KestyMD Esthetics

Blue or purple under-eyes that no concealer or eye cream can fix? It might be your veins, not just "dark circles."

In this episode of KestyMD Esthetics, double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained laser surgeon Dr. Kat Kesty breaks down everything you need to know about under-eye vascular laser: what it treats, who it's for, and how to avoid the biggest safety risk.

In this episode:

- What under-eye vascular laser treats (anything red or blue in the orbital area)

- Why you get a blue or purple tint under your eyes: genetics and aging

- Who is a good candidate (and the one condition that rules you out)

- The lasers used: 1064 vs. 532/595 nm

- How many sessions you'll need (the published average is 2.7)

- Does it hurt? Numbing, Pronox, and what it actually feels like

- Why metal eye shields are non-negotiable, including for laser hair removal lasers

- Recovery, downtime, and when you can wear makeup again

- How long results last

- Risks and complications

- What results to expect, and why you'll still look like a human with a human under-eye

- Why laser resurfacing and BBL/IPL don't treat under-eye veins

- Under-eye filler vs. vascular laser, and whether to combine them

- Is it worth it?

If your under-eye concern is blue or red, you need a vascular laser. If it's hollowing and contour, filler may be the better fit. A cosmetic consultation with a provider who offers both is the best way to know which you need.

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Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Laser Surgeon Dr. Kat Kesty answers the 50 most commonly asked laser questions in 30 seconds or less each. Downtime, pain, cost, risks, and which laser you actually need.

Joined by her medical assistant Abby, Dr. Kesty goes rapid fire through the questions patients ask most about laser resurfacing, laser facials, and skin rejuvenation.

In this video:

- How rejuvenation lasers work, and ablative vs. non-ablative lasers

- Laser vs. laser facial vs. radio frequency devices

- CO2 vs. Erbium vs. Fraxel vs. BBL

- Picosecond vs. 1064 laser facials

- The best lasers for acne scars, brown spots, melasma, redness, large pores, fine lines, and deep wrinkles

- Lasers for darker skin tones

- Downtime, recovery, and when you can wear makeup or go back to work

- Pain, numbing options, and how long a session takes

- Laser risks, cold sore prevention, and sun protection

- Laser vs. facelift, and combining lasers with Botox or filler

- Skin tightening: real or marketing?

- Whether lasers actually reverse aging

- The three things to look for when choosing a laser surgeon

New to lasers? Dr. Kesty recommends starting with a laser facial, the easiest way to dip your toe in.

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What is Broadband Light (BBL) and how is it different from a Laser? In this episode of KestyMD Esthetics, Dr. Kat Kesty, Double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Laser Surgeon breaks down everything you need to know about BBL and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light).

Dr. Kesty explains how BBL and IPL work, the difference between these light-based treatments and traditional lasers, what skin concerns they can treat, and why choosing an experienced provider matters. She also discusses the narrow therapeutic window of BBL and IPL, treatment settings, potential risks, and why expertise with both the device and your skin type is critical for achieving safe, effective results.

In this episode, we cover:

- BBL vs. IPL: What’s the difference?
- How BBL and IPL work
- What BBL can treat, including brown spots, freckles, redness, acne and rosacea
- How many BBL treatments you may need
- What to expect during a BBL treatment
- BBL downtime and recovery
- When you can expect to see results
- How long BBL results last
- BBL vs. CO2 laser and other resurfacing lasers
- Why BBL and IPL have a narrow therapeutic window
- The risks of BBL, including burns and pigmentation changes
- How to choose an experienced laser surgeon
- Why Dr. Kesty does not use BBL for melasma
- Can BBL improve pores and skin texture?
- Why combining different lasers can produce more comprehensive results

Dr. Kesty also explains why there is no single laser or light-based treatment that can address every skin concern and how an experienced laser surgeon can determine which device or combination of treatments is appropriate for each patient.

If you're considering BBL laser treatment, IPL, a photofacial, or laser resurfacing, this episode will help you understand what these treatments can and cannot do, what to expect during recovery, and what questions to ask before choosing a provider.

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What exactly is a laser facial and what can it actually do for your skin?

In this episode of KestyMD Esthetics, Dr. Kat Kesty, Double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Laser Surgeon, breaks down everything you need to know about laser facials, including how they work, what concerns they can treat, how often you need them, and what kind of results you can expect.

Dr. Kesty discusses the different laser technologies commonly used for laser facials, including picosecond and 1064 lasers, as well as microchanneling. Depending on the treatment and your skin's needs, these procedures can be used to address melasma, brown spots, uneven skin tone and texture, acne, rosacea, redness, acne scars, pores, crepey skin, skin laxity, and collagen production.

