How Much Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Cost?

The average cost of a CO2 laser treatment is $2,875, according to 562 reviews on RealSelf, but it can be as pricey as $10,000.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing procedures can address a wide range of skin concerns, including signs of aging like sun damage, age spots, acne scars, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, fine lines (like crow’s feet), and even deep wrinkles, depending on its intensity. 

The treatment also boosts new collagen production, for firmer, healthier-looking skin over time.

Keep reading to learn more about what impacts this popular treatment's price and what you can expect to pay.

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Is CO2 laser resurfacing worth the money?

RealSelf members give CO2 laser resurfacing an 81% Worth It Rating, with many reporting smoother, more evenly toned.

Among those who said it was not worth it, some were left with burns, scars, and new pigmentation problems.

Before committing to this intense skin rejuvenation treatment, it's worth working with a qualified professional to determine if there are other types of lasers or energy treatment options, such as an erbium laser, IPL, or radiofrequency treatment. A chemical peel, which treatment many of the same skin concerns, can also be a good alternative.

If skin laxity is your primary concern, keep in mind that the firming effects of laser resurfacing can be subtle, so you may want to consider plastic surgery procedures like a mini facelift.

If you do go ahead with a laser treatment, pay special attention to your provider’s aftercare instructions (like limiting sun exposure during your recovery time). Consider investing in medical-grade skin care to prolong your results and make the most of your investment. At the very least, get into the habit of wearing a good sunscreen every day.

Only you—with the help of an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon—can determine if the benefits are likely to be worth the cost of laser skin resurfacing.

What affects your CO2 laser skin resurfacing cost?

A handful of factors influence the cost of a CO2 laser treatment.

1) Where you get your laser resurfacing treatment. 

If you live in a major metro area with a high cost of living, you already know that you’ll pay more for everything from rent to groceries.

Cosmetic procedures like CO2 laser treatments are no different. If you’re looking for ways to save, you may be able to find more affordable prices from providers who aren’t paying for the upkeep of a luxury office. Look for qualified providers with great patient reviews and more modest practices.

You may also be able to find lower prices in smaller cities or suburban areas—if there are several good providers, all competing to draw in patients with reasonable rates or deals. But if there's a lot of demand for their services, they may be charging prices that rival a bigger city.

2) The credentials and expertise of your provider.

CO2 laser skin resurfacing is an intense treatment, so it's best performed by a physician with years or decades of experience, such as a board-certified physician, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon.

Because this powerful laser penetrates the skin’s surface and targets multiple layers of the skin, potential side effects include burns and scarring if it's not used correctly. This risk increases for people with olive, brown, or deep skin tones.

To minimize your risks and improve the likelihood of a smooth healing process with less downtime and great results, don’t go for the cheapest deal you can find: pay for experience. 

3) The type of CO2 laser technology used for your procedure. 

A CO2 laser is just a type of laser that uses specific wavelengths. This broad category be subdivided into non-ablative, fractional, or ablative laser treatments. Providers use a variety of laser brands, like the fractional CO2 laser Fraxel.

Ablative laser treatments vaporize the entire top layers of skin, so patients often need deep sedation or even general anesthesia (and up to two weeks downtime while you heal). This kind of intense treatment is significantly more expensive than a fractional laser treatment, which removes a fraction of the skin's outer layer and requires only numbing cream.

There are pros and cons to each option, so your best bet is to schedule a consultation with one or more qualified providers. They can assess your skin and explain why you're a good candidate for certain types of laser resurfacing, depending on your skin type and the skin conditions you hope to treat.

4) The size of the treatment area. 

Most treatments involve the full face, but it's not uncommon to just treat small areas. For example, you could just treat sunspots or excess pigmentation on the backs of your hands, or just the under eye area, which can be relatively affordable.

You could also address uneven skin texture and tone on the neck and chest, in addition to your face. This larger treatment area will take more time and ramp up your price.

5) How many CO2 laser resurfacing treatments you need to see your desired results. 

One ablative CO2 laser treatment is usually enough to deliver optimal results. 

Fractional laser treatments are cheaper, but most people need a series of treatments to get the results they're after. However, there's a good chance you'll be offered package pricing if you pay for a series of laser resurfacing treatments up front.

Are CO2 laser resurfacing costs covered by insurance?

A CO2 laser treatment isn't considered medically necessary, so this cosmetic procedure is not covered by insurance. 

Most providers offer monthly payment plans or accept financing options to make the cost more affordable for patients.

CO2 laser costs in U.S. states

Browse the average cost of a CO2 laser treatment in select U.S. states, according to patient reviews on RealSelf. As of July 2023, Colorado had the cheapest average cost (as reported by patients), while California was the most expensive. States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.

CO2 laser costs in major U.S. metros

Average costs according to patient-reported data. As of July 2023, the cheapest metro area in the U.S. to get a CO2 laser treatment is Orlando, FL, while the most expensive is San Diego. Cities not listed did not have enough data to include.