Laser Skin Resurfacing in St. Petersburg, Florida
Laser skin resurfacing is a physician-performed medical procedure used to improve skin texture, tone, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and pigmentation by stimulating precise collagen and elastin remodeling within the skin.
At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, this treatment is performed by Double Board Certified Dermatologists, Dr. Kat Kesty and Dr. Chelsea Kesty.
Each laser skin resurfacing treatment is customized using medical-grade laser technology to safely resurface the skin, improve firmness, and enhance long-term skin health while maintaining natural results.
Laser Skin Resurfacing at St. Petersburg Skin and Laser
Laser skin resurfacing at St. Petersburg Skin and Laser is part of our comprehensive approach to advanced Cosmetic Dermatology and patient-centered care. Patients choose our St. Petersburg dermatology practice because all laser treatments are physician-performed and tailored to individual skin types, aging concerns, and goals.
Our office is dedicated to improving skin quality and appearance through evidence-based treatments delivered by an experienced physician-led team.
What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a dermatologic procedure that uses focused laser energy to treat damaged skin layers and stimulate new collagen and elastin production. Controlled thermal energy is delivered to specific depths of the skin, triggering a wound-healing response that leads to smoother texture, improved tone, and increased firmness.
This procedure is commonly used for:
- Facial rejuvenation and photorejuvenation
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage and photodamage
- Acne scars and uneven skin texture
- Hyperpigmentation and tone irregularities
- Enlarged pores
- Treating pre-cancers and preventing skin cancer
Treatment depth, laser wavelength, and recovery time are customized by the physician based on skin type, medical history, and cosmetic goals.
Types of Laser Skin Resurfacing
Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing
Ablative laser resurfacing removes the outer layers of damaged skin while delivering energy into the deeper dermis to stimulate significant collagen and elastin remodeling.
Common ablative treatments include CO₂ laser resurfacing and erbium (Er:YAG) laser resurfacing.
Best for:
- • Deep wrinkles
- • Severe sun damage
- • Acne scarring
- • Advanced skin aging
- • Skin cancer and Pre-cancers
Downtime: Longer recovery with more dramatic results.
Non-Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing
Non-ablative laser resurfacing heats deeper skin layers without removing surface skin, stimulating collagen and elastin with minimal downtime.
Common non-ablative laser treatments include BBL, Fraxel, and Vascular lasers.
Best for:
- • Early signs of aging
- • Mild texture irregularities
- • Brown and red spots
- • Preventative collagen stimulation
Downtime: Minimal.
Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
Fractional laser resurfacing treats microscopic columns of skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This allows faster healing while still improving wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, firmness, and overall skin texture.
Lasers Used for Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is not a single device or procedure. As a physician-only practice with more than 30 lasers and energy-based devices, laser selection is based on medical indication rather than marketing or social media trends.
Lasers used may include:
Laser choice and settings are determined during a private consultation with a physician.
Laser Skin Resurfacing for Specific Skin Concerns
Acne Scars
This treatment improves acne scars by stimulating collagen and elastin remodeling in scarred tissue. Fractional or ablative approaches may be recommended depending on scar depth and skin type.
Wrinkles and Aging Skin
Resurfacing improves wrinkles and visible signs of aging by increasing collagen and elastin, leading to smoother skin and improved firmness.
Sun Damage
This procedure treats photodamage, including rough texture, pre-cancers, brown spots, and fine lines caused by sun exposure.
Hyperpigmentation
Certain laser systems, including Nd:YAG lasers, can target melanin (brown spots) to improve hyperpigmentation when appropriately selected for skin type.
Treatment Areas
This procedure can be performed on:
Each area requires individualized laser settings and treatment planning.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for laser resurfacing if you:
- Have visible signs of aging or sun damage
- Want to improve skin texture, firmness, or scars
- Have pre-cancers, skin cancer, or a family history of skin cancer
- Are in good overall health
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Can follow post-procedure care instructions
A physician consultation is required to determine your customized laser treatment plan.
Skin Type and Fitzpatrick Considerations
Skin type plays an important role in choosing appropriate and effective lasers. Skin type can also affect laser safety and outcomes. Factors considered by a physician include:
- Fitzpatrick skin type
- History of hyperpigmentation
- Tendency toward scarring
- Prior cosmetic treatments and surgeries
- Past sun exposure and skin cancer history
With appropriate laser selection and physician expertise, treatment can be performed safely on all skin types.
How the Procedure Works
The skin is cleansed and prepared.
Laser energy is delivered in a controlled manner.
Targeted tissue is removed or heated.
Collagen and elastin remodeling is initiated.
New skin gradually replaces damaged tissue.
Collagen and elastin production continues for several months, contributing to improved firmness and skin quality.
Benefits
Improves skin texture and tone
Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
Improves firmness and elasticity
Treats acne scars
Improves sun damage and pigmentation
Stimulates collagen and elastin
Treats pre-cancers and helps prevent skin cancer
Enhances overall appearance with natural results
Results and Natural Outcomes
Results vary based on treatment depth, skin type, and the condition being treated. Most patients notice smoother texture, improved tone, and visible rejuvenation as healing progresses. Increased collagen and elastin contribute to firmer, healthier-looking skin over time.
Recovery and Downtime
Recovery depends on treatment depth.
Immediately after treatment:
- • Redness and swelling
- • Mild "sunburn" feeling
During healing:
- • Peeling or flaking
- • Gradual improvement over weeks to months
Post-procedure skincare and sun protection are essential. Always follow post-procedure instructions from your physician and contact them with any questions or concerns.
Cost and Consultation
Cost depends on the type of laser used, treatment area, and number of sessions recommended. During your consultation, your physician will review your skin, medical conditions, and overall health to develop a personalized plan.
In-person and virtual consultations are available at our St. Petersburg office.
Virtual Consultations
Virtual consultations are available for patients planning to travel to St. Petersburg for treatment. These visits allow review of candidacy, treatment options, recovery expectations, and scheduling of an in-person appointment.
Laser Skin Resurfacing as Part of Comprehensive Cosmetic Dermatology
Laser skin resurfacing is one component of comprehensive cosmetic dermatology. In some patients, resurfacing may be combined with other cosmetic treatments, including Botox, dermal fillers, and other injectable treatments, to address wrinkles, sun damage, and the aging process.
At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, our physicians evaluate each patient to determine whether laser treatments, injectables, or a combination of aesthetic procedures will best achieve balanced, natural results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Physician Leadership and Expertise
Laser skin resurfacing at our St. Petersburg office is led by Dr. Kat Kesty and Dr. Chelsea Kesty, Double Board Certified Dermatologists with extensive experience in cosmetic and medical dermatology. Patients choose our practice for physician-performed laser treatments that prioritize safety, skin health, and long-term outcomes.
Our physicians work closely with a skilled clinical team to ensure every resurfacing appointment is personalized and medically appropriate.
Physician Review and Authorship
This page is written and reviewed by Dr. Kat Kesty and Dr. Chelsea Kesty, Double Board Certified Dermatologists, specializing in physician-performed laser treatments.
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