Honest laser treatment cost experience
Spent $5000 on Laser Treatments – Here’s What Happened
I’m gonna be totally honest with you – when I first started looking into laser treatments, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. Five thousand dollars later, I’ve got some serious lessons to share about what really happens when you go down this rabbit hole.
It all started about eighteen months ago when I caught myself avoiding mirrors. You know that feeling? When you’re walking past a storefront window and you literally turn your head the other way because you don’t want to see your reflection. That was me, dealing with acne scarring that had been haunting me since my teenage years and some sun damage that made me look older than I felt.
What Made Me Consider Laser Treatments in the First Place
The breaking point came during a video call with my college friends. We were all laughing and having a great time, but when I saw myself in that little square on my screen, I couldn’t focus on anything else. The texture of my skin looked so rough, and those ice pick scars on my cheeks were casting shadows that made everything look worse.
I’d tried everything else, I swear. Chemical peels, microneedling, expensive serums that promised the world but delivered maybe a slight improvement. My dermatologist had been gentle about suggesting laser treatments for years, but I kept putting it off because of the cost and, honestly, I was scared it would hurt like hell.
The final straw was my cousin’s wedding. I spent more money on makeup trying to cover everything up than I care to admit, but in all the photos, you could still see the texture issues. That’s when I decided enough was enough.
Types of Laser Treatments I Researched (And Why I Got Overwhelmed)
Holy moly, there are so many different types of laser treatments out there. When I started researching, my head was spinning. You’ve got fractional lasers, ablative lasers, non-ablative lasers, IPL (which technically isn’t even a laser), CO2 lasers, Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant… the list goes on and on.
I spent weeks reading reviews on RealSelf, watching YouTube videos, and basically becoming a part-time expert on laser skin resurfacing. Here’s what I learned about the main categories:
Ablative lasers basically vaporize the top layers of your skin. Think CO2 and Erbium lasers. These are the heavy hitters that give dramatic results but require serious downtime. We’re talking about looking like a tomato for weeks.
Non-ablative lasers work by heating up the deeper layers of skin without damaging the surface. These include treatments like Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant. Less downtime, but you need multiple sessions and the results are more gradual.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) targets pigmentation and broken capillaries. It’s great for sun damage and redness but won’t do much for textural issues like acne scars.
The more I researched, the more confused I got. Every clinic I consulted with recommended something different, and the price quotes were all over the map.
My Consultation Process (And Red Flags I Should Have Noticed)
The first place I went to was one of those med spa chains. The “nurse practitioner” who consulted with me looked like she was maybe twenty-two years old, and when I asked about her experience with laser treatments, she got all vague. Red flag number one that I completely ignored because they were offering a package deal that seemed too good to pass up.
I ended up consulting with five different providers over the course of two months. This was probably overkill, but I’m the type of person who researches restaurants for thirty minutes before ordering takeout, so you can imagine how thorough I was with this.
The second consultation was with a plastic surgeon who had amazing before-and-after photos but quoted me almost eight thousand dollars for what he called a “comprehensive treatment plan.” When I asked if we could start with something less aggressive, he basically said it would be a waste of time and money. Red flag number two.
The third place felt like a used car lot. The salesperson – and I say salesperson because that’s basically what she was – kept pushing me to sign up for multiple treatments that day to get a discount. She was like, “This price is only good today,” and I’m thinking, lady, this is my face we’re talking about, not a new car.
The fourth consultation was with a dermatologist who actually took time to examine my skin properly and explain what realistic results would look like. She was honest about the fact that my deep acne scars might not completely disappear and that I’d need multiple sessions. I appreciated the honesty, but her prices were on the higher end.
The fifth place ended up being where I decided to go. It was a medical spa run by a board-certified dermatologist, and the nurse practitioner who would be doing my treatments had been there for eight years. The consultation felt thorough, they used this cool imaging system to show me what was happening under my skin, and their pricing was reasonable for what they were offering.
What I Actually Ended Up Getting (And How Much Each Treatment Cost)
After all that research, I decided to start with a series of Fraxel Dual treatments. The plan was to do four sessions spaced about six weeks apart, with each session costing $1,200. So right off the bat, I was looking at $4,800 just for the main treatments.
