Tixel is an innovative medical device for skin rejuvenation. It utilises cutting edge technology – a unique Thermo Mechanical Ablation technique which combines heat and motion to create tiny microchannels in the skin. These channels stimulate collagen production resulting in improvements in skin texture, tone and firmness. These channels can also be utilised to deliver vitamins/medications into the skin to enhance results. Tixel is renowned for its versatility in addressing concerns like skin crepiness, wrinkles, scars and age spots. It offers a faster recovery period compared to traditional ablative procedures
Tixel is both non-ablative and ablative fractional skin rejuvenation system powered by proprietary Thermo-Mechanical Action (TMA) technology. The handpiece features a medical-grade biocompatible titanium plate with 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 causing dehydration points 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.
Thermal energy is transferred to the skin using the hot titanium plate which triggers 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 lightening 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. Typically, the use of topical numbing is not required with majority of the treatment however, if anaesthetic cream is used, it is applied 20 to 30 minutes before the treatment to take effect.
During the Tixel procedure, the handpiece with the titanium plate is in contact with the skin for a fraction of a second. In these short spans, the thermal energy transfers to the skin. The handpiece is then placed to cover the full treatment area.
Some areas of skin are more delicate than others, and every patient has his or her own pain threshold. You will feel the touch of the device against your skin and a heating sensation, which at most instances is tolerable. However, 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 may develop flaking/peeling or micro-crusting over the treated area. Avoid touching or picking at the micro-crustings; 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.
For ablative and non-ablative mode, a course of three to six Tixel sessions spaced four to six weeks apart is often recommended for optimal results.
For Open Channel mode, three to six sessions are advised with an interval of 2-4 weeks apart.
The benefits of a Tixel treatment can last for one to two years. Your skin continues to age normally, so we recommend having maintenance treatments as advised by your treating practitioner to maintain the improvements in your complexion.
Kaya Cosmedica brings the latest and most advanced nonsurgical aesthetic treatments to Melbourne. We offer safe, evidence-based devices and products to ensure the highest levels of safety and efficacy for our patients.
For more information about Tixel, please book a consultation.
