Aesthetic medicine is full of technologies for tightening and resurfacing the skin. Physicians worldwide frequently use laser (light energy), ultrasound (sound energy) and radiofrequency (electromagnetic energy) to refresh their patients’ complexions without surgery. These treatments work by harnessing one of nature’s most powerful forces — heat — to stimulate new collagen growth and cellular renewal.
Now, there is a new way to use heat to remodel the skin. The Tixel fractional rejuvenation treatment combines heat and motion to deliver smoother, firmer and brighter skin. Tixel produces results that are similar to deep chemical peels and intense fractional CO2 laser treatments, with less discomfort and faster recovery times.
Tixel is powered by proprietary Thermo-Mechanical Action (TMA) technology. The handpiece features a medical-grade titanium tip with 81 tiny, needle-like pyramids. The pyramids heat to 400 degrees Celsius, similar to the temperature of a laser treatment. As the tip moves forward, it makes brief contact with the skin at the “point” of the pyramids without breaking the skin. Heat transfers from the tip to the skin, creating small channels in the tissue.
The Tixel treatment is fractional, meaning it creates a matrix of small channels or micro-injuries with untreated skin in between. This is the same technology used by fractional CO2 laser systems. Fractional rejuvenation treatments have reduced downtime, discomfort, and complications compared to procedures that treat all the skin at once.
The foundational principle behind Tixel is similar to microneedling or Dermafrac. By creating tiny injuries in the skin, these treatments trigger a natural healing response to stimulate new collagen and elastin growth. These are the proteins that keep our skin strong and flexible. The wound-healing process also involves increased production of the growth factors that assist in new skin tissue formation. Together, these natural changes restore fresher, tighter, smoother and more radiant skin in the treatment area.
Tixel is a versatile system that can help improve a range of conditions, including:
The channels opened in the skin can also be used to improve the delivery of products, such as serums for anti-ageing or lightning agents for melasma treatment.
Tixel can treat multiple body areas, including the face, neck, décolleté and backs of the hands. Unlike a laser treatment, Tixel is safe to use on the eyelids, tear troughs and periorbital areas for a nonsurgical eyelid lift or wrinkle reduction. Protective eyewear is not needed during the procedure.
The Tixel system has three modes:
The Tixel procedure itself is relatively quick. A typical full-face treatment takes about 15 to 30 minutes. When anaesthetic cream is used, it is applied 20 to 30 minutes before the treatment to take effect.
During the Tixel procedure, the metal tip of the handpiece is applied to the skin for a fraction of a second. In these short spans, bursts of heat hit the skin until the whole treatment area is covered.
Some areas of skin are more delicate than others, and every patient has his or own pain threshold. You will feel the touch of the device against your skin and a heating sensation, but it should not be intolerable. Topical anaesthetic can be applied before your treatment to minimise any discomfort.
Downtime expectations depend on the treatment mode used. After a Tixel procedure, your skin may be swollen and red and may feel hot and tingly, as though you have a sunburn. These effects can last for a few hours or a few days, depending on treatment intensity. Sunscreen is recommended to shield your sensitive skin from UV damage.
After a few days, your skin will develop tiny scabs over the treated area. Avoid touching or picking at the scabs; allow them to fall off naturally. You should not experience the peeling or blistering that can occur after a chemical peel or fractional CO2 laser treatment. You can apply makeup (ideally mineral makeup) after 48 hours. You may resume your regular routine as soon as you feel comfortable with your appearance.
Results can be seen as little as a week after a Tixel treatment, when the scabs have gone and any residual swelling or redness has resolved. The damaged skin surface slowly heals, resulting in visibly clearer and more youthful-looking skin. Depending on the area that was treated, you can expect:
Results continue to improve over several weeks as the elevated production of collagen and elastin kicks in.
As a general rule, ablative treatments deliver results faster than non-ablative treatments. Some patients may achieve their goals after just one Tixel treatment. However, a course of three to six Tixel sessions spaced four to six weeks apart is often recommended for optimal results.
The benefits of a Tixel treatment can last for one to two years. Your skin continues to age normally, so you may decide to have maintenance treatments as needed to maintain the improvements in your complexion.
Kaya Cosmedica brings the latest and most advanced nonsurgical aesthetic treatments to Melbourne. We offer only premium, evidence-based devices and products to ensure the highest levels of safety and efficacy for our patients. Under Dr Parvin Khinda’s care, every patient receives an intelligent and individualised approach focusing on skin health and soft, natural facial rejuvenation.
For more information about Tixel, please book a consultation.
