Itching, pain with sex, or pain with urination that keeps getting treated as a “UTI” or “yeast infection”? It could be lichen sclerosus, and it’s massively underdiagnosed.

In this episode, double board-certified laser surgeon Dr. Kat Kesty explains lichen sclerosus (also searched as “lichen sclerosis”), why it’s so often misdiagnosed, and how fractionated laser treatment fits alongside topical steroids.

In this episode you’ll learn:

- What lichen sclerosus is and the symptoms to watch for

- Why it’s misdiagnosed as chronic UTIs, yeast infections, STIs, or contact dermatitis

- Why diagnosis matters: quality of life and a higher squamous cell carcinoma risk if untreated

- First-line options: laser, topical steroids, or both together

- How fractionated CO2 and erbium lasers regenerate healthy collagen in scarred (sclerotic) skin

- What the procedure feels like, the numbing process, and the 5 to 7 day aftercare

- A typical treatment schedule: monthly sessions for 3 to 4 months, then maintenance every 6 to 12 months

- What the newest study found when comparing laser to steroids

💬 Have a question or want to schedule a consultation? Call us at 727-474-9399 or visit our website!

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Does a picosecond laser actually work for melasma? Double Board-Certified Dermatologists Dr. Kat Kesty and Dr. Chelsea Kesty of St. Petersburg Skin & Laser explain what works, what to avoid, and what maintenance really looks like.

In this episode of KestyMD Esthetics, they break down everything you need to know about treating melasma with lasers, safely and effectively.

You’ll learn:

- What causes melasma, and why a proper diagnosis matters

- The topical foundation of every melasma plan

- How a picosecond laser works and why there’s little to no downtime

- Which lasers pair well together, and why to avoid IPL and BBL

- Whether a picosecond laser cures melasma, and what maintenance looks like

Melasma can be managed, and lasers can be a safe, effective part of the plan when the right laser and settings are used for the right patient.

💬 Have a question or want to schedule a consultation? Call us at 727-474-9399 or visit our website!

🔔 Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to KestyMD Esthetics for new episodes every Monday.

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Pearly penile papules (PPP) are small bumps on the corona of the penis that are commonly mistaken for genital warts. Are they harmless? Are they an STI? And do they ever need treatment?

In this episode, double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained laser surgeon Dr. Kat Kesty breaks down what pearly penile papules really are, how they differ from other bumps in the area, and what your options are if you want them gone.

In this episode:

- Why so many men worry about these bumps (and what’s actually going on)

- How to know if it’s PPP or something else

- What laser removal looks like, from start to finish

- Risks and recovery: what to expect

Think you have pearly penile papules or genital warts? Start with an exam from a board-certified dermatologist or urologist for an accurate diagnosis.

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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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.

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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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.

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 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.

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 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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