Laser Skin Resurfacing Costs in the UK
Laser skin resurfacing uses focused light beams to remove damaged outer layers and stimulate collagen, smoothing fine lines, acne scars, and sun damage. UK clinics offer fractional lasers (minimal downtime) and ablative CO2 lasers (deeper results, longer recovery), so pricing reflects the technology, treatment area, and practitioner expertise.
⚡ Appointments typically include consultation, patch testing, numbing cream, laser passes, and post-treatment cooling. Expect follow-up reviews to monitor healing and adjust settings if you book multiple sessions. Many clinics pair resurfacing with LED therapy or hydrating facials to speed recovery.
If you prefer gentler options, compare our guides to chemical peels and Hydrafacial treatments for non-invasive texture improvements.
How Much is Laser Skin Resurfacing in the UK?
Fractional laser (face, minimal downtime): £200 to £450 at clinics like Dr. David Jack Clinic Harley Street or DestinationSkin Leeds.
Full-face ablative CO2 laser: £800 to £1 200 at EF Medispa Chelsea or SkinCeuticals SkinLab Covent Garden, including numbing and follow-up care.
Neck or décolletage resurfacing: £350 to £650 depending on laser type and clinic location.
Multi-session packages (3–5 treatments): £1 500 to £3 200 for fractional courses, often with LED therapy and skincare included.
Combined face + neck packages: £1 800 to £3 500 for comprehensive resurfacing plans.
Regional Price Differences in the UK
London (Central): Prices in Knightsbridge, Mayfair, or Harley Street typically run 30–40% higher due to premium rents, medical oversight, and advanced laser systems. Expect to pay £350 to £1 200 for fractional treatments and £1 200 to £1 800 for full ablative CO2 sessions.
Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds: Major cities outside London offer competitive pricing, usually £250 to £850 for fractional lasers and £900 to £1 100 for ablative treatments, representing savings of 25–35% compared to central London.
Smaller cities (Edinburgh, Cardiff, Newcastle): Regional clinics often charge £200 to £750 for fractional resurfacing and £800 to £1 000 for CO2 lasers, making treatments more accessible while maintaining quality standards and medical oversight.
Factors that Affect Laser Resurfacing Pricing
⚡ Laser technology
Fractional lasers (Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant) cost less than ablative CO2 systems because they require less downtime and simpler aftercare.
👩⚕️ Practitioner expertise
Consultant dermatologists or plastic surgeons charge more than aesthetic nurses, but their oversight reduces complication risks.
🎯 Treatment area
Full-face sessions cost more than spot treatments, while neck or décolletage add-ons increase total fees.
📅 Recovery support
Clinics providing post-treatment LED, hydrating facials, or prescription skincare include these in higher fees but improve healing outcomes.
🔬 Clinic equipment
Medical-grade lasers with cooling systems and precise depth control command premium pricing compared with older devices.
How to Save Money on Laser Skin Resurfacing
📦 Book multi-session packages
Three-session fractional courses reduce per-visit cost to around £500 instead of £650 when booked individually.
🕘 Choose off-peak appointments
Midweek slots sometimes include free LED therapy (worth £60) or discounted skincare bundles.
🎯 Start with fractional
Fractional lasers deliver good results with less downtime and cost than ablative CO2, making them ideal for first-time resurfacing.
🧴 Follow aftercare strictly
Using prescribed skincare and avoiding sun exposure prevents complications, reducing the need for corrective sessions.
FAQs
How long is downtime?
Fractional lasers cause 2–3 days of redness and flaking, while ablative CO2 requires 7–14 days of recovery with strict aftercare.
How many sessions do I need?
Fractional plans usually run 3–5 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, while ablative CO2 often delivers results in one session.
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
Fractional lasers are safer than ablative for deeper skin tones, but always consult a practitioner experienced with your Fitzpatrick type.
What should I avoid before treatment?
Stop retinol, glycolic acids, and sun exposure for 2 weeks pre-treatment to reduce complication risks.
Conclusion
Laser resurfacing costs range from £200 fractional sessions to £1 200 ablative CO2 treatments, with multi-session packages spanning £1 500 to £3 500. London prices run 30–40% higher than regional cities, so compare clinics, choose fractional for first-time treatments, and commit to strict aftercare so every laser pass delivers maximum texture improvement per pound spent. ✨
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Jane Smith |
| Am British, live in London (1985–present) |
