Power Hour Optometry: Bringing Aesthetics into Optometry with Dr. Chelsea Kesty

Episode Release Date: July 16, 2025
Hosted by: Eugene Shotsman, The Power Practice

Introduction

In the latest episode of Power Hour Optometry, host Eugene Shotsman delves into the burgeoning intersection between optometry and aesthetic medicine. Recognizing that the optometric field is inherently linked to patients' appearance—not just their vision—Shotsman invites Dr. Chelsea Kesty, a double board-certified dermatologist with a rich background in both dermatology and ophthalmology, to explore how optometrists can responsibly and profitably incorporate aesthetic services into their practices.

Guest Background

Dr. Chelsea Kesty brings a unique perspective to the conversation, combining her expertise in dermatology with insights from her ophthalmologist parents. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Dr. Kesty practices alongside her sister, Dr. Kat Kesty. Together, they perform hundreds of advanced aesthetic procedures annually, focusing primarily on areas around the eyes.

Dr. Kesty [04:01]: "I have merged the two board certifications basically, or part of my family with a special focus in and around the eyes."

Overview of Aesthetic Procedures in Dermatology

Dr. Kesty outlines the variety of aesthetic procedures her practice offers, emphasizing lasers, neurotoxins, and dermal fillers. She explains how these treatments address common patient concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of facial fat pads, particularly around the eyes.

Dr. Kesty [07:11]: "We are performing procedures that can give a patient five to 10 years off their skin age."

Laser Treatments

Explaining the science behind laser treatments, Dr. Kesty details how CO2 and erbium-based lasers work by evaporating tissue to stimulate collagen production, resulting in rejuvenated skin.

Dr. Kesty [08:12]: "We're using advanced technology to create controlled wounds that your body repairs, resulting in brand new collagen."

She also discusses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapies, which target specific skin concerns like redness and melanin, while also addressing functional issues such as dry eye by heating the meibomian glands.

Dr. Kesty [10:12]: "IPL uses specific filters to target red in telangiectasias and demodex, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits."

Neurotoxins and Fillers

The conversation shifts to neurotoxins like Botox and fillers, where Dr. Kesty differentiates between hyaluronic acid fillers and bio-stimulatory fillers like Sculptra, explaining their distinct roles in facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Kesty [20:17]: "Bio stimulatory fillers like Sculptra stimulate your own collagen over three to six months, offering longer-lasting results."

The Economic Opportunity of Aesthetic Patients

Eugene Shotsman probes the financial aspects of integrating aesthetic services, asking about the lifetime value of aesthetic patients and their spending patterns.

Dr. Kesty [22:51]: "Cosmetic procedures range from $500 to $12,000, with an average yearly spend per patient between $5,000 to $10,000."

She emphasizes that maintaining aesthetic treatments requires ongoing visits due to the non-permanent nature of procedures, ensuring a steady revenue stream.

Critical Mindset Shifts for Optometrists

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the necessary mindset shifts for optometrists considering entering the aesthetic field. Dr. Kesty advises against competing on price with medical spas or discount providers, advocating instead for leveraging the optometrist's established patient relationships and specialized anatomical knowledge.

Dr. Kesty [42:05]: "I am more educated and a safer provider than the person next door. Build confidence through your training and degrees."

She highlights the importance of positioning oneself as a trusted, high-quality provider, which can lead to long-term client relationships rather than transient, price-sensitive transactions.

Innovative Techniques: Laser Blepharoplasty

Dr. Kesty introduces her pioneering technique of laser blepharoplasty, a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical blepharoplasty. This method utilizes a CO2 laser for precise incisions and skin tightening without visible scars.

Dr. Kesty [29:59]: "By using a laser instead of a scalpel, we achieve a cleaner incision and enhanced skin tightening, potentially extending results up to 20 years."

She discusses the recovery process, noting a shorter and less traumatic healing period compared to traditional surgery.

Dr. Kesty [33:07]: "Recovery involves one to two weeks of redness and some swelling, depending on skin type and procedure extent."

Practical Guidance for Optometrists

Dr. Kesty provides actionable advice for optometrists interested in expanding into aesthetics. She recommends investing in versatile laser technologies, such as erbium or fractionated erbium lasers, and emphasizes the importance of thorough training to ensure patient safety and optimal results.

Dr. Kesty [48:32]: "Pick one laser type and learn it like the back of your hand. Become a safe provider and understand the applications thoroughly."

She also touches on staff training, highlighting that while staff can assist, the responsibility for safety and procedure execution ultimately lies with the provider.

Dr. Kesty [51:12]: "Safety is paramount. Ensure your staff is trained in practical safety measures, but the provider remains the core of the procedure."

Building Collaborative Relationships

Addressing potential collaborations, Dr. Kesty suggests that optometrists can both offer in-house aesthetic services and establish referral relationships with specialized aesthetic providers. She underscores the value of positioning oneself as a resource rather than competition, fostering a mutually beneficial ecosystem.

Dr. Kesty [45:04]: "Position yourself as a resource to other providers, not as competition. When your lasers can't help, we can step in for those tougher cases."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Shotsman inviting listeners to express interest in future panel discussions featuring optometrists who have successfully integrated aesthetics into their practices. Dr. Kesty reiterates her willingness to share expertise and highlights her clinic, St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, as a resource for further inquiries.

Dr. Kesty [52:54]: "We're happy to take any questions through our DMs or by calling our office. I'm more than willing to share my expertise to help your practice."

Key Takeaways

• Integration Opportunity: Optometrists can expand their services by incorporating aesthetic procedures, leveraging their existing patient relationships and anatomical expertise.

• Quality Over Price: Competing on quality and safety rather than price differentiates practices from local medical spas and discount providers.

• Patient Lifetime Value: Aesthetic patients can contribute significantly to a practice's revenue, with potential annual spending ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.

• Training and Safety: Comprehensive training and a deep understanding of the technologies and procedures are essential for successful integration.

• Collaborative Growth: Building referral networks with specialized aesthetic providers can enhance service offerings and patient satisfaction.

For more insights and information, visit www.PowerPractice.com or connect with Dr. Chelsea Kesty through St. Petersburg Skin and Laser’s online channels.

This summary provides an overview of the key discussions and insights shared in the episode. For the full depth and nuances of the conversation, listening to the complete episode is recommended.