But here’s where costs start adding up that nobody tells you about. They recommended I start using a specific vitamin C serum and tretinoin to prep my skin, which ran me about $150. Then there were the post-treatment healing products – a special cleanser, barrier cream, and sunscreen that they insisted I use – another $200.
I also ended up adding on one IPL session between my third and fourth Fraxel treatments to address some stubborn brown spots. That was an additional $400.
So my grand total? Exactly $5,550. Yeah, I went over my original budget, but at that point I was committed to seeing the process through.
My Treatment Experience: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
Let me start with the pain level because I know that’s what everyone wants to know. They numbed my face with topical anesthetic about 45 minutes before each treatment, but I’m not gonna lie – it still hurt. It feels like someone snapping a rubber band against your skin repeatedly, but the rubber band is on fire.
The worst part wasn’t even the laser itself though. It was the smell. When the laser hits your skin, it creates this burning smell that’s… well, it’s the smell of your own skin being vaporized. Super pleasant, right?
Each treatment took about 30-45 minutes depending on how much area they were covering. My face was completely red and swollen afterward – think severe sunburn meets bee sting. The first time, I looked so rough that my roommate asked if I needed to go to the emergency room.
The healing process was honestly worse than the treatment itself. For the first three days after each session, my skin would weep (gross, I know) and form these crusty patches. I had to sleep on my back, couldn’t wash my face normally, and looked like I’d been in a fight.
By day five, the crusts would start flaking off, and underneath was new, pink skin that was incredibly sensitive. I’m talking about sunscreen every two hours, avoiding all active ingredients, and basically living like a vampire for two weeks after each treatment. And my friend took a different approach she is Paula’s Choice BHA
The Results: Month by Month Breakdown
After Treatment #1 (Month 1):
Honestly? I was disappointed. Once all the redness faded, my skin looked pretty much the same. Maybe slightly smoother, but nothing dramatic. I started second-guessing my decision and wondering if I’d just thrown $1,200 down the drain.
After Treatment #2 (Month 3):
This is when I started seeing real changes. The surface texture of my skin was noticeably smoother, and some of the smaller acne scars were definitely less pronounced. My skin tone was more even, and I found myself reaching for concealer less often.
After Treatment #3 (Month 5):
Now we were getting somewhere. The improvement was significant enough that people started commenting on how good my skin looked. The deep ice pick scars were still there, but they were shallower. My skin had this healthy glow that I hadn’t seen in years.
After Treatment #4 (Month 7):
The final result exceeded my expectations in some ways and fell short in others. My skin texture was dramatically improved – probably 70% better than when I started. The rolling scars on my cheeks were much less noticeable, and my overall skin tone was more even.
However, those deep ice pick scars I mentioned? They were improved but still visible. My provider had warned me about this, but I’d been secretly hoping for a miracle.
What Nobody Tells You About Laser Treatments
There are so many things I wish someone had told me before I started this journey. First off, your skin gets worse before it gets better. Way worse. I’m talking about looking like you’ve been attacked by an angry cat for the first week after each treatment.
The healing process is unpredictable. My first treatment healed beautifully with minimal complications. My second treatment? I developed these weird white spots that took three months to fade. My provider said this happens sometimes and it’s usually temporary, but those were the longest three months of my life.
You can’t work out for at least a week after each treatment. Sweating can cause complications and slow healing. As someone who uses the gym as stress relief, this was harder than I expected.
Your skin becomes incredibly photosensitive. I’m talking about getting sunburned through SPF 50 on a cloudy day. I had to completely change my lifestyle – no more long walks during lunch, no more outdoor dining, and I became that person with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses everywhere.
The results aren’t permanent. This was a big shock to me. Your skin continues aging, and sun damage can return if you’re not religious about sun protection. Many people need touch-up treatments every few years.
Unexpected Side Effects I Experienced
Most of the side effects I experienced were temporary, but they were still concerning when they happened. About two weeks after my third treatment, I developed what looked like tiny white bumps all over the treated area. I freaked out and called the clinic immediately.
