Fusion Treatment — Resurface, Rejuvenate, Radiate

Experience the next generation of skin rejuvenation with Fusion. Combining the advanced Helix CoolPeel with Sultra technology, this treatment delivers radiant results with minimal downtime and maximum skin refinement.

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CoolPeel, New & Improved

Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta proudly offers Fusion—our upgraded, signature CoolPeel treatment—because our mission is to deliver the most effective and elegant solutions for timeless beauty. Fusion reflects our philosophy: advanced, non-invasive care that rejuvenates your natural glow without compromising comfort or recovery time.

What Is the Fusion Treatment?

Fusion is an elevated skin resurfacing experience that combines CoolPeel—a CO₂-based ablative treatment—with Sultra, a non-ablative collagen-stimulating laser, both performed using the state-of-the-art Helix laser platform.  This innovative pairing allows us to deliver the power of fractional ablative and non-ablative energy in one session for brighter, smoother skin.

By blending the resurfacing effects of CoolPeel with the deep collagen activation of Sultra, Fusion amplifies results while remaining gentle on your skin barrier.

 Here’s how it works:

  • CoolPeel is known for precisely targeting and removing the superficial layers of damaged skin using high-peak-power short pulses of CO₂ energy. Unlike traditional CO₂ lasers, CoolPeel minimizes heat buildup, reducing downtime while still achieving impressive resurfacing results. It gently addresses fine lines, pigmentation, texture irregularities, and sun damage, leaving the skin polished and refreshed.
  • Sultra, on the other hand, works beneath the surface by using a 1570nm wavelength to deliver non-ablative thermal energy. This modality stimulates collagen production without creating visible injury to the skin. This gentle but powerful modality helps improve elasticity, firmness, and overall tone while accelerating healing.

Fusion Benefits

  • Refines skin tone and texture
  • Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
  • Enhances collagen production
  • Minimizes sun damage and age spots
  • Reduces pore size
  • Brightens dull or uneven skin
  • Improves firmness and elasticity
  • Customizable for all skin types
  • Requires little to no downtime
  • Safe for face, neck, décolleté, and hands
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Schedule a Consultation

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Are You a Good Candidate for Fusion?

You may be a strong candidate for this treatment if you:

  • Are in overall good health
  • Have no active skin infections or inflammatory conditions in the treatment area
  • Are not currently taking medications that increase photosensitivity or impair healing

Fusion is especially beneficial for individuals with:

  • Early signs of aging, including fine lines and mild to moderate wrinkles
  • Sun damage, hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin tone
  • Rough or coarse skin texture
  • Enlarged pores or oil-prone skin
  • Dull, fatigued, or crepey skin
  • Residual acne scarring or superficial scars
  • Mild skin laxity

Potential Contraindications

Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, undergoing radiation therapy, or who have a history of poor wound healing or keloid scarring may not be ideal candidates. During your personal consultation, Dr. Merriman will assess your medical history, skin type, and treatment goals to ensure Fusion is safe and appropriate for your needs.

Very professional. Excellent care! 1 to 10 rating, I would give this entire staff and Dr. Merriman a 10, hands down. We live 2 hours away, but coming here was the best decision. I am very pleased with my results.

Patient
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Why Choose Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta?

Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta is led by Dr. Sonya J. Merriman, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of surgical experience and more than 15,000 procedures performed. A trusted name throughout South Georgia and North Central Florida, Dr. Merriman is recognized for her meticulous technique, refined aesthetic judgment, and five-star RealSelf patient rating. She is a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. She holds dual surgical residencies, including one in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. Our boutique clinic is fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) and licensed by the state of Georgia, reflecting our unwavering commitment to safety, discretion, and excellence.

Cost of Fusion

Fusion treatment costs vary depending on the treatment area and the number of sessions. The average price is $1,425. During your consultation, we’ll provide a transparent quote and review payment options. Our team is here to help you make confident, informed decisions.

What to Expect During the Fusion Experience

The entire procedure typically takes under 30 minutes and does not require anesthesia, making it ideal for patients seeking a powerful refresh with minimal interruption to their day. Dr. Merriman or a trained specialist will use the Helix handpiece to combine CoolPeel's fractional CO₂ energy with Sultra's 1570nm non-ablative thermal energy. CoolPeel resurfaces the outer layer, while Sultra stimulates collagen and elastin regeneration from within. 

The laser is passed methodically over the skin in a controlled scanning pattern using Helix’s precision settings. You may feel warmth or mild tingling, especially in areas where the skin is thinner or more delicate. Because of Helix’s exclusive Pulse Shape Design™ (PSD) technology and ultra-short pulse durations, most patients describe the experience as quick, tolerable, and surprisingly relaxing, especially given the visible improvements it produces in tone, texture, and radiance.

