How much does CO2 laser resurfacing cost?
How much does CO2 laser resurfacing cost?
$1,000 – $5,000 average cost per session (full face)
Average CO2 laser cost
The average cost of CO2 laser treatment is $1,000 to $5,000 per session for a full-face treatment or $500 to $2,000 per session to spot-treat small areas. CO2 laser resurfacing treats uneven skin tone, wrinkles, scars, and more. Your final cost depends mostly on the number of sessions and your location.
| Treatment type | Average cost per session |
|---|---|
| Spot treatment | $500 – $2,000 |
| Full face | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Face & neck | $1,500 – $6,500 |
What is CO2 laser resurfacing?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing is a medical and cosmetic procedure. Providers use it to address skin concerns like wrinkles, rosacea, or uneven skin tone. The laser uses ablation to remove the top layer of the skin, which promotes the growth of collagen and new skin cells.
The CO2 laser targets the water molecules in the skin, which produces heat and vaporizes the damaged tissue.
CO2 laser treatment cost factors
Several factors influence the cost of CO2 laser treatments:
Provider experience: Licensed nurses, board-certified dermatologists, and plastic surgeons tend to charge more for CO2 treatments. However, choosing someone with less experience and training could result in sub-par care.
Location: Providers in large cities and areas with a higher cost of living charge more. CO2 laser treatments and other cosmetic procedures cost much less in other countries like Turkey, Korea, or the UK.
Body part: Most people get CO2 resurfacing on their face and neck. If you want to treat a less common body part like your arms, legs, back, or feet, you may pay more.
Number of treatments: Some scars or conditions may need multiple sessions to treat. The more sessions it takes, the more you’ll pay.
Discounts: Many providers offer discounts for packages with multiple sessions or bundled services.
CO2 laser benefits
CO2 laser resurfacing improves the appearance and texture of your skin. It can reduce wrinkles and tighten sagging skin as well. Most clients get CO2 treatments for issues like:
Acne
Age spots
Bowen’s disease
Melasma
Rosacea
Scars
Seborrheic keratosis (skin barnacles)
Skin tags
Stretch marks
Uneven skin tone and texture
Warts
Wrinkles
If you have cold sores, you may not be a good candidate for CO2 resurfacing. Ask your provider for advice or alternative treatment options.
What to expect
Before your appointment, make sure to avoid tanning, smoking, or sun exposure for at least 2 to 4 weeks. Talk to your provider if you take antivirals or medications like doxycycline that cause sun sensitivity.
During your appointment, your provider will give you a local anesthetic, a sedative, or possibly general anesthesia to prevent pain. The treatment will take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the treatment area.
After your appointment, your provider will apply an ice pack, antibacterial ointment, and dressing to your skin. The treated area will feel raw and sunburned for 5 to 7 days before drying out and peeling. Your provider will apply or recommend creams to promote healing.
Potential side effects
Skin care providers have been using CO2 lasers since the early 1960s, and the treatment is considered safe. However, it still involves some risk. Common side effects of CO2 laser treatments include:
Dry, peeling skin
Itching
Raw skin that feels sunburned
Sensitivity to the sun
Skin discoloration
Swelling
If the provider over-applies the CO2 laser and removes too much, scarring will occur that will require steroid injections or additional treatment. Always make sure your provider is qualified and reputable before moving forward with the treatment.
Serious side effects are rare for CO2 treatments, but infection is still a risk. Call your provider right away if you have a fever, chills, increased pain or swelling, or notice any yellow or green pus.
CO2 laser vs. other laser treatments
CO2 resurfacing is one of many different skin treatments available today. The table below shows the cost and features of some similar options:
| Treatment type | Average cost per session* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 laser | $1,000 – $5,000 |
|
| Fraxel laser cost | $900 – $1,500 |
|
| Halo laser cost | $1,000 – $2,400 |
|
| IPL cost | $300 – $600 |
|
*For a full-face treatment
CO2 laser resurfacing FAQs
How can I speed up healing after CO2 laser treatment?
You can help accelerate healing after CO2 laser treatment by following these guidelines:
Don’t rub, scratch, or pick at your skin.
Gently cleanse the treated area 2 to 5 times daily with a vinegar solution or saline.
Apply a gentle moisturizer or antibacterial ointment twice per day.
Use an ice pack wrapped in a soft, clean hand towel as needed.
Sleep with your head or treated area elevated.
Wear clothing that covers the treated area or use sunscreen when outdoors.
How does a CO2 laser work?
A CO2 laser heats the water molecules in small areas of the skin and removes damaged layers. This allows your body to create new skin cells naturally. CO2 treatments result in youthful skin and an improvement at the cellular level.
How long after CO2 laser will I see results?
You’ll see some improvements in your skin as soon as the first week, but it typically takes 3 to 6 months to see full results. This is because your body will continually heal, repair itself, and boost collagen during this time.
How long does CO2 laser last?
Results from CO2 laser treatments typically last 3 to 5 years. Your results may vary depending on how well you take care of your skin afterward. Remember to protect your skin from the sun and moisturize regularly to maximize your results.
How many CO2 laser treatments will I need?
The number of CO2 laser treatments you need varies depending on your specific skin concerns and their severity. For most people, 1 to 3 treatments are sufficient to address common issues like fine lines or dark spots. More severe scars or growths might require 2 to 6 treatments, spaced out every 4 to 6 weeks.
Is CO2 laser worth it?
Most CO2 resurfacing patients report that it’s worth it. Citing smoother, more even, and more youthful skin. Some patients say they don’t feel it was worth it because they experienced side effects like pigmentation, burns, or scars afterward.
Since CO2 resurfacing is an intense skin treatment, consult with multiple professionals to see if it’s right for you and discuss treatment options.
What to look for in a CO2 laser treatment provider
Follow these steps to help you choose a qualified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or other CO2 facial provider near you:
Weigh prices against the provider’s experience and equipment quality.
Check your state’s regulations and look for licensed or certified professionals.
Read clients’ reviews on Thervo and Google.
Avoid clinics with extremely low prices that seem too good to be true.
Ask to see before and after photos of past clients.
Talk to them about CO2 laser treatment and ask about potential side effects.
Questions to ask a CO2 laser provider
Asking the right questions can help you make an informed decision and pick the best provider possible:
What type of CO2 laser equipment do you use?
What sedatives or anesthetics do you use?
How long have you been offering CO2 treatments?
How many sessions do you estimate I’ll need?
What are the potential side effects of CO2 resurfacing?
Can you show me before-and-after photos from recent clients?
Do you offer any deals for multiple sessions?
Can I combine CO2 resurfacing with any other treatments?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.