The TIXEL is a treatment that uses Thermal Energy to target the surface of the skin. The heat is delivered through a Titanium plate and the settings can be varied to provide a number of applications as a stand alone treatment or in combination with topical skin products.
We chose to add the TIXEL to our range of equipment because it is a low downtime procedure that can target areas that are otherwise difficult to treat. It is especially suited to fine lines around the eyes including the eyelids and delicate skin areas such as the chest and neck. The TIXEL can also be used in the enhanced delivery of topical products through the skin to improve results in treating skin conditions such as Melasma.
The TIXEL applies a high temperature to the skin through what is called Thermo-Mechanical Ablation (TMA) technology. A small 1 cm square Titanium plate that consists of a matrix of 81 tiny pyramid shaped pins is applied to the skin’s surface in a stamping pattern at a precisely controlled speed. The pins deliver thermal energy at very high temperature (400 degrees Celsius) in brief millisecond pulses in what we call a fractional mode which means small zones are treated surrounded by normal skin. Fractional treatments minimise skin reaction and complications and improve healing times compared to treating all the skin at once.
The high temperature heat that is transferred into the skin results in the controlled formation of tiny micropores in the upper layers of the skin because of water evaporation. The micropores not only stimulate a collagen response which improves skin quality, but they provide channels for the enhanced absorption of topical products applied to the skins surface.
The TIXEL can improve fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture as well as reduce pore size. Acne scars can be treated and it is a great option for general rejuvenation not only on the face but also neck, chest and backs of hands.
All skin types can be treated and unlike Lasers the TIXEL does not require the use of protective eyewear as it is not light-based. This also means it is possible to safely treat very close to the eye. There is no skin bleeding with the TIXEL and the high temperature of the pins makes it a sterile procedure.
The TIXEL provides an effective but not aggressive treatment that sits between the results of non-ablative and ablative Laser procedures. The settings on the TIXEL are adjustable in depth of penetration into the skin and the duration of the tip in the skin. This allows us to tailor treatments to the skin condition being treated, skin type of the patient and downtime that is acceptable.
At low power settings there is no pain and no downtime. At high settings we do use topical anaesthetic cream and there can be some skin reaction for 3-4 days. However the skin reaction is much less after TIXEL than with ablative Lasers such as the C02 because the pure heat that is applied through the TIXEL avoids the burns, carbonisation of the skin and wound that occurs with ablative Lasers.
Most patients having TIXEL require no specific skin preparation other than not being tanned in the area to be treated and not wearing any makeup at the time of treatment. For very dark skin types, if we plan to use higher settings, we may recommend some skin preparation with Vitamin A for 4-6 weeks before treatment.
Immediately after treatment a special serum is applied to the skin but no cold pack as it can reduce the thermal benefits of the TIXEL treatment. A mild sunburn feeling for 2-3 hours after a TIXEL treatment is expected. Some redness and swelling is common for 1-2 days and the level of reaction varies with the intensity of the treatment. At higher settings complete healing can take up to 4 days with mainly some flaking and redness for 2-4 days. Small microcrusts like tiny cat scratches can also sometimes form which last for several days.
In the 6 hours after treatment it is important that you avoid touching, scratching or washing the treated area as well as avoid exposure to dust or driving with an open window.
In the first 24 hours after treatment avoid swimming or sports involving heavy sweating and exposure to heat (sauna, hot showers) and skincare products (especially Vitamin A and C and acids). The next day after treatment mineral makeup can be applied if necessary. We recommend LYCOGEL which is a breathable makeup.
Before and after images are presented purely as a reference point of the results that can be achieved. Everyone is unique and outcomes will vary and realistic expectations need to be discussed on a case by case basis.
Got questions? Or ready to book in? Contact our experienced and friendly team to start your journey to healthy skin with us.