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Recovery & Results

  • Post-treatment, your skin may appear slightly pink for 1–2 days—most redness fades within 24 hours
  • You can return to work or daily activities the next morning
  • Mineral-based makeup may be used after 24 hours, and gentle moisturizers are recommended to soothe and hydrate the skin
  • Results develop within 1–2 weeks and continue to improve over the next 2–3 months as collagen rebuilds
  • A series of treatments may be recommended for optimal long-term enhancement
  • Swelling is a common response to laser treatments, especially with the Fusion. Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling for the first 1–2 days, which typically starts to subside by days 4–5. This brief “social downtime” is completely normal and part of the body’s natural healing response.
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Alternative or Related Procedures

  • CoolPeel Only: Pure superficial resurfacing with minimal downtime.
  • Laser Skin Resurfacing: Deeper rejuvenation with longer recovery.
  • Microneedling with PRP: For collagen induction therapy.
  • Injectables (BOTOX®, Fillers): Complement laser treatments with volume and smoothing.
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Support Your Skin's Recovery with ( plated )™

For optimal recovery, we recommend using our physician-dispensed ( plated )™ skincare line. These products are formulated to support post-treatment healing and reduce inflammation.

  • ( plated )™ CALM is especially effective in speeding up the healing process.
  • ( plated )™ DAILY and ( plated )™ INTENSE are also excellent for maintaining skin health and hydration after laser procedures.

These products have been incredibly popular with our patients and are available for purchase in-office.

Our Patients Own Words

4.9 stars from 276 Google reviews

5 out of 5 stars

Very professional. Excellent care!

Very professional. Excellent care! 1 to 10 rating, I would give this entire staff and Dr. Merriman a 10, hands down. We live 2 hours away, but coming here was the best decision....

Very professional. Excellent care! 1 to 10 rating, I would give this entire staff and Dr. Merriman a 10, hands down. We live 2 hours away, but coming here was the best decision. I am very pleased with my results.

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5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely LOVE this place!!

Absolutely LOVE this place!! I’ve been coming here for over 10 years and recently moved to Tallahassee, Florida. However, that still does not stop me from seeing Dr. Merriman. T...

Absolutely LOVE this place!! I’ve been coming here for over 10 years and recently moved to Tallahassee, Florida. However, that still does not stop me from seeing Dr. Merriman. The entire staff is also absolutely professional, very thorough, and extremely warming so much so that it literally feels like a family. And you don’t get that very many places, so I will forever continue to come here and only here. And highly recommended !!!

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5 out of 5 stars

The staff was unbelievable, and Dr. Merriman was fantastic.

Having never been to a plastic surgeon before, I had no idea what to expect. I cannot express enough how impressed I was with the treatment I received. I was made to feel comfor...

Having never been to a plastic surgeon before, I had no idea what to expect. I cannot express enough how impressed I was with the treatment I received. I was made to feel comfortable the minute I walked in the door. The staff was unbelievable, and Dr. Merriman was fantastic. I was made to feel as if I had known them my entire life. The reason I give a 5-star rating is because I don't see a 10-star rating. lol. Thank you, ladies, so much for the service you provide and the manner in which you provide care.

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5 out of 5 stars

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office.

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office. The entire staff is welcoming & warm. I never feel self-conscious about anything, nor have I ever been made to feel af...

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office. The entire staff is welcoming & warm. I never feel self-conscious about anything, nor have I ever been made to feel afraid about asking questions. I literally drive 1.5 hours from home to see Pam, Ashli & Melanie for all my treatments. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!!

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5 out of 5 stars

I am very pleased with the results!!

I have been very pleased with all the services I receive at Sonya Merriman; everyone is so friendly and professional. I have had a light chemical peel, microneedling, and hydraf...

I have been very pleased with all the services I receive at Sonya Merriman; everyone is so friendly and professional. I have had a light chemical peel, microneedling, and hydrafacial by Amy, who is fantastic. She is extremely knowledgeable and provides suggestions to get the results I want without making me feel pressured or uncomfortable. I am very pleased with the results!!

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5 out of 5 stars

I had a great experience with my procedure!!!

I had a great experience with my procedure!!! This clinic loves its patients! The compassion that is shown is awesome! 🤩 Yes, indeed, I will be back! Excellent professionalism,...

I had a great experience with my procedure!!! This clinic loves its patients! The compassion that is shown is awesome! 🤩 Yes, indeed, I will be back! Excellent professionalism, dedication to patients, and you feel well taken care of from the first to the finish!

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5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office.

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office. I had my breast augmentation done a couple of days ago, and I couldn’t ask for a better experience than the one I had! Everyone in...

