Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost: What Affects the Price
What drives the cost of laser skin resurfacing: laser type, treatment area, number of sessions, provider expertise, location, anesthesia and aftercare, plus questions to ask.
The cost of laser skin resurfacing varies widely, and we don't list prices because they change by location and clinic. The short answer: the biggest factors are the type of laser, how much skin is treated, how many sessions you need, and who performs it. Ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.
What drives the cost
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says pricing depends on the provider's expertise and qualifications, the type of procedure, the time and effort required, and the office's location. Related costs can include surgical facility fees, anesthesia and prescription medications, and most insurance doesn't cover cosmetic procedures or their complications (ASPS: cost).
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Laser type | Ablative (CO2, erbium) vs non-ablative; different equipment and time |
| Number of sessions | Non-ablative and fractional erbium treatments usually need 2 to 4 sessions; traditional ablative is often one (Mayo Clinic) |
| Area treated | Full face vs spot treatment around eyes or mouth |
| Anesthesia or sedation | Full-face treatments may involve sedation (Mayo Clinic) |
| Provider | Board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons may charge more |
| Location | Fees vary by region |
| Aftercare | Ointments, antivirals or antibiotics, follow-up visits |
| Recovery time | Time off work is an indirect cost |
Ablative vs non-ablative
| Ablative (CO2, erbium) | Non-ablative | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Removes the outer layer and heats deeper skin | Heats without removing the surface |
| Sessions | Often one (non-fractional) | Usually several |
| Recovery | New skin in 7 to 10 days; full recovery at least a month (Mayo Clinic) | Redness or swelling for hours (Mayo Clinic) |
| Results | More dramatic | More subtle |
A review describes CO2 lasers as the gold standard for ablative resurfacing, with fractional devices giving strong results with fewer side effects and shorter recovery (Agrawal et al., Facial Plast Surg, 2014).
Possible complications
These can add costs: acne flares, infection, cold sore reactivation, darkening or lightening of skin, milia, prolonged redness, and rarely scarring (ASPS: recovery). People with darker skin have a higher risk of hyperpigmentation (Cleveland Clinic).
Questions to ask for a quote
- Which laser will you use, and why is it right for my skin?
- How many sessions will I need?
- Does the quote include anesthesia, facility fees, medications and follow-up visits?
- What happens, and what does it cost, if I have a complication?
- Do you offer a test spot?
Ways to get the most from your investment
- Choose based on expertise, not the lowest price.
- Prepare your skin as advised, including antivirals if you get cold sores.
- Protect results with daily sunscreen afterward (ASPS: recovery) and ongoing care such as a retinoid when your provider says it's safe.
Frequently asked questions
Does insurance cover it? Usually not for cosmetic reasons (ASPS: cost).
Is a cheaper laser worse? Not necessarily, but the right laser and an experienced provider matter more than price.
How long do results last? Results can last for years with sun protection, though skin keeps aging.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk to a board-certified dermatologist about your situation.
Sources
- Agrawal N et al. Ablative skin resurfacing. Facial Plast Surg. 2014. PubMed
- Borges J et al. Photoaging and the clinical utility of fractional laser. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016. PubMed
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Laser skin resurfacing cost; Recovery
- Mayo Clinic. Laser resurfacing
- Cleveland Clinic. Laser skin resurfacing
