How Much Does Laser Face Resurfacing Cost? A Complete Guide to Prices, Results, and Recovery

Laser face resurfacing is a treatment that removes damaged skin layers to reduce wrinkles and scars while creating a more uniform skin color, texture and appearance. The treatment works by using  focused laser energy which stimulates collagen production and leads to rapid skin regeneration. 

The following laser types are most commonly used for laser resurfacing:

• CO2 laser resurfacing (both fully ablative and fractional) is one of the most effective methods to treat both deep wrinkles and scars (acne and surgical).
• Erbium laser resurfacing is very similar to CO2, but can be used for darker skin types with much less risk for side effects.
• Fractional laser resurfacing procedures allow our medical professionals to target specific skin areas and provide deeper treatments which can result in better results and recovery times for treatments such as acne scar removal. 

Laser resurfacing can be associated with various names, including: laser skin resurfacing, facial skin laser treatment and laser facial therapy.

How Much Does Laser Face Resurfacing Cost?

The price for laser face resurfacing treatments depends on the laser type and treatment area as well as the location of the clinic and the quality and experience of the practitioner.

In general:

• The full face treatment with CO2 laser resurfacing costs $1,500 to $3,500 and can vary based on whether the treatment is fully ablative or fractional. 
• The treatment costs for Erbium laser resurfacing often range between $1,000 and $3,000. 
• The treatment cost for fractional laser resurfacing usually varies between $750 and $2,500 for each session.

The treatment costs for small areas under the eyes and around the mouth range from $500 to $2,000 per session. 

The total cost of skin laser resurfacing treatment can range from $1,000 to $5,000 based on your chosen provider, the technology used, experience of the practice and whether or not general anesthesia is used.

The treatment cost is often referred to as the laser peel cost, face resurfacing cost and skin laser treatment price.  These terms often describe identical procedures which focus on skin texture and tone improvement.

What Affects the Cost of Laser Skin Resurfacing?

The price of laser resurfacing treatment includes multiple factors for determining the final cost. 

Type of Laser Used

• CO2 laser systems have different purchase costs and have different maintenance fees.  These costs can affect the cost of your procedure.
• The prices for Fractional CO2 and fractional Erbium lasers can sometimes be lower as they often have quicker treatment and recovery times.

Treatment Area and Intensity

• The price of full-face treatment exceeds the cost of treatments that focus on eyes and mouth areas because of the time associated with treatment. 
• The total cost of laser resurfacing treatment goes up when you need to undergo multiple sessions.  Less downtime per session may mean more sessions are needed.

Provider Experience and Location

• Board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons usually have higher fees when compared to medical spas.
• Major cities like Los Angeles and New York often have higher price levels than what you find in smaller towns because of the higher associated provider, rental and insurance costs.

Technology and Clinic Fees

• Newer laser technology and additional recovery services can affect the overall price. 

As a patient, it is wise to get a detailed price breakdown from the provider which should cover consultation fees, numbing costs and follow-up appointments before you can compare CO2 laser resurfacing costs among different providers.

Does Insurance Cover Laser Resurfacing?

In most cases, laser resurfacing costs are not covered by insurance because it is considered a cosmetic or elective procedure and not a health issue.  Your provider may receive insurance coverage only when the procedure is considered health related such as treatment of cancer surgery scars and reconstruction. 

Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery: What to Expect

The recovery process from laser resurfacing depends on the specific laser used for the procedure and the depth of skin penetration during treatment. 

• CO2 laser resurfacing recovery time: typically 7–21 days
• The recovery period for Erbium laser treatment takes approximately 7-14 days. 
• The recovery time for fractional laser treatment requires 3 – 10 days depending on the % and depth of the resurfacing.  Patients can experience mild bleeding, light redness and skin peeling during this period. 

During your laser facial recovery, the treated skin will feel sensitive and look pink, swollen and weepy with lymph fluid. You’ll need to keep it clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun during the recovery. 

The skin undergoes a renewal process during the healing period.  Patients often refer to this period as laser resurfacing recovery time, laser treatment recovery time, laser facial recovery time or laser skin resurfacing healing time.

How Long Do the Results of Laser Resurfacing Last?

One of the biggest benefits of laser skin resurfacing is that results can last for years.

• The effects of CO2 laser treatment usually last for a minimum of 2-4 years and can sometimes extend beyond that period.
• The lifespan of fractional and Erbium lasers depends on the level and depth of the skin resurfacing, but can also vary between 2 to 4 years. 

The duration of laser resurfacing results depends on individual skin characteristics and variables as well as daily habits and maintenance routines (stay out of the sun).

Regular use of sunscreen combined with daily hydration and occasional maintenance treatments helps preserve the results you achieved initially.

Laser Face Resurfacing Before and After Results

The difference in your before and after appearance with laser resurfacing is often striking. Your skin looks smoother, more even toned, and firmer. The treatment shows visible reduction of wrinkles and fine lines and acne scars as well as sun spot removal.

Patients are looking for these typical outcomes: 

• The laser facial treatment results show patients have fewer wrinkles and improved skin brightness.
• Skin resurfacing before after: Smoother texture and more even tone.
• Laser face resurfacing before and after: Visible improvement in firmness and elasticity. 
• The treatment shows patients get scar reduction and improvement in skin pigmentation. 

Your complete transformation depends on the depth of the treatment and your commitment to following post-procedure care instructions.

Comparing Laser Resurfacing to Other Treatments

Laser resurfacing isn’t the only skin rejuvenation option, but it’s one of the most effective for long-term results, including evening skin tone, getting rid of sun damage and erasing fine lines and wrinkles.

The treatment with lasers achieves better skin results than chemical peels or microneedling because it works on deeper layers of the skin. The recovery process takes longer but the treatment results are better and last for an extended time (years). The treatment options include facial laser therapy and laser surgery for skin. 

Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Worth the Cost?

The long-lasting effects and results of laser resurfacing make the cost and recovery time worth it for most patients. The treatment results bring our patients renewed self-assurance and confidence as well as healthier skin.  All of which makes the original cost completely worth it.

The total cost of laser face treatment and skin resurfacing depends on the price of equipment and the skill level of practitioners. Always choose a qualified provider who tailors the procedure to your skin type and goals.

Final Thoughts 

Laser face resurfacing provides an established method to help our patients achieve skin renewal while minimizing visible effects of aging. Patients who want smoother skin and a youthful appearance find laser skin resurfacing to be a cost-effective treatment because it delivers enduring results. 

If you are considering laser resurfacing, find a well qualified laser provider.  Use the initial consultation to learn about your laser recovery period while also reviewing before and after photos to choose the right treatment. The correct choice of laser practitioner can lead to laser resurfacing results that last for multiple years while enhancing the appearance of the skin.