How Much Does Laser Resurfacing Cost?

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Although the aging process is perfectly normal, many of us try to mask it or delay its effects as long as possible. Technology is on our side, constantly developing a large number of lasers and light-based therapies. We have information available at every step that is more or less appealing, but when it comes to our skin it is good to be properly informed about what can be done, how much can be done, how it can be done and what are the real immediate and long-term effects and expectations.

The effects of the passage of time on the skin do not only mean the appearance of wrinkles. They also translate into a lack of skin laxity or its decrease, a firm/matte appearance of the skin, the presence of “spots”, vascular lesions, dilated pores, and dryness.

The skin organ is the largest organ of the human body, with multiple important functions, without which we cannot survive. The skin, being the area of contact with the outside, also suffers and is modified by the action of environmental factors like ultraviolet rays, pollution, excessive heat, or cold.

What is laser resurfacing?

This treatment uses the laser to easily stimulate natural collagen production, reduce the appearance of pores and stains on the skin, and reduce wrinkles. In addition, the laser can treat old age spots as well as other types of stains.

Depending on the type of laser and the area being treated, patients may experience increased skin sensitivity. At the same time, the deeper the laser needs to penetrate into the skin, it may be necessary to use a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort. This is the case, for example, with CO2 laser treatment.

It is important to note that, both in the case of laser treatment and facial rejuvenation with IPL, the skin should be protected from UV rays using creams with a high sun protection factor.

How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?

The cost of laser resurfacing goes from $300 up to $6,000 depending on the type of laser procedure. The cost of an ablative laser resurfacing has an average of $2,500 up to $4,500, while a non-ablative procedure costs from $1,200 to $3,500 with an average of $1,450.

A less expensive type of laser skin resurfacing is done with fractional lasers for an average of $1,500, but the price ranges from $300 to $2,000.

Always ask your surgeon about the final cost of the procedure and what are the included costs, as usually, they do not include anesthesia fees, additional treatments, post-procedure medication, or adjunct therapies.

Factors that influence laser skin resurfacing cost

The cost of laser resurfacing is mainly influenced by the type of laser the procedure is done with, what procedure is used, the area that is treated, and the number of sessions needed. For example, choosing an ablative procedure will offer a more dramatic result plus fewer sessions, than in the case of a non-ablative procedure, which requires more sessions.

You might also like our articles on the cost of acne treatments, brow lifts, or Hydrafacial.

Besides the factors that influence the cost of laser resurfacing, there are also common ones:

• The geographic location of the clinic;
• The experience and qualification of the plastic surgeon.

Additional costs

In case you need a second session or more of laser skin resurfacing you will pay another fee. The price depends on how many sessions you need, as many clinics can offer you a discount if many sessions will be required.

When there are some additional complications, the patients support the extra costs.

Additional costs also include anesthesia fees, to reduce pain during the procedure, but also pain reduction medicine. These may help you reduce the discomfort until the healing is complete and may include painkillers and SPF sunscreen.

Does health insurance cover laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is considered a skin cosmetic surgery and for this reason, it is not covered by health insurance, so you probably will pay 100 percent of its price. There are some rare exceptions when medical insurance will cover it. These are the cases in which the treatment will treat life-threatening conditions like malignant growths on the skin.

At-home laser skin resurfacing cost

If you cannot afford the cost of a laser resurfacing procedure in a specialized clinic you can do it at home. There are many lasers on the market and you should know that they are a weaker version of the non-ablative fractional lasers. They usually cost from $500 to $800. Besides this, you will also need a gel product. The gel helps the device glide and costs $20 to $150, depending on the amount and quality.

Depending on the needs of each patient, the doctor will indicate a treatment

It is important to know that laser resurfacing treatments are serial treatments, which means, in sessions. You should not start the process believing that you are doing only one treatment and the problem is solved. The skin should be analyzed as a whole and treated as such for all problems, either wrinkles, redness, or spots, and for this reason, treatments are often combined, depending on these aspects.

Before any laser treatment, the doctor will do a thorough analysis of the patient’s skin problems and an anamnesis to conclude whether there are contraindications to treatment and to establish a correct, step-by-step plan to meet the patient’s needs.

In conclusion, there are numerous lasers that can be used to improve the appearance of the skin and not only. Correct information about them and their price is the key to success and a happy result.