How Much Does CO2 Laser Resurfacing Cost in the UK?

As a rough guide, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing in the UK typically costs from a few hundred pounds for a small area such as around the eyes to roughly £300–£1,500 per full-face session, with central London clinics often charging more. Total cost depends on the area, depth, number of sessions and what is included.

Those ranges are wide for a reason. Two treatments both described as “CO2 laser” can differ enormously in the device used, how deeply the skin is treated, who carries out the procedure and how much aftercare is built in. This guide explains what you are actually paying for, so you can compare quotes like for like and choose on value and safety rather than headline price alone.

How much does CO2 laser resurfacing cost in the UK?

The figures below are typical ranges advertised by UK clinics in 2026. They are a rough guide to the market, not Skin Anatomy’s prices, and they change over time.

Our own starting prices are listed on the Skin Anatomy price guide and are confirmed after a free consultation, once we know exactly what your skin needs.

Why do CO2 laser prices vary so much?

Fractional versus fully ablative CO2: why is there a price gap?

Traditional, fully ablative CO2 resurfacing removes the entire outer layer of skin. It can produce dramatic changes, but it usually involves sedation or general anaesthetic, a surgical setting and a recovery measured in weeks, which is why it costs so much more.

Fractional CO2, which is what we offer at Skin Anatomy, treats the skin in an array of microscopic channels and leaves the skin between them intact to speed healing. Our SmartXEL laser adds a second, deeper pulse to stimulate new collagen. It is carried out with topical numbing cream in clinic, and most people resume normal activities after one to two days, although the skin looks red and then flaky for about a week. Our day-by-day recovery guide explains exactly what that week looks like.

Should I budget for one session or a course?

Think in terms of cost per result rather than cost per session. For general skin rejuvenation, one to two sessions often achieve the result clients want. For acne scars and surgical scars, three to five sessions are usually recommended, spaced several weeks apart. A cheaper session that is too light to make a real difference can end up costing more overall than a properly planned course.

It is also worth factoring in the less obvious costs:

• Downtime: a few days when you may prefer not to be seen in person or on video calls.
• Sun protection: daily SPF50 for at least three months after treatment.
• Aftercare products: gentle cleansers and moisturisers while the skin renews.
• Maintenance: results are long-lasting, but skin continues to age naturally, and some people choose an occasional top-up.

What should be included in the price?

When you compare quotes, ask each clinic the same questions:

What are the red flags of a very cheap CO2 laser deal?

Lower prices are not automatically a problem, but be cautious if you notice any of the following:

• No face-to-face consultation, or treatment offered on the same day without a medical history.
• Vague answers about who performs the treatment or which device is used.
• Pressure to pay today or “limited time” discounts that rush your decision.
• No discussion of downtime, pigmentation risk or who is not suitable.
• Before and after photos that are clearly not the clinic’s own work.
• Promises of perfect or certain results. Honest clinics explain that results vary.
• No written aftercare and no way to reach the clinic during recovery.

Problems such as burns, infection or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be distressing and costly to correct, which is why a slightly higher price for a careful, well-equipped practitioner is often the better investment. For broader advice, the NHS guidance on cosmetic procedures is worth reading before you commit anywhere, and our guide to choosing a safe aesthetic clinic in Nottinghamshire covers the checks we would make ourselves.

Is CO2 laser resurfacing available on the NHS?

Laser resurfacing for cosmetic reasons, such as fine lines, sun damage or improving skin texture, is not usually available on the NHS. If you have a scar or skin condition that is affecting your health, speak to your GP, who can advise whether any NHS treatment is appropriate.

How is CO2 laser priced at Skin Anatomy?

We keep it straightforward. Our price guide shows starting prices by area, and every CO2 treatment begins with a free consultation where we assess your skin, discuss your goals, explain how many sessions we would recommend and confirm your price before anything is booked. There is no obligation to go ahead.

We use the SmartXEL double-pulse fractional CO2 laser, numb the skin with topical anaesthetic, use effective skin cooling, and brief you thoroughly on downtime and aftercare. Many clients travel to our Southwell clinic from Newark-on-Trent, Nottingham and Mansfield, and find that combining a careful consultation with a realistic plan gives them far better value than chasing the lowest price.

Book a free CO2 laser consultation in Southwell

If you would like to know what CO2 laser would cost for your skin, and whether it is the right treatment for you, book a free consultation at 17 Queen Street, Southwell. You can also read more about CO2 laser skin resurfacing before your visit.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Price ranges are a rough guide to the UK market at the time of writing and are not Skin Anatomy’s prices. Individual results vary. Treatments at Skin Anatomy are available to adults aged 18 and over.