Gentle Laser Care Overseen by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Every Moxi treatment at our practice follows protocols overseen by Dr. Sonya J. Merriman, a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Merriman founded Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta in 1992 and has more than 30 years of surgical experience. Our licensed aestheticians are certified laser practitioners trained on this specific technology. Treatments take place in our state-licensed, Medicare-certified, QUAD A-accredited facility.

What Is Moxi and How Does the 1927 nm Laser Work?

Moxi is a fractionated, non-ablative thulium laser made by Sciton. It uses a 1927 nm wavelength, and researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center describe it as a fractionated, nonablative 1927 nm thulium laser in their published study of the device.

Fractional means the laser treats thousands of microscopic columns of skin while leaving the tissue around each column intact. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, this approach lets skin heal much faster than if the entire area were treated. Non-ablative means the surface of the skin is not removed, so recovery is far easier than with traditional resurfacing.

Moxi stimulates the skin's natural renewal process. Damaged, pigmented cells are gradually shed and replaced with fresher skin, which is why Moxi is so effective for dullness and early sun spots.

Research supports this wavelength for pigment concerns. In a 2023 study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 27 patients with skin types I through IV received two Moxi treatments one month apart. Objective imaging showed statistically significant improvement in uneven pigmentation at both one and three months after treatment.

Benefits of Moxi Laser Treatment

Moxi appeals to patients who want visible improvement without stepping away from work or family. Benefits of Moxi include:

  • A brighter, more even complexion
  • Softened sun spots, freckles, and early brown spots
  • Smoother skin texture and a more refined look to pores
  • Little to no social downtime
  • Treatment of the face, neck, chest, hands, and other sun-exposed areas
  • A comfortable fit for ongoing skin maintenance
Banner media
Woman smiling and feeling her cheek

Are You a Candidate for Moxi?

Good candidates for Moxi are adults who notice early signs of sun damage, dullness, or uneven tone. Many patients in their 20s and 30s choose Moxi as "prejuvenation," a preventive approach that keeps skin healthy before deeper aging sets in. Patients in their 40s and beyond often use it to maintain results from other treatments.

Moxi may not be the best fit for deep wrinkles, significant skin laxity, or deep acne scarring. For those concerns, our team may recommend Helix Fusion, Virtue RF microneedling, or a surgical option with Dr. Merriman. Patients who are pregnant, have an active skin infection, or have recently tanned should discuss timing during their consultation.

What to Expect From Your Moxi Treatment

Your Moxi Consultation and Cost

Your Moxi experience starts with a one-on-one consultation at our Valdosta practice. Your laser practitioner will review your skin, medical history, current skincare routine, and goals. Moxi cost depends on the area treated, the number of sessions recommended, and whether Moxi is paired with another treatment. Our PSAV Perks membership and financing options can make a treatment series easier to plan.

The Moxi Treatment Experience

A topical numbing cream is applied first to keep you comfortable. Your practitioner then glides the Moxi handpiece across the treatment area in smooth passes. Most patients feel warmth and a light prickling sensation. Session length depends on the size of the area being treated, and your practitioner will tell you how long to plan for.

Moxi Recovery and Results Timeline

Most patients see mild redness for a few hours to a day. Over the next several days, treated skin may feel rough, like fine sandpaper, as tiny areas of darker pigment rise to the surface and flake away. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery notes that most patients can return to work right away after non-ablative laser treatment and can camouflage redness with skincare specific spf/mineral makeup.

Skin looks brighter and smoother within about a week. A series of three to four Moxi treatments spaced about four weeks apart typically produces the most noticeable change. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your results, and many patients schedule maintenance sessions to keep them.

Background media

Why Choose Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta for Moxi in Valdosta, GA?

Patients choose our practice because a board-certified plastic surgeon leads the entire team. Dr. Merriman has performed more than 15,000 procedures and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That surgical perspective shapes how our medspa evaluates skin and plans treatments.

Our all-female team includes Ashli Scruggs, FNP-C, our nurse practitioner and senior laser practitioner, along with licensed aestheticians Baylee Sims, Morgan Swader, and Eliza Bennett. Patients travel from Tifton, Waycross, Albany, and North Florida for that level of care. The practice holds a 4.9-star rating across 276 Google reviews.

Pairing Moxi With BBL BroadBand Light

Moxi pairs well with BBL BroadBand Light, Sciton's pulsed-light treatment. Moxi refreshes the surface and improves texture, while BBL targets brown spots and redness deeper in the skin. Researchers at UT Southwestern have studied combining BBL and Moxi treatments for diffuse pigmentation and texture. See our BBL page for details.

Alternatives to Moxi at Our Valdosta Medspa

Several other treatments at our practice address similar concerns at different depths:

Banner media

Moxi FAQ

How Many Moxi Treatments Will I Need?

Most patients benefit from three to four sessions spaced about four weeks apart. Your practitioner will tailor the plan to your skin.

Is Moxi Safe for Darker Skin Tones?

The published Moxi study included patients with skin types I through IV. Your practitioner will assess your skin type before recommending treatment.

Can Moxi Treat Areas Other Than the Face?

Yes. Moxi can treat the neck, chest, hands, and other areas affected by sun damage.

When Is the Best Time of Year for Moxi?

Moxi can be done year-round. Many patients prefer fall and winter, when sun exposure is lower during healing.

What Are the Risks of Moxi?

Side effects are usually mild and temporary, including redness, swelling, and a rough texture during healing. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, possible risks of non-ablative laser treatment include temporary lightening or darkening of the skin, infection, and, rarely, scarring.

Schedule Your Moxi Consultation in Valdosta

Ready for brighter, smoother skin with little downtime? Contact Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta at (229) 471-0525 to schedule your consultation for Moxi laser treatment 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.

Sources

Confidence starts with a conversation.

Meet with us and discover a clinic where we focus on creating natural-looking results in every procedure.

Contact us media
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Submit

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy(opens in a new tab) and Terms of Service(opens in a new tab) apply.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (229) 471-0525.
Contact Us