How Much Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Cost?

The average cost of a CO2 laser treatment is $2,953, according to hundreds of real patient reviews. Prices can vary widely, depending on factors like your provider's location, their credentials, the intensity level of your treatment, the size of the targeted area, and how many sessions you have.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing can address a wide range of skin concerns, including sun damage, age spots, uneven skin tone, acne scars, surgical and traumatic scars, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, fine lines (like crow’s feet), and even deep wrinkles.

The CO2 laser targets water molecules in the skin to vaporize surface skin cells, uncovering new skin. The heat also ramps up new collagen production, making skin firmer and healthier-looking over time.

Read on to learn more about what impacts the price of this popular cosmetic treatment, what you can expect to pay, and whether it's worth the money.

Is a CO2 laser treatment worth the money?

CO2 laser resurfacing has an 84% Worth It Rating from patients who recently reviewed their treatment, with many reporting smoother, younger-looking, more evenly toned skin.

Among those who said it was Not Worth It, some were left with burns, scars, and new pigmentation problems. Others say they didn’t see much of a difference.

Before committing to this kind of intense skin rejuvenation treatment, it's worth consulting with at least one qualified dermatology professional to discuss other types of lasers or energy treatment options, such as an erbium laser, IPL, or radiofrequency treatments.

A chemical peel, which treats many of the same skin concerns, can also be a good alternative, especially for those with melasma, rosacea, or heat-sensitive skin.

If skin laxity is your primary concern, keep in mind that the firming effects of laser resurfacing can be subtle. You may want to consider dedicated skin tightening treatments, or even a plastic surgery procedure like a facelift.

If you do opt for a laser treatment, pay special attention to your provider’s aftercare instructions (like limiting sun exposure during your recovery time).

After your skin has healed, consider investing in Botox to limit new wrinkle formation and 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 daily sunscreen.

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

Why CO2 laser costs vary

These 5 factors have the biggest impact on the price 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 housing 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 more modest practices, great patient reviews, and an impressive gallery of before and after photos.

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, their prices may rival those in a bigger city.

2) The credentials and expertise of your provider

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

Because this powerful laser targets multiple layers of the skin, potential side effects include persistent sunburn-like redness, burns, and scarring if it's not used correctly. The risk of complications increases for people with olive, brown, or deep skin tones.

To minimize your risks and improve the likelihood of a smooth healing process, less downtime, and great results, don’t just 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.

Lasers can be non-ablative or ablative, fractional or traditional. Providers use a variety of laser brands, though most modern CO2s, like the Fraxel Repair, are ablative fractional laser treatments.

Ablative laser treatments vaporize the top layer of skin, so patients often need sedation or even general anesthesia (and up to two weeks downtime for healing). This kind of intense treatment is significantly more expensive than a non-ablative fractional laser treatment, like Halo, which spares the skin's outer layer and requires only numbing cream.

There are pros and cons to each, so your best bet is to schedule a consultation with one or more qualified providers. They can assess your skin concerns and budget, and then 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 treat small areas in isolation. You could target sunspots or excess pigmentation on the backs of your hands, for example, 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 non-ablative laser treatments are cheaper, but you may need a series of treatments for best results. However, there's a good chance you'll be offered package pricing if you pay for a series of laser resurfacing treatments up front.

During a consultation, your provider should give you a detailed cost quote (in writing, preferably) for their recommended treatment plan. Requesting this can help you compare your options and avoid an unpleasant surprise when the bill arrives.

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.