Gone are the days when people used makeup to hide sun spots, scars, or signs of aging. These days, many want real and long-term change rather than a temporary cover-up, and laser resurfacing makes that possible. By gently removing damaged layers and stimulating new collagen, it helps your skin feel refreshed and fades scars. But, one question that you might have in your head is how much the cost of laser resurfacing is? Let’s break it down.
What Does Laser Resurfacing Do?
Laser resurfacing is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses focused beams of light to remove damaged outer layers of skin and stimulate the growth of healthy new tissue. It targets fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun spots, and uneven texture by encouraging your body to produce fresh collagen and deliver smoother and clearer skin over time. Here’s how this procedure helps:
- Softening of fine lines and wrinkles
- Fading of acne scars and surgical scars
- Reduction of sun damage and dark spots
- Tighter, more even‑toned skin with a healthy glow
Because the technology is highly customizable—encompassing different wavelengths, pulse durations, and fractional patterns—your provider can tailor the treatment intensity to your schedule and tolerance for downtime.
Is Laser Resurfacing Worth It?
Most patients say yes, and here’s why. Visible changes develop over time as collagen regenerates over the following weeks, but improvements often last for years, especially when paired with sunscreen and a solid skincare routine. Compared to injectables that wear off in months, lasers offer more profound structural change. Add in the confidence boost of smoother skin and the treatment’s versatility (face, neck, chest, even hands), and many people see it as an investment rather than an expense. Of course, “worth it” also depends on realistic expectations, good overall health, and commitment to post‑laser aftercare (think: diligent SPF and a short break from happy hour).
What’s the General Cost of Laser Resurfacing?
Nationally, the average surgeon’s fee runs about $1,829 for laser skin resurfacing, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But that number is only the starting line. Here’s what influences your final bill:
| Laser Type | Typical Range (per session) | Why the Gap? |
| Non‑ablative/fractional | $800 – $2,000 | Lower downtime, multiple sessions needed |
| Ablative CO₂ or Erbium | $2,000 – $7,000 | Deeper peel, anesthesia & facility fees |
| Combination or staged treatments | $3,000 – $10,000+ | Custom settings, multi‑area packages |
Other cost wild cards:
- Geography (big‑city overhead vs. suburban clinics)
- Provider expertise and board certification
- Anesthesia type—topical numbing vs. IV sedation
- Facility fees and post‑care kits
For context, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery cites averages of $1,410 for non‑ablative and $2,681 for ablative treatments, again excluding extras like labs or prescription meds. Most people need a series of lighter treatments or one aggressive session, so plan your budget accordingly.
Conclusion
When you factor in long‑lasting skin quality, laser resurfacing often delivers serious bang for your buck, especially in experienced hands. If you’re ready to explore options, the team at North West Face and Body, with double‑board‑certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Young, can craft a laser plan and a transparent price quote that reflects your unique goals, skin type, and downtime tolerance. An in-person laser resurfacing consultation at Bellevue and Kirkland is still the gold standard for obtaining exact numbers and mapping out the safest path to achieving a refreshed, camera-ready complexion.