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office. I had my breast augmentation done a couple of days ago, and I couldn’t ask for a better experience than the one I had! Everyone in the office is absolutely fantastic, definitely feel like family once you leave. Liz was great at going over everything with me before my consultation. Dr. Sonya came in and talked to me for a good 20 minutes and explained to me the different implants, what she would do, etc., asked for her opinion on my size, and I felt completely comfortable!! Kelley was my nurse, and she was great!! She helped answer any questions my husband and I had before I went back. Also, Dr. Sonya’s husband was the anesthesiologist and was so kind! He’s the last person I remember talking to before I was out, haha. I love how they call and check on you after your surgery, and if there is anything you may need. My recovery so far has been absolutely amazing, and I couldn’t have done without their support and instructions on what to do after surgery. I highly recommend their office for everything ❤️ definitely will be back!

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5 out of 5 stars

I highly recommend their office.

I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman. I had breast augmentation six months ago (lift and implants). Initially, I felt appr...

I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman. I had breast augmentation six months ago (lift and implants). Initially, I felt apprehensive about the process. Fear of the unknown, I suppose. But at Valdosta Plastic Surgery, the process was laid out step-by-step. Everyone was kind, helpful, and made sure I received answers to any questions I may have. From the start, there were no surprises about costs or timelines. That was laid out nicely for me in the initial callback I received in response to my online consultation request. Dr. Merriman was sure to tell me about the risks and took the time during the initial office consultation to listen/look at my desired outcome. Again and again, I was reminded that if I had any questions, then I could reach out to Dr. Merriman directly after the surgery. They made me feel so comfortable that I reached out two times to ask a question. I received immediate responses. In the end, recovery was a piece of cake. Though Dr. Merriman will tell you that it is different for everyone. I thought the instructions I received for managing the recovery were spot on. It has now been 6 months since the surgery, and the outcome is better than everything I had hoped for. They are symmetrical, even, I have feelings in both nipples, and the size is exactly what I had hoped for. Interestingly, she used one size bigger than what was initially considered. I attribute that to Dr. Merriman's keen eye for aesthetics and high level of experience. She had seen what outcome I had envisioned, and during surgery, she fit me with the right size to achieve the look that I was hoping for. I am so glad that I decided on Valdosta Plastic Surgery. I highly recommend their office. I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman.

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5 out of 5 stars

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work.

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work. I couldn’t have asked for a better aesthetician. And Mrs. Carolyn is such a sweetheart, always makes me feel welcomed & co...

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work. I couldn’t have asked for a better aesthetician. And Mrs. Carolyn is such a sweetheart, always makes me feel welcomed & comfortable as soon as I walk in those doors. (The entire staff here makes you feel safe.) Although I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Merriman, she has a wonderful team & establishment built. I look forward to coming back every time and will 100% come here for any future work I plan on having done! ❤️❤️❤️

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5 out of 5 stars

I will never go anywhere else.

I will never go anywhere else. The staff at Plastic Surgery Associates make sure all of your needs are met and go above and beyond! I’ve never had a bad experience, and I know I...

I will never go anywhere else. The staff at Plastic Surgery Associates make sure all of your needs are met and go above and beyond! I’ve never had a bad experience, and I know I never will. They truly want to know their customers!

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Fusion Frequently Asked Questions

How many Fusion treatments will I need?

Many patients notice improvement after a single Fusion treatment. However, for more comprehensive rejuvenation, your provider may recommend a series of two to three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart based on your skin concerns and goals.

How is Fusion different from CoolPeel alone?

Fusion combines CoolPeel's superficial skin resurfacing with Sultra's deeper collagen stimulation, allowing it to improve both surface texture and underlying skin quality in a single treatment. This comprehensive approach provides more extensive rejuvenation than CoolPeel alone.

Will I peel after Fusion treatment?

Most patients experience only mild dryness or light flaking rather than significant peeling. Recovery is generally minimal, and many patients return to their normal activities the following day.

Is Fusion safe for darker skin tones?

Yes. The Helix laser's customizable treatment settings allow Fusion to be safely performed on a broad range of skin tones. During your consultation, your provider will evaluate your skin to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.

How long do Fusion results last?

Results often last six to twelve months or longer, depending on your skincare routine, sun protection habits, and the natural aging process. Periodic maintenance treatments can help extend your results.

Can Fusion treat the neck or chest?

Yes. In addition to the face, Fusion can safely treat the neck, décolleté, and hands to improve skin texture, tone, and overall signs of aging.

Do I need to stop my skincare products before treatment?

You may be asked to temporarily discontinue certain active skincare products, such as retinoids, for three to five days before your Fusion treatment. Your provider will give you detailed pre-treatment instructions during your consultation.

What if I've had previous laser or filler treatments?

Fusion is compatible with many previous cosmetic treatments, including lasers and dermal fillers. During your consultation, your provider will review your treatment history and create a personalized plan that safely incorporates your previous procedures.

Are there any risks with Fusion treatment?

Fusion is generally well tolerated, but as with any laser procedure, temporary redness, dryness, swelling, or skin sensitivity may occur. Your provider will use customized treatment settings and proven safety protocols to minimize risks while helping you achieve the best possible results.

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