Laser skin resurfacing: Costs, Recovery, Stats & What to Expect — A Cosmetic Dermatology Guide
April 21, 2026 · by the Help Me Find A Doctor editorial team
Everything patients ask about laser skin resurfacing — how it works, who it's for, typical recovery, costs, risks, and how to choose the right cosmetic dermatology specialist. Fractional CO2 and erbium for sun damage, fine lines, and acne scars.
Lasers, injectables, and medical-grade skin treatments. Below: the procedures patients ask about most, the numbers that put the field in context, and the questions worth raising at a first consultation with a cosmetic dermatology specialist.
Top procedures & treatments
Laser skin resurfacing
Fractional CO2 and erbium for sun damage, fine lines, and acne scars.
Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify)
FDA-approved injectables that soften dynamic wrinkles; results last 3–6 months.
Hyaluronic-acid filler
Juvederm, Restylane, and RHA for lips, cheeks, tear troughs, and chin contouring.
Microneedling with PRP
Collagen induction therapy combined with platelet-rich plasma for tone and texture.
Body contouring (CoolSculpting, Emsculpt)
Non-surgical fat reduction and muscle stimulation for stubborn pockets.
By the numbers
- Botulinum toxin remains the #1 minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure with 9.5+ million treatments per year.
- Soft-tissue filler use has grown 70%+ over the past decade.
- Average new patient in cosmetic dermatology is now 36, down from 42 a decade ago.
How to choose the right specialist
Verify board certification, ask how many of your specific procedure the clinician performs each year, and review patient outcomes — not just star ratings. A cosmetic dermatology provider who clearly explains your options, the evidence, and the realistic recovery timeline is worth more than the most heavily advertised name.
Use our directory to filter cosmetic dermatology specialists by city, then bring this article (and the FAQ below) to your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Botox typically cost?
U.S. averages run $12–$20 per unit, with a forehead and crows-feet treatment using 40–60 units.
Is fractional CO2 safe for darker skin tones?
Yes when performed by an experienced provider using lower fluences and longer cooling intervals — many cosmetic dermatologists prefer non-ablative lasers and microneedling for Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin.
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