Do you look in the mirror and notice fine lines, sun spots, or uneven texture on your skin? Do you hide your skin, or are you frustrated using expensive creams that never give results? For many, this is the moment they begin searching for a better solution. Something that doesn’t just mask the problem but restores healthier, smoother skin. That’s where laser skin resurfacing comes in.
Using lasers, the therapy helps repair visible damage to the skin, stimulate collagen, and stimulate new cell growth. But before you get excited about the transformation, the very first question that always comes to mind is “How much does it cost?” To answer that, it’s important to understand what laser resurfacing is, its types, and the factors affecting its price.
What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is a procedure in which a controlled laser light is emitted into the skin, creating micro‑injury to remove the damaged part of the skin. This helps in the growth of new and healthier skin, boosting collagen production underneath the skin. These are commonly treated in people who are concerned with their fine lines on their face, wrinkles, sun damage, uneven skin tone, and acne scars.
Types of Resurfacing
When it comes to types of laser resurfacing, they can be determined by various features in both Ablative and Non-Ablative lasers.
| Feature | Ablative Laser | Non-Ablative Laser |
| How the Therapy works | Vaporizes the epidermis (Outer Layer) Ex:- CO₂, Er: YAG | Heats the dermis; epidermis is intact. Ex:- Fractional 1550/1927 (e.g., Fraxel), pulsed‑dye, Nd: YAG |
| Healing Time | Significant (7-14 days for initial healing, redness for weeks) | Minimal to None (0-3 days of redness/swelling) |
| Number of sessions | 1-2 treatments are often sufficient | A series (typically 3-6) is required |
| Results | Dramatic and immediate after healing | Subtle and gradual, improve over 3-6 months |
| Invasiveness & Pain | Pain would be high and requires local anesthesia or sedation | Low to Moderate, often uses only topical numbing |
| Risks | Higher risk of infection, scarring, prolonged redness, and pigmentation changes | Lower risk; primary risk is temporary swelling or redness |
| Ideal candidate | Severe wrinkles, deep acne scars, and significant sun damage | Fine lines, mild sun damage, large pores, rosacea, skin tone evening |
What Conditions Can It Treat?
Laser resurfacing is a powerful therapy used to address a wide range of skin-related concerns. It effectively treats;
- Acne scars are treated by stimulating new collagen production in the affected areas and precisely resurfacing the skin to smooth sharp edges.
- Removes wrinkles and fine lines by causing immediate collagen contraction while triggering the body’s natural healing process, resulting in firmer and smoother skin.
- Highly effective on sun damage and discoloration by removing injured cells and allowing fresh and healthy cells to regenerate. This also breaks down uneven spots and pigmentation.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost & Factors Affecting It
The average cost of laser skin resurfacing is $1,829, according to the latest data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average cost is only part of the total price, as it does not include other related expenses. Major factors affecting its cost would be the size and location of the area being treated, the number of sessions, geographical location, prescription of medications, and the doctors who perform the therapy. Please consult with your plastic surgeon to determine your final fee.
Benefits of Laser Resurfacing
While surgery is used to tailor or reshape the appearance of the face, laser treatments are used to enhance the quality of the skin. Laser resurfacing can improve the appearance of:
- Blemishes and dark spots
- Facial aging, including fine lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, and hands
- Surgical scars
- Acne scars
- Smoker’s lines
- Large pores
- Uneven skin pigmentation
- Redness from conditions like rosacea
Risks & Considerations
Laser therapies are mostly safe when done by skilled professionals; however, depending on the type of laser used, the skin type of an individual, and post-treatment care, one would usually think of risks and considerations before getting the therapy.
- Skin Irritation and Redness:- Temporary Redness, rash, inflammation, and redness of the treated area are normally experienced sometime after treatment.
- Scarring:- You need to be careful with the appropriate type of laser therapy, as wrong treatment could lead to permanent scarring.
- Infection:- Infections are relatively rare if the instructions given to you after the procedures are not followed strictly. To minimize this risk, the area that has been treated should be kept clean, and one should avoid touching it using dirty hands
- Pain and Discomfort:- Only a few may feel a slight pain or discomfort when they undergo the procedure, but modern laser treatments come with special cooling to reduce pain. To reduce the sensation of pain, you may be prescribed anesthetic creams as well.
- Multiple Sessions Required:- Specific skin complications such as deep scars, acne, and wrinkles may require serious laser treatments.
Why Choose Sarasota Surgical Art for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
When it comes to laser skin resurfacing, Sarasota Surgical Arts stands out for a reason. Our award-winning surgeon has earned Top Doctor recognition 5 years in a row.
Our MD-led team is highly trained on multiple laser platforms for all skin types, and we offer customized treatment options.
With transparent pricing, flexible financing, and proven results backed by real patient reviews, we make achieving smoother, youthful skin a confident choice. Call (941) 923-1736 today to schedule your consultation.