Turns out these were milia – basically tiny cysts that can form when your skin is healing. They’re harmless but look awful. The nurse practitioner had to extract them manually, which was uncomfortable and added an extra $200 to my bill.
I also experienced some temporary hyperpigmentation, which is ironic since I was trying to improve my skin tone. About a month after my second treatment, certain areas of my face became darker than the surrounding skin. This lasted for about two months before gradually fading.
The weirdest side effect was sensitivity to certain products. Ingredients I’d used for years suddenly started causing irritation. I had to completely overhaul my skincare routine and avoid anything with fragrance, alcohol, or strong actives for months.
The Financial Reality: Was It Worth $5000?
Let’s talk money because that’s what this is really about. Five thousand dollars is a lot of cash. For perspective, that’s a decent used car, a luxury vacation, or a significant chunk of an emergency fund.
When I break down the cost per treatment, it comes out to about $1,100 per session when you factor in all the extras. Compared to the average costs I found online – around $450 for Clear + Brilliant and $975-$1,264 for Fraxel treatments – I was paying a premium, but I was also getting comprehensive care and aftercare support.
The opportunity cost is real though. That money could have been invested, used for home improvements, or saved for other goals. I had to ask myself: was the improvement in my confidence and quality of life worth $5,000?
For me, the answer ended up being yes, but it took time to get there. The immediate results weren’t worth it. The six-month results were getting there. The one-year results, after everything had fully healed and settled, made it worthwhile.
Who Should (And Shouldn’t) Consider Laser Treatments
Based on my experience and what I’ve learned, laser treatments aren’t for everyone. You should seriously consider them if you have realistic expectations, can afford the treatments without going into debt, have moderate to severe skin concerns that haven’t responded to other treatments, and can commit to the aftercare and sun protection required.
You should probably skip laser treatments if you’re expecting miracles, have very dark skin (higher risk of pigmentation issues), are pregnant or nursing, have active acne or infections, can’t take time off work for healing, or are looking for a quick fix.
Age matters too. If you’re in your early twenties with minor skin concerns, you might want to try less aggressive treatments first. If you’re in your forties or fifties with significant sun damage and aging concerns, lasers can be incredibly effective.
Your lifestyle is a huge factor. If you work outdoors, play outdoor sports, or spend a lot of time in the sun, maintaining laser results is going to be challenging. If you can’t commit to daily SPF 30+ sunscreen for the rest of your life, don’t bother with laser treatments.
The Maintenance Reality (What They Don’t Tell You)
Here’s something that shocked me: laser treatments aren’t a one-and-done deal. About eighteen months after my final treatment, I started noticing that some of my results were fading. Not dramatically, but enough to be noticeable.
My provider explained that while laser treatments can stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, they don’t stop the aging process. Environmental damage, natural aging, and lifestyle factors all continue to affect your skin.
I’ve ended up going back for single maintenance treatments about once a year. These are less intensive than the original series and cost around $800 each. When I factor in these ongoing costs, my five-year investment in laser treatments is going to be closer to $9,000.
The daily maintenance is also more involved than I expected. I have to use medical-grade skincare products, which are more expensive than drugstore options. My monthly skincare budget went from about $50 to $150, and that’s not including the quarterly professional treatments I now get.
Alternative Treatments I Wish I’d Tried First
Looking back, I probably should have exhausted some less expensive options before jumping into laser treatments. Professional microneedling sessions might have given me 60% of the results for 30% of the cost.
Chemical peels, when done professionally and in a series, can be quite effective for certain skin concerns. I did try a few light peels before lasers, but I never committed to a full series of medium-depth peels.
Radiofrequency treatments like Thermage or Ultherapy might have been worth exploring for skin tightening concerns. These aren’t cheap, but they’re often less expensive than laser series.
Even prescription treatments like tretinoin, when used consistently for six months to a year, can create significant improvements in skin texture and tone. The cost would have been under $200 for an entire year of treatment.
My Current Skincare Routine (Post-Laser)
My skincare routine had to completely change after laser treatments. I now use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser every morning and evening. No more harsh scrubs or daily exfoliation – my laser-treated skin is much more sensitive than it used to be.
