. SCCIS is an early form of squamous cell carcinoma that stays in the top skin layer. About one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, making early, effective treatment essential.
Traditional methods like surgical excision or radiation can be effective but may leave scars or cause side effects. Lasers provide a gentler option by using focused light to vaporize abnormal cells without cutting or ionizing radiation.
How Lasers Treat These Skin Cancers
Lasers work by delivering targeted energy to heat and destroy cancer cells. This spares surrounding healthy tissue, reducing risks and promoting faster healing. For superficial BCC or SCCIS on areas like the trunk or limbs, we treat low-risk lesions where the cancer hasn't invaded deeply.
Treatment Process
The procedure starts with a thorough skin evaluation by our physicians. We apply topical numbing for comfort, and sessions last 15 to 60 minutes. Mild redness follows, but most patients resume activities quickly—no incisions or stitches needed. Our Double Board Certified Dermatologists handle every treatment, adjusting Laser settings for your skin type and needs.
Types of Lasers for BCC and SCCIS
With over 30 Laser systems, we select the best for your case:
Ablative Lasers
Ablative Lasers like CO2 and Er:YAG remove the outer skin layer precisely. CO2 Laser matches traditional methods for superficial BCC, with no recurrences at one year and similar scar quality. Er:YAG is ideal for facial areas, achieving high clearance with healing in days and no permanent marks.
Fractional Lasers
Fractional Lasers create tiny treatment zones for quicker recovery. Ablative fractional types excel at clearing superficial cancers, while non-ablative options improve skin with minimal side effects after a few sessions.
Vascular Lasers
Vascular Lasers target blood vessels supporting cancer growth, reducing recurrence in high-risk areas.
We may combine Lasers with topical therapies for optimal results. Our Fellowship Trained Laser Surgeons ensure personalized selection.
Benefits of Laser Treatment for Skin Cancer
Lasers offer clear advantages:
No Surgical Scars
Skin heals smoothly, blending naturally—better cosmetics than cutting, per research on low-risk cancers.
Avoid Radiation Risks
No long-term DNA damage, safe for repeats.
Quick Recovery
Temporary redness fades fast, getting you back to life sooner.
Patients often share how Lasers restored their confidence without visible reminders of treatment.
What Research Shows About Laser Efficacy
Studies support Lasers for BCC and SCCIS. A systematic review found ablative and non-ablative Lasers effective for low-risk lesions, with favorable outcomes compared to surgery. CO2 Laser equaled standard care at one year. More research continues, but for many, Lasers are a top choice.
Patient Suitability
Around 80% of non-melanoma skin cancers are low-risk, making this viable for most. We screen carefully—deep tumors need surgery.
Why Choose St. Petersburg Skin and Laser
Our practice stands out with physician-only treatments by Dr. Kat Kesty and Dr. Chelsea Kesty. As Double Board Certified Dermatologists, they bring expertise from over 35 published articles and university teaching. We have Florida's largest Laser collection for tailored care.
If skin cancer concerns you, early action matters. Schedule your consultation today—call 727-474-9399 or visit stpeteskinandlaser.com. We're here for your healthiest skin.
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Consultation
Get Expert Care Today
Don't let skin cancer concerns linger. Our Fellowship-Trained specialists are here to provide the most advanced laser treatments available.