How much does laser resurfacing cost?
How much does laser resurfacing cost?
$900 – $5,000 average cost per session (full face)
Average cost of laser resurfacing
Laser resurfacing costs $900 to $5,000 per session on average for the full face, depending on the laser type and your location. Smaller spot treatments cost $250 to $2,000 per session. Laser skin resurfacing can help revitalize dull skin and eliminate imperfections like fine lines, scars, stretch marks, or sunspots.
| Laser treatment type | Average cost per session* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Halo | $1,000 – $2,400 |
|
| CO2 | $1,000 – $5,000 |
|
| Fraxel | $900 – $1,500 |
|
*For a full-face treatment
Halo
A Halo laser treatment costs $1,000 to $2,400 per session for your whole face. Halo is a laser brand that uses hybrid laser technology to even out minor issues like fine lines, melasma, or uneven texture. Halo treatments have a shorter downtime but don’t last as long as other lasers.
CO2
CO2 laser treatments cost $1,000 to $5,000 per session for a full-face treatment. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing is an ablative procedure that treats a wide range of conditions, including rosacea and skin tags. CO2 lasers target water molecules in your skin and vaporize damaged tissue.
Fraxel
Fraxel laser costs $900 to $1,500 per session on average for a full-face treatment. This resurfacing option restores your skin tone, repairs wrinkles, and eliminates scars. Fraxel is a brand of fractional laser that has multiple tiers, from gentle “mini” or “baby” Fraxel treatments to more aggressive ablative options.
What is laser resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is a procedure that treats a number of skin conditions and helps make the skin look younger. Laser technology damages the skin slightly to remove imperfections and increase collagen production.
There are two main types of laser resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative methods like CO2 laser treatments remove the top layer of the skin. Non-ablative methods like Baby Fraxel treatments penetrate the skin but leave the top layer intact.
Cost of laser skin resurfacing by area
The greater the treatment area, the more laser skin resurfacing will cost. Most clinics have separate pricing for small spots such as a scar, the full face, or the face and neck. Other body parts like the chest, hands, or abdomen may cost more.
| Treatment type | Average cost per session |
|---|---|
| Spot treatment | $250 – $2,000 |
| Full face | $900 – $5,000 |
| Face & neck | $1,200 – $6,500 |
Laser skin resurfacing cost factors
There are several factors that can affect the cost of laser treatments:
Location: Professionals in bigger cities charge more due to the higher cost of living, compared to providers in rural or suburban areas.
Experience: Licensed professionals, board-certified dermatologists, and plastic surgeons tend to charge more for laser treatments. Choosing a provider with less experience may result in side effects or sub-par care.
Number of treatments: Many people see significant results after one session. However, if you have severe scarring or a persistent skin condition, you may need several sessions to treat it.
Skin care: Some providers recommend skin care products for aftercare and everyday use. They might include these products in their pricing, but many clinics sell them for an added fee.
Discounts: You may be able to find discounts for packages of multiple sessions or additional treatments. One popular add-on is BroadBand Light photorejuvenation (BBL).
Laser resurfacing benefits & risks
Laser resurfacing helps improve the appearance and texture of your skin. Your individual skin concerns will determine the type of laser you’ll need. Doctors consider these treatments safe, but any laser procedure involves some risk.
Mild side effects like irritation and sensitivity are common. Serious side effects or infections after the appointment are rare but possible. Remember to keep your skin clean and call your doctor right away if you develop a fever or notice yellow or green discharge.
| Treated conditions | Treatment benefits | Potential side effects |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
You may not be a good candidate for laser resurfacing if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have a deeper skin tone, active acne, deeper wrinkles, or a compromised immune system.
What to expect
During a laser resurfacing appointment, the provider applies a numbing cream or uses anesthesia to prevent pain. The procedure takes about 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the laser type. Since lasers generate heat, many clinics also use cooling devices.
After you’re done, the provider will apply cooling gauze to your skin, which will feel sunburned for at least a few hours. Most patients experience soreness and swelling, followed by itchiness and peeling. Healing will take anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks.
Your provider will give you detailed instructions when you’re done. Most include keeping your skin clean, using sunscreen if you need to go outside, and avoiding makeup and harsh skincare products for at least the first 1 to 2 days.
Laser vs. light treatments
Laser resurfacing can be harsh, expensive, and hard to recover from. Light treatments use similar but gentler technology to treat skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, pore size, wrinkles, texture, and more. These options might require more sessions but cost less and have less downtime:
| Treatment type | Average cost per session* |
|---|---|
| BroadBand Light | $300 – $950 |
| Red light therapy | $25 – $200 |
| IPL cost | $300 – $600 |
*For a full-face treatment
Laser skin resurfacing FAQs
Does laser resurfacing hurt?
Laser resurfacing is painless during the procedure itself because the provider uses topical numbing creams or anesthetics. After your appointment, you will probably experience some pain and tenderness, but it should fade within a few hours or a few days, depending on the type of laser.
How long does laser resurfacing last?
Results from laser treatments are not permanent and typically last 1 to 5 years, depending on the laser type. Your results will depend on the quality of your aftercare and skincare routine, so remember to use sunscreen and moisturize regularly.
What does laser resurfacing do?
Laser resurfacing can change the texture and tone of your skin, giving you a smoother, more youthful appearance. Intense heat and energy from concentrated lasers damage the skin in a controlled manner, allowing your body to repair and rebuild.
Is Morpheus8 fractional laser resurfacing?
Yes, Morpheus8 is a fractional laser treatment that uses radio frequencies for enhanced results. This added energy heats up the skin and targets deeper layers to stimulate collagen production. Morpheus8 has a shorter downtime than other laser resurfacing treatments.
What to look for in a laser resurfacing provider
Follow these steps to help you choose a licensed, qualified laser facial provider near you:
Compare prices and take into account the provider’s experience.
Read reviews from clients on Thervo and Google.
Avoid med spas or clinics with prices that seem too good to be true.
Ask to see some before and after photos of clients.
Talk to them about potential side effects.
Questions to ask a laser resurfacing provider
Ask the following questions while getting estimates to pick the best provider possible:
What laser equipment do you use?
What anesthetics do you use before the procedure?
How long have you been performing laser resurfacing treatments?
How many sessions will it take to get the results I want?
What are the potential side effects of the procedure?
Is this laser ablative? Can you recommend something milder?
Can you show me some before and after photos of this laser?
Do you offer any discounts or package deals?
Can I combine this with any other treatments?
What products do you recommend for aftercare?
When will I start to see results?
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.