Tixel®

Tixel, a groundbreaking technology that offers similar results to CO₂ fractional skin resurfacing, can address various skin imperfections while minimising the potential risks, downtime and discomfort associated with traditional methods.

Tixel is an innovative approach to skin resurfacing and offers a more comfortable experience for the patient, with decreased downtime in comparison to traditional fractional skin resurfacing procedures.

Distributed by Device Consulting, Tixel employs thermo-mechanical technology which transfers heat energy fractionally to the skin through a matrix of tiny pyramid-shaped titanium tips. Instead of using laser, RF, ultrasound or plasma, Tixel applies pure, direct heat to the skin’s surface for a fraction of a second, gently evaporating micro-channels into the skin to stimulate collagen production. The creation of these open channels also enables effective delivery of drugs/vitamins/ peptides/exosomes to the dermis to further enhance results and customise treatment.

As the contact made with the skin is so short, the treatment is typically much more comfortable compared with other resurfacing and skin tightening treatments. Its mechanism of action, which essentially seals off the injured epidermis, means recovery time and risk of associated side effects can be reduced.

Treatment is efficient, with a full face taking as little as 20 minutes, and suitable for all skin types.

Another advantage of Tixel is its ability to treat the