Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost in 2026
Laser Skin Resurfacing Overview
- National average: $2,222 (range: $1,000–$3,500)
- Insurance: Not Covered — Laser skin resurfacing is considered cosmetic and is never covered by...
- Recovery: 5–21 days typical downtime
- Biggest cost driver: Facility type — outpatient centers can be 30–50% less than hospitals
Laser skin resurfacing reduces wrinkles, scars, and blemishes using targeted laser beams. Approximately 600,000 laser cosmetic procedures are performed annually in the US, reflecting its increasing popularity.
The type of laser used (CO2, Erbium, or Fraxel) significantly impacts the overall cost, as does the provider's fee, whether it's a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Facility fees at med spas or surgical centers are another substantial component of the total expense.
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) typically have lower facility fees than hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs), potentially saving you money. Consider this option when discussing the procedure location with your provider. Confirm all costs with your provider before scheduling.
Cost Breakdown
Here's how the total cost of laser skin resurfacing typically breaks down:
Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by location. The map below shows how each state compares to the national average.
5 Cheapest States
- Mississippi — $1,966 (-11.5%)
- West Virginia — $1,995 (-10.2%)
- Alabama — $2,011 (-9.5%)
- Arkansas — $2,026 (-8.8%)
- Missouri — $2,040 (-8.2%)
5 Most Expensive States
- Hawaii — $2,586 (+16.4%)
- California — $2,518 (+13.3%)
- New York — $2,506 (+12.8%)
- Massachusetts — $2,478 (+11.5%)
- District of Columbia — $2,455 (+10.5%)
Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost in All 50 States
| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,011 | -9.5% |
| Alaska | $2,415 | +8.7% |
| Arizona | $2,240 | +0.8% |
| Arkansas | $2,026 | -8.8% |
| California | $2,518 | +13.3% |
| Colorado | $2,338 | +5.2% |
| Connecticut | $2,440 | +9.8% |
| Delaware | $2,278 | +2.5% |
| District of Columbia | $2,455 | +10.5% |
| Florida | $2,229 | +0.3% |
| Georgia | $2,178 | -2.0% |
| Hawaii | $2,586 | +16.4% |
| Idaho | $2,160 | -2.8% |
| Illinois | $2,249 | +1.2% |
| Indiana | $2,129 | -4.2% |
| Iowa | $2,122 | -4.5% |
| Kansas | $2,106 | -5.2% |
| Kentucky | $2,051 | -7.7% |
| Louisiana | $2,071 | -6.8% |
| Maine | $2,306 | +3.8% |
| Maryland | $2,373 | +6.8% |
| Massachusetts | $2,478 | +11.5% |
| Michigan | $2,211 | -0.5% |
| Minnesota | $2,300 | +3.5% |
| Mississippi | $1,966 | -11.5% |
| Missouri | $2,040 | -8.2% |
| Montana | $2,166 | -2.5% |
| Nebraska | $2,144 | -3.5% |
| Nevada | $2,233 | +0.5% |
| New Hampshire | $2,344 | +5.5% |
| New Jersey | $2,433 | +9.5% |
| New Mexico | $2,084 | -6.2% |
| New York | $2,506 | +12.8% |
| North Carolina | $2,195 | -1.2% |
| North Dakota | $2,115 | -4.8% |
| Ohio | $2,184 | -1.7% |
| Oklahoma | $2,062 | -7.2% |
| Oregon | $2,389 | +7.5% |
| Pennsylvania | $2,262 | +1.8% |
| Rhode Island | $2,329 | +4.8% |
| South Carolina | $2,078 | -6.5% |
| South Dakota | $2,151 | -3.2% |
| Tennessee | $2,093 | -5.8% |
| Texas | $2,138 | -3.8% |
| Utah | $2,204 | -0.8% |
| Vermont | $2,322 | +4.5% |
| Virginia | $2,293 | +3.2% |
| Washington | $2,382 | +7.2% |
| West Virginia | $1,995 | -10.2% |
| Wisconsin | $2,218 | -0.2% |
| Wyoming | $2,100 | -5.5% |
What Affects the Price of Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Geographic location — cost of living and regional price parities vary widely across states
- Surgeon's experience & credentials — board-certified specialists with extensive experience typically charge more
- Facility type — hospital-based procedures cost more than outpatient surgery centers or clinics
- Geographic location — laser skin resurfacing costs vary up to 30% between states due to regional price parities and local market competition
- Insurance & negotiated rates — in-network vs. out-of-network, deductible status, and your plan's copay structure significantly impact what you actually pay
Insurance & Financing for Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is considered cosmetic and is never covered by insurance. May be partially covered when treating precancerous skin lesions (actinic keratoses).
Financing Options
- Promotional financing — CareCredit's 24-month 0% APR plan is the most common way patients finance laser skin resurfacing
- Provider installment plans — many practices let you start payments before surgery and continue after, spreading out the cost
- Tax-advantaged accounts — cosmetic laser skin resurfacing does not qualify for HSA/FSA unless your doctor documents a medical need
- Cash discounts — surgeons prefer upfront payment and often reduce the price by 10-20% for cash-pay patients
- Charitable care programs — hospital financial assistance programs may help offset costs for qualifying patients
Recovery Timeline
Before your laser skin resurfacing, you'll have a consultation to discuss your goals and determine the best laser type for your skin. Be prepared to discuss your medical history and any medications you take. You may need to stop certain medications, like blood thinners, a week or two beforehand.
On the day of your procedure, which can take between 30 minutes and two hours, you'll receive either local anesthesia with sedation or, for deeper treatments, general anesthesia. The laser will then be used to precisely remove the outer layers of damaged skin.
Immediately after the procedure, expect redness and swelling, similar to a sunburn. Keeping the treated area clean and moisturized is crucial during the first 24-48 hours.
Full recovery can take anywhere from 5 to 21 days, depending on the laser type and depth of treatment. Plan to take time off work, especially for ablative lasers. You'll likely have follow-up appointments to monitor healing, and remember to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost in Every State
Click a state to see detailed laser skin resurfacing pricing, top surgeons, and local cost factors.