She also answers some of the most common questions patients have about laser facials:

- How often should you get a laser facial?
- How many treatments do you need to see results?
- Do laser facials hurt?
- Do you need numbing?
- What is the downtime after a laser facial?
- Can you wear makeup afterward?
- Can laser facials help melasma and active acne?
- Can you get a laser facial before a big event?
- Laser facial vs. chemical peel: can you combine them?
- Can laser facials replace Botox or filler?
- Is a picosecond laser the same laser used for tattoo removal?
- Do you need to stop retinoids before a laser facial?

Dr. Kesty also explains the difference between a traditional facial or HydraFacial and a laser facial, why laser facials are more of a long-term skin maintenance treatment, and how consistent treatments can support collagen, skin quality, and overall skin aging.

If you're considering laser treatments for acne, rosacea, melasma, pigmentation, fine lines, skin texture, or overall skin rejuvenation, this episode will help you understand what laser facials can and cannot do, what to expect during treatment, and why choosing the right laser and settings for your skin matters.

Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe to our channel, and turn on notifications for more evidence-based dermatology and laser education from KestyMD Esthetics!

Have questions? Call us at 727-474-9399 or message us on social media!

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Do you have lines around your mouth even though you've never smoked? In this episode, Double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Laser surgeon Dr. Kat Kesty breaks down everything you need to know about lip lines (also called smoker's lines) — what really causes them, and every treatment option available to get rid of them.

Dr. Kesty answers:

- What causes lip lines or smoker’s lines?

- Which Lasers are used for lip lines and do they actually get rid of them?

- Are Laser treatments safe for darker skin?

- How many Laser treatments will you need to see a real difference?

- Do Laser treatments hurt more around the mouth than other areas?

- What is recovery like after laser treatment for lip lines? 

- How long will the area around my mouth stay red or swollen?

- When can I wear lipstick again?

- How soon will I see full results and how long do the results last?

- Is laser treatment worth it for lip lines or should I do filler or Botox instead?

- Can I combine filler with laser?

Whether you're considering your first cosmetic Laser treatment or comparing options with your dermatologist, this episode gives you the real, expert-backed answers.

Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe to our channel, and turn on notifications to stay updated with our latest content!

Have questions? Call us at 727-474-9399 or message us on social media!

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What does truly personalized aesthetic care look like, and why does it matter who is leading your treatment?

In this episode of KestyMD Esthetics, Dr. Chelsea Kesty sits down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott R. Miller, founder and medical director of Miller Cosmetic Surgery in La Jolla, California, to discuss what patients should look for when choosing an aesthetic provider and why physician-led care can make such a meaningful difference.

Scott R. Miller, MD, FACS shares insights from his 30+ years in plastic surgery, his fellowship training under renowned facelift pioneer Bruce Connell, and his book, Authentic Beauty: Defining a New Standard for Care and Results in Plastic Surgery.

Together, Dr. Kesty and Dr. Scott R. Miller discuss:

- What “boutique,” bespoke, and personalized aesthetic medicine really mean

- Why the right treatment is not always the newest or most heavily marketed procedure

- The difference between rejuvenation and alteration

- Why understanding anatomy, physiology, and the aging process

- What patients should know before a cosmetic consultation

- Dr. Miller’s “concern, cause, correction” framework for

understanding aesthetic concerns

- What makes an aesthetic result feel authentic and individualized

- How to evaluate the value of physician expertise, experience, and personalized care

At the heart of the conversation is a shared philosophy: aesthetic medicine should not be about creating clones or selling procedures. It should be about understanding the individual patient, identifying the underlying cause of their concern, and creating a thoughtful plan that aligns with both the patient’s goals and the provider’s expertise.

Learn more about Dr. Scott R. Miller: www.millercosmeticsurgery.com

For the month of September, you can get his book for half off: https://a.co/d/05zDwOp4

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Considering fully ablative Laser resurfacing or wondering what recovery is really like after a full-face ablative Laser treatment? In this episode of KestyMD Esthetics, Dr. Kat Kesty breaks down everything you need to know about fully ablative laser recovery, laser resurfacing aftercare, healing time, skincare, and results.

Fully ablative laser resurfacing can dramatically improve wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, skin texture, pigmentation, and overall skin quality, but the recovery process is more involved than with fractional laser treatments. Knowing what to expect and how to properly care for your skin can make a major difference in your healing and final results.

Dr. Kesty answers the most common questions patients have about ablative laser recovery, including:

• How long does fully ablative laser recovery take?
• How is fully ablative laser different from fractional laser resurfacing?
• What does the first 24–48 hours after laser resurfacing feel like?
• Why is my face oozing after laser treatment? Is it normal?
• What should I use for fully ablative laser aftercare?
• Why are Vaseline and Aquaphor recommended after ablative laser resurfacing?
• How often should you apply ointment after laser resurfacing?
• When can you wash your face after a fully ablative laser?
• When can you restart moisturizer or PRP serum?
• Why should you avoid exfoliation and active skincare during recovery?
• How long should you avoid retinol after laser resurfacing?
• How important is sun protection after laser treatment?
• What does a week-by-week laser resurfacing recovery timeline look like?
• Why can different areas of your face heal at different rates?
• How can you manage pain, swelling, and itching after laser resurfacing?
• When can you wear makeup after a fully ablative laser?
• What happens at your post-laser follow-up appointments?
• What skincare products should you avoid during laser recovery?
• How long do fully ablative laser results last?

