Tixel: What is it and how can it rejuvenate skin?
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Have you heard of Tixel Skin Rejuvenation?
Neither had we. But apparently, it’s just one of the newest tools in the pockets of aestheticians to provide more options than ever for our skin.
We got the lowdown from Dr Deanne Carr from Ogee Facial Rejuvenation.
What is it?
Tixel is a fractional skin treatment that uses something called thermo-mechanical ablation technology (TMA), a unique combination of heat and motion, to rejuvenate and resurface the skin. Tixel is a non-laser, non-surgical treatment.
So if it’s not a laser, how does it work?
Tixel is performed with a device tipped with 81 titanium pyramid-shaped pins arranged in a grid pattern. These titanium tips briefly heat the skin with thermal energy, creating tiny injuries.
These microwounds trigger your skin’s natural healing process and encourage collagen production, eventually tightening, smoothing and improving the look and feel of your skin.
Tixel delivers short-contact heating to contract and stimulate collagen.
How does it work? Can you walk us through a typical treatment?
At your appointment, the skin is cleaned, then a topical numbing cream is applied to the skin to alleviate any discomfort.
The Tixel handpiece is then passed over the skin’s surface. According to your goals, they’ll use one of three levels of treatment: full ablative, medium ablative and open channel, listed from most intensive to least.
During the procedure, you’ll feel a mild sensation of pressure and warmth; most people do not find Tixel to be painful. The process takes 20–30 minutes, depending on the size of the area.
Afterwards, the skin is cooled with a disinfectant spray and moisturiser is applied.
What are some of the potential benefits?
Tixel smooths wrinkles, including around the eyes. It can also tighten skin on the face and neck and stimulate collagen as well as potentially fade acne scars, age spots and melasma.
Who is a good candidate for Tixel?
Good candidates are healthy adults who wish to address skin aging or blemishes. It is safe for all skin types, including deeper skin tones.
Very mature skin (say, people in their 70s and beyond or skin that is sun-damaged) are less responsive to Tixel treatments, so it’s important to manage your expectations if you fall into that category.
Aftercare and downtime
After a Tixel session, you may experience redness, swelling, crusting and sensitivity, especially in the periorbital region (around the eyes). The healing process typically takes three or four days.
Please note this editorial does not constitute medical advice and you should always consult your GP before undergoing any aesthetic treatments.
