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Advanced Resurfacing in Our QUAD A-Accredited Facility

Laser resurfacing requires precise settings and careful patient selection. At our practice, every Helix Fusion protocol is overseen by Dr. Sonya J. Merriman, a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience. Our certified laser practitioners perform treatments in our state-licensed, Medicare-certified, QUAD A-accredited facility.

What Is Helix Fusion?

Helix Fusion is a resurfacing protocol performed with the Helix laser, made by the Italian manufacturer DEKA and distributed in the U.S. by Cartessa Aesthetics. According to the American Med Spa Association, Helix combines fractional ablative CO2 and non-ablative technologies in one device, adding a 1570 nm fiber laser that can be used alone or in combination with CO2.

The CO2 laser vaporizes microscopic columns of damaged surface skin. The 1570 nm laser heats deeper tissue without removing the surface, stimulating new collagen. Fusion mixes both energies in a single treatment, using the sequential and alternating modes that let providers tailor ablative and non-ablative resurfacing to each patient.

That combination is what makes Fusion unique. Patients get surface renewal from CO2 and deeper collagen stimulation from a non-ablative laser. Because the treatment is fractional, healthy skin around each treated column speeds recovery. A review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology explains that fractional resurfacing is more effective than non-ablative treatment alone, with faster recovery than fully ablative resurfacing.

Benefits of Helix Fusion

Helix Fusion addresses several signs of aging and damage at once. Benefits include:

  • Softened fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improved texture and smaller-looking pores
  • Reduced appearance of acne scars and other scarring
  • Faded sun damage and uneven pigmentation
  • Firmer-looking skin as collagen rebuilds
  • Settings customized to each area and concern
  • Less downtime than traditional fully ablative CO2 resurfacing
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Are You a Candidate for Helix Fusion?

Good candidates for Helix Fusion are adults with moderate wrinkles, sun damage, uneven texture, or acne scarring who want more change than a light laser can provide. Many patients choose Fusion when Moxi or CoolPeel no longer gives the result they want.

Candidates should be in good health and able to protect their skin from the sun during healing. Every laser carries some risk of pigment changes, especially in darker skin tones, so your practitioner will evaluate your skin type carefully. Active infections, pregnancy, recent use of certain acne medications, and a history of poor wound healing may affect eligibility.

What to Expect With Helix Fusion

Your Consultation and the Cost of Helix Fusion

Your consultation includes a skin assessment, a review of your medical history, and a discussion of your goals. Your practitioner will explain whether Fusion or another Helix protocol best suits your skin. Helix Fusion cost depends on the treatment area and the number of sessions. You will receive pre-treatment instructions, which may include pausing certain skincare products and avoiding sun exposure.

The Helix Fusion Treatment

A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment. Your practitioner will then pass the Helix handpiece across the area, adjusting depth and density for each zone.You will also get a hand held cooling device to help keep you comfortable as the laser passes over your skin. Patients typically feel heat and a prickling sensation. Allow extra appointment time for numbing before the laser portion begins.

Helix Fusion Recovery and Results

Expect redness, warmth, and swelling for the first few days, similar to a strong sunburn. Skin then darkens slightly and flakes as treated tissue is replaced. The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery notes that fractionated treatment speeds healing and reduces complications compared with treating the full skin surface. Gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and strict sun protection are essential during healing.

Skin looks smoother and brighter once flaking ends. Collagen continues to rebuild for several months, so results improve gradually. According to the ASLMS, results from ablative resurfacing can be seen after one treatment, while lighter non-ablative treatments often require a series.

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Helix Protocols: CoolPeel vs. Sultra vs. Fusion

The Helix laser offers three treatment protocols, so treatment can be matched to your skin and schedule:

  • CoolPeel: A light CO2 treatment for surface texture and tone with minimal downtime. See our CoolPeel page.
  • Sultra: A non-ablative 1570 nm treatment that heats deeper layers to stimulate collagen without removing the surface.
  • Fusion: A blend of CO2 and 1570 nm energy for the most comprehensive results of the three.

Your practitioner will recommend the protocol that fits your goals and the downtime you can plan for.

Why choose Dr. Merriman's Team for Helix Fusion in Valdosta, GA?

Choosing an experienced team matters most with deeper resurfacing. Dr. Merriman is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and has performed more than 15,000 procedures. She founded our practice in 1992.

Our senior laser practitioner, Ashli Scruggs, FNP-C, and our licensed aestheticians are certified on the technologies they use. Patients travel from Tifton, Waycross, and Albany for our surgeon-led approach. Because we also offer surgical facial rejuvenation, our team can tell you honestly when a laser will help and when another option fits better.

Alternatives to Helix Fusion

Other options at our practice address similar concerns:

  • Moxi for gentle brightening with little downtime
  • Virtue RF microneedling for texture, scars, and firmness
  • BBL BroadBand Light for sun spots and redness
  • Facelift or neck lift with Dr. Merriman for significant skin laxity, which no laser can fully correct
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Helix Fusion FAQ

How Is Helix Fusion Different From Microneedling?

Helix Fusion is a laser treatment. Microneedling uses tiny needles, and RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy. Fusion resurfaces the skin with CO2 and 1570 nm laser energy.

How Many Helix Fusion Treatments Will I Need?

Many patients see strong results from one session. Deeper scarring or wrinkles may need more. Your practitioner will recommend a plan.

Is Helix Fusion Painful?

Numbing cream keeps most patients comfortable. You may feel heat and prickling during treatment and warmth for several hours afterward.

Can Helix Fusion Treat Acne Scars?

Yes. According to the ASLMS, patients can expect improvement in texture, wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation after laser resurfacing. Results depend on the type and depth of the scars.

What Are the Risks of Helix Fusion?

Common effects include redness, swelling, and flaking. Possible risks include changes in pigmentation, infection, cold sore outbreaks, and, rarely, scarring. A peer-reviewed review notes that ablative fractional lasers carry a higher risk of side effects than non-ablative lasers, especially in darker skin types.

Schedule Your Helix Fusion Consultation

If you are ready for smoother, more even skin, call Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta at (229) 471-0525 to book your consultation for Helix Fusion in Valdosta, GA.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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