A single session of fractional laser treatment typically costs between $750 and $2,500, with the national average falling around $1,000 to $1,800 depending on the type of laser used. Your actual price depends on several key variables: the laser technology, the size of the treatment area, where you live, and how many sessions you need. Most people spend between $1,500 and $5,000 over a full course of treatment.
Ablative vs. Non-Ablative: The Biggest Price Split
The single biggest factor in what you’ll pay is whether the laser is ablative or non-ablative. Ablative fractional lasers (like fractional CO2) remove tiny columns of skin to trigger deep remodeling. They’re more aggressive, require more downtime, and cost more. Non-ablative fractional lasers heat tissue beneath the surface without removing it, offering a gentler approach with less recovery but typically requiring more sessions.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, non-ablative laser treatments average about $1,031 per session, while ablative treatments average about $2,330 per session. That gap reflects the difference in equipment costs, the expertise required, and the intensity of results. Ablative treatments often deliver more dramatic improvement in fewer sessions, so the total cost of a full treatment plan may end up closer than the per-session numbers suggest.
How Treatment Area Affects Price
Larger treatment areas take more time and more laser passes, which drives the price up. A focused treatment around the eyes or mouth typically runs $500 to $1,200 per session. Full-face treatment costs more because of the additional time involved. Adding the neck or chest increases the price further.
Here’s what to expect for fractional CO2 pricing by area, using a light-to-moderate treatment level:
- Full face: $850 to $1,200 (light) or $1,300 to $2,800 (deeper resurfacing)
- Face and neck: $1,150 to $3,400
- Face, neck, and chest: $1,500 to $4,500
- Focal areas (eyelids or around the mouth): $600 to $1,200 as an add-on
Total Cost by Skin Concern
What you’re treating determines both the intensity of laser settings and the number of sessions you’ll need, which together shape your total investment.
For fine lines, texture issues, and enlarged pores, a lighter fractional treatment usually works well. Expect two to three sessions at $850 to $1,200 each, for a total of roughly $1,700 to $3,600. Deeper concerns like etched wrinkles around the mouth or moderate acne scarring call for a more aggressive approach, typically one to two sessions of deeper resurfacing at $1,300 to $2,800 each. Total cost for these concerns usually lands between $1,300 and $5,000.
Acne scarring on the cheeks and temples follows a similar pattern: one to two sessions of deeper fractional CO2, spaced about six months apart to allow full healing between treatments. Neck and chest crepiness requires a more conservative approach because skin off the face is thinner and heals differently. Two to three sessions are common, bringing the total for face, neck, and chest to $3,000 to $6,900 depending on the settings used.
Where You Live Changes the Price Significantly
Geographic location creates some of the widest price swings. In major metro areas, the cost of real estate, staffing, and overhead gets passed along to patients. In smaller markets, the same technology can cost half as much per session.
- New York City: $800 to $1,500 per session
- Los Angeles: $700 to $1,400 per session
- Chicago: $650 to $1,200 per session
- Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Phoenix: $450 to $900 per session
- Smaller regional cities: $400 to $700 per session
- Rural areas: $350 to $600 per session
These ranges reflect non-ablative and lighter fractional treatments. Deeper ablative CO2 sessions in major cities can push well above $2,000 per session.
Consultation Fees and Hidden Costs
Many clinics charge a consultation fee for cosmetic procedures, commonly around $250. Policies vary on whether this gets credited toward your treatment. Some providers waive the fee entirely if you proceed with treatment the same day. Others credit it toward treatment within a set window, often three months. A few charge it as a flat fee regardless. It’s worth asking about this upfront so you’re not surprised.
Beyond the consultation, ask whether the quoted session price includes numbing cream, post-treatment skincare products, or follow-up visits. Some clinics bundle these in, while others charge separately. Clinics that offer multi-session packages typically discount the per-session price by 10 to 20%, which can save a few hundred dollars over the course of treatment.
Insurance and Financing Options
Fractional laser resurfacing is considered elective and cosmetic, so insurance does not cover it in most cases. There are exceptions: if the treatment addresses precancerous skin lesions or certain types of scarring from injury or surgery, insurance may cover part of the cost. You’d need prior authorization and documentation from your provider.
For out-of-pocket costs, many clinics offer financing through third-party companies that let you split the total into monthly payments. Some providers also run their own in-house payment plans. If you’re looking at a $3,000 to $5,000 total treatment plan, financing can make it more manageable, though interest rates vary and promotional zero-interest periods typically last six to twelve months.
Getting the Most Accurate Quote
Online price ranges are useful for budgeting, but the only way to get an accurate number is an in-person evaluation. Your skin type, the depth of your concern, and the specific laser platform a clinic uses all affect the treatment plan and final cost. Two clinics in the same city might quote different prices because they’re recommending different laser technologies or different numbers of sessions. When comparing quotes, look at the projected total cost across all recommended sessions rather than just the per-session price. A cheaper per-session rate that requires four visits can easily cost more than a higher-priced treatment that gets the job done in one or two.