I use a vitamin C serum every morning under my sunscreen. This was recommended to help maintain the brightening effects of the laser treatments and provide antioxidant protection.
My evening routine includes tretinoin (prescription retinoid) three times a week, with a gentle moisturizing serum on the other nights. I had to work up to this slowly because my skin became much more sensitive to active ingredients.
The most important part of my routine is sunscreen. I use SPF 50 every single day, even when I’m staying inside, and reapply every two hours when I’m out. I also wear a wide-brimmed hat whenever I’m going to be outside for more than a few minutes.
Real Talk: The Emotional Journey
The physical changes were just part of the story. The emotional ups and downs of this process were intense and something I wasn’t prepared for.
The first few weeks were rough because I looked worse than when I started. I questioned whether I’d made a huge mistake and wasted a lot of money on something that was making me look terrible.
There were days when I’d stare in the mirror trying to convince myself I could see improvement when honestly, there wasn’t much to see yet. The healing process is slow, and patience isn’t exactly my strong suit.
Around month four, when the results started becoming obvious, I experienced this weird guilt about spending so much money on my appearance. Society has all these mixed messages about self-care versus vanity, and I definitely struggled with that.
But by the end of the process, I felt more confident than I had in years. Not because my skin was perfect – it wasn’t – but because I’d taken action to address something that had been bothering me for so long.
Where to Get Laser Treatments (And How to Choose)
The provider you choose makes all the difference. I learned this the hard way by almost going with that first med spa chain I mentioned.
Look for board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons who own or oversee the practice. The person doing your actual treatment should be a licensed nurse practitioner or physician assistant with specific training in laser treatments.
Ask to see before-and-after photos of patients with similar skin types and concerns. If they can’t show you examples of their work, that’s a red flag.
Get multiple consultations and don’t let anyone pressure you into signing up the same day. Legitimate providers will give you time to think about your decision.
Ask about their policy for complications or unsatisfactory results. Do they offer touch-up treatments? What happens if you experience side effects?
Current Deals and Financing Options
Most medical spas and dermatology practices offer package deals if you commit to multiple treatments upfront. I saved about $600 by paying for all four treatments at once instead of paying per session.
Many practices also offer financing through companies like CareCredit, which can spread the cost over 12-24 months with low or no interest if you qualify.
Some practices offer seasonal promotions, especially during slower months like January and February. If you’re not in a hurry, it might be worth waiting for these deals.
My Final Verdict: Would I Do It Again?
After all the pain, money, and time invested, would I make the same choice? Honestly, yes, but with some modifications.
I would have started with less aggressive treatments first to see how my skin responded. Maybe a series of professional microneedling or chemical peels before jumping into laser treatments.
I would have budgeted for the maintenance treatments from the beginning instead of being surprised by the ongoing costs.
I would have taken more time off work for the healing process. Trying to attend video calls with a face full of scabs was not my finest moment.
Most importantly, I would have managed my expectations better. Laser treatments improved my skin significantly, but they didn’t give me the poreless, flawless skin I’d been dreaming of.
The confidence boost has been worth the investment, even though it took almost a year to fully appreciate the results. My skin isn’t perfect, but it’s dramatically better than it was, and I no longer avoid mirrors or feel self-conscious in photos.
Key Takeaways for Anyone Considering Laser Treatment
If you’re thinking about laser treatments, here are the most important things to keep in mind:Budget for more than just the treatments themselves. Factor in pre-treatment products, post-treatment care, potential complication treatments, and ongoing maintenance.
The healing process is no joke. Plan for at least a week of looking pretty rough after each treatment, and don’t schedule anything important during that time.
Results take time. Don’t expect to see major improvements until after your second or third treatment, and final results can take up to six months to fully appear.
Sun protection becomes a lifestyle, not just a recommendation. If you can’t commit to daily sunscreen and sun avoidance, don’t bother with laser treatments.Choose your provider carefully. This isn’t the time to bargain hunt or go with the cheapest option. Your face is worth the investment in a qualified, experienced provider.