Whether you're researching CO2 laser resurfacing, fully ablative laser treatment, laser skin resurfacing, or anti-aging laser treatments, this episode gives you a realistic look at the recovery process from the initial healing period to getting back to your normal skincare routine.

Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe to our channel, and turn on notifications to stay updated with our latest content! 

Every week, we share expert conversations about laser resurfacing, cosmetic dermatology, skin rejuvenation, anti-aging treatments, injectables, skincare, advanced aesthetic procedures, and more.

Have questions? Call us at 727-474-9399 or message us on social media!

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In this episode, Double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Laser Surgeon Dr. Kat Kesty breaks down everything you need to know about Fraxel Dual laser treatment — one of the most studied and published lasers in aesthetic medicine, with over 150 clinical studies backing its results.

Dr. Kesty explains how the Fraxel Dual's two wavelengths (1550 and 1927) work together to treat melasma, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines — while stimulating deep collagen production for long-term skin rejuvenation.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What Fraxel Dual is and how it differs from other Fraxel devices (Repair, Restore)
• Whether Fraxel is safe for darker skin tones
• How Fraxel treats melasma, acne scars, and stretch marks
• What to expect during treatment — including pain management and comfort measures
• Realistic recovery timelines and downtime (1–8 days depending on settings)
• When to expect visible results (7–14 days for pigment, 3–6 months for collagen)
• Potential risks and how to prepare for your appointment
• Fraxel Dual vs. CO2 laser vs. microneedling — which is right for you?

Whether you're considering your first laser treatment or trying to understand which option fits your skin goals, this episode gives you the dermatologist-level insight you need to have an informed conversation at your next cosmetic consult.

Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe to our channel, and turn on notifications to stay updated with our latest content!

Have questions? Call us at 727-474-9399 or message us on social media!

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Thinking about CO2 laser resurfacing but not sure where to start? In this episode, double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kat Kesty of St. Petersburg Skin and Laser breaks down everything you need to know about CO2 Laser skin resurfacing — from how it works to what recovery really looks like.

Whether you're dealing with sun damage, acne scars, fine lines, or uneven texture, this episode gives you an honest, expert look at one of the most talked-about treatments in cosmetic dermatology — including who's a good candidate, what to expect during recovery, and whether it's actually worth it.

In this episode, Dr. Kat Kesty answers:

- What is CO2 laser resurfacing and what does it actually treat

- Fractional vs. fully ablative CO2 — what's the difference, and which do you need?

- Am I a good candidate? Is it safe for darker skin tones?

- CO2 vs. Erbium vs. Fraxel — how do they compare?

- How many treatments will I need?

- Does CO2 laser resurfacing hurt?

- What kind of numbing is used during the procedure?

- How long is the recovery/downtime?

- When can I wear makeup again?

- How long will my skin stay pink or red?

- How soon will I see results, and how long will they last?

- What are the risks?

- What results can I realistically expect?

- Is CO2 laser resurfacing worth it?

Whether you're considering this procedure for the first time or just want an expert, no-fluff explanation of what it involves, this episode covers it all.

Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe to our channel, and turn on notifications to stay updated with our latest content!

📍 Learn more or book a consultation: www.stpeteskinandlaser.com/contact

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If you’ve ever wondered how to get rid of brown spots, you’re not alone. The truth is, not all brown spots are the same, and there is no one “best” laser for everyone.

In this episode, Double Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Chelsea Kesty breaks down the most common types of brown spots, including sun spots (solar lentigines), freckles, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, seborrheic keratoses, and moles, and explains how dermatologists properly diagnose each one before choosing a treatment.

You’ll learn why picking the wrong laser can actually make pigmentation worse, how the depth of pigment (epidermal vs. dermal) impacts your results, and why a personalized treatment plan is essential for safe, effective outcomes. Dr. Kesty also walks through the best laser options for different conditions, including IPL and BBL, picosecond lasers, fractional lasers, and erbium lasers, plus when each is most appropriate.

This episode also covers why melasma requires a completely different approach, the importance of medical therapy and sun protection, and why maintenance treatments are key to keeping your skin clear long-term.

Topics covered:- Types of brown spots and how to identify them- Best lasers for sun spots, freckles, and pigmentation- Why melasma is different and how to treat it safely
- Risks of using the wrong laser
- How dermatologists create customized treatment plans
- Prevention, maintenance, and long-term skin health

If you’re dealing with dark spots on your face, chest, or hands and want to understand the safest, most effective treatment options, this episode will help you make informed decisions about your skin.

Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe to our channel, and turn on notifications to stay updated with our latest content!

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