Laser Resurfacing Cost Guide
How Much Does Laser Resurfacing Cost?
Laser resurfacing prices vary because “laser resurfacing” can mean anything from a small fractional treatment area to full-face CO₂ resurfacing. The device, treatment depth, area, number of sessions and provider all change the final price.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons currently cites an average of about $1,829 for skin resurfacing procedures such as laser resurfacing. At Skin Works in Torrance, current laser-resurfacing prices range from $600 for smaller or fractional treatments to about $2,000 for larger fractional CO₂ treatment areas.
Compare the treatment, not just the price.
A $600 fractional Erbium session and a $1,800 full-face fractional CO₂ treatment are not equivalent procedures.
The phrase “laser resurfacing cost” is deceptively simple. Ablative CO₂, traditional Erbium, fractional CO₂ and fractional Erbium differ in depth, recovery, number of sessions and the amount of skin treated, so a single national number cannot tell you what your own plan should cost.
For a general explanation of the technologies themselves, see our guide to laser resurfacing. This page focuses specifically on price.
Current Laser Resurfacing Prices at Skin Works
| Treatment | Current regular price | What the price represents |
|---|---|---|
| Fractional Erbium, face | $600 | Fractional facial resurfacing with lighter downtime than a traditional full-field Erbium treatment. |
| Traditional Erbium, face | $750 | More complete ablative resurfacing of the face. |
| Traditional Erbium, face + neck | $1,200 | Bundled treatment of two areas in one plan. |
| Fractional CO₂, upper or under eye | $600 | Small-area fractional CO₂ treatment around one part of the eye region. |
| Fractional CO₂, full face | $1,800 | Full-face treatment for deeper lines, scars, texture and photodamage. |
| Fractional CO₂, abdomen | $2,000 | Larger body treatment area requiring more time and coverage. |
Those figures show why “average laser resurfacing cost” can be misleading. The treatment area alone can change the price by more than threefold, even before considering laser type or the number of sessions.
What Is the Average Cost of Laser Resurfacing?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons currently lists an average cost of $1,829 for skin resurfacing procedures such as laser skin resurfacing. ASPS also cautions that this is only part of the total price and that related expenses can be additional.
A national average is useful as a benchmark, not as a quote. Geographic market, provider qualifications, treatment intensity and the exact technology can move the actual price well above or below that figure.
How Much Does CO₂ Laser Resurfacing Cost?
CO₂ treatment is often more expensive than a lighter Erbium session because it may involve deeper treatment, more procedure time and a more involved recovery plan.
At Skin Works, current fractional CO₂ laser sessions range from $600 to $2,000 depending on the treatment area. Full-face fractional CO₂ is currently $1,800.
A quote from another practice may be higher or lower depending on whether it represents a small spot treatment, full-face treatment, combination treatment, anesthesia or a series.
How Much Does Erbium Laser Resurfacing Cost?
At Skin Works, Erbium laser resurfacing currently starts at $600 for a fractional face treatment. Traditional Erbium face treatment is $750.
Erbium generally produces less residual thermal injury than CO₂ and often has a shorter recovery. That does not automatically make it “better” or cheaper overall: fractional plans may require multiple sessions, while a deeper traditional treatment may be designed to accomplish more in one visit.
What Factors Change the Cost?
- Laser type. CO₂ and Er:YAG have different treatment characteristics and pricing structures.
- Fractional vs. full-field treatment. Delivery pattern and treatment depth change procedure time, downtime and expected results.
- Treatment area. Under-eye resurfacing is not priced like a full face, neck, chest or abdomen.
- Number of sessions. A lighter fractional series can cost more in total than one stronger session even when the per-session price is lower.
- Provider expertise and location. ASPS specifically notes that qualifications, time required and geographic market affect fees.
- What is included. Medication, anesthesia, follow-up care or facility-related expenses may be included in one quote and separate in another.
Is One Expensive Session Cheaper Than a Series?
Sometimes, but not automatically.
Traditional ablative resurfacing may be planned as one stronger treatment. Fractional resurfacing may use a series of treatments to build improvement while reducing the downtime of each visit. The correct comparison is the total treatment plan needed for your concern, not just the cheapest individual session.
One stronger session may make sense when
Your concern is suitable for deeper resurfacing and you prefer one larger recovery period instead of several lighter treatments.
A fractional series may make sense when
You prefer shorter individual recovery periods, have a concern that benefits from progressive remodeling, or your skin type calls for a more conservative approach.
Does Insurance Cover Laser Resurfacing?
When laser resurfacing is performed for cosmetic rejuvenation, insurance generally does not cover it. ASPS notes that most health insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures, and the American Academy of Dermatology similarly advises patients that cosmetic treatments are typically not covered.
If laser treatment is being recommended for a medical rather than cosmetic indication, coverage depends on the diagnosis, insurer and plan. That should be verified directly with the insurer rather than assumed from cosmetic pricing.
How to Compare Laser Resurfacing Quotes Correctly
A quote is only useful if you know what is included. Before comparing two prices, ask:
- Which exact laser and wavelength are being used?
- Is treatment fractional or full-field?
- Which areas are included?
- How many sessions does the provider expect you to need?
- Are numbing, prescriptions and follow-up visits included?
- How much downtime is expected at the quoted settings?
- Is this the full price or a promotional starting price?
How Much Should You Budget?
For a South Bay patient comparing current Skin Works options, a reasonable single-session planning range is roughly $600 to $2,000, depending on the laser and area. A multi-session plan can cost more overall, even when package pricing reduces the per-session cost.
The best budget is therefore based on the complete plan required to reach your goal, not an arbitrary national average.
If downtime is as important to you as cost, read our laser resurfacing recovery-time guide before choosing solely by price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does laser resurfacing cost?
ASPS currently reports an average of about $1,829 for skin resurfacing procedures such as laser resurfacing. Actual pricing varies widely by device, area, depth and provider.
How much is full-face CO₂ laser resurfacing?
Skin Works currently lists full-face fractional CO₂ resurfacing at $1,800. Other clinics may price differently depending on device, settings and what the quote includes.
How much does Erbium laser cost?
At Skin Works, fractional Erbium face treatment currently starts at $600 and traditional Erbium face treatment is $750.
Why is CO₂ laser more expensive than some Erbium treatments?
CO₂ resurfacing is often used for deeper or more intensive treatment and can require more procedure time and recovery. Price also depends heavily on treatment area and settings.
Is laser resurfacing covered by insurance?
Cosmetic laser resurfacing is generally paid out of pocket. Coverage for a medical indication depends on the diagnosis and insurance plan.
Is it cheaper to buy a laser resurfacing package?
A package may reduce the per-session cost when several treatments are actually indicated. It is only a better value if the recommended number of sessions fits your treatment goal.
Sources & Medical References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Laser Skin Resurfacing Overview
- American Academy of Dermatology: Questions to Ask Before a Cosmetic Procedure
- NCBI Bookshelf: Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing
- NCBI Bookshelf: Er:YAG Laser Resurfacing
This article is for general educational purposes. Prices are current as of September 2026 and may change. A final quote depends on the exact laser, treatment area, depth, number of sessions, medical assessment and any other services included in the plan. Cosmetic laser treatment is generally paid out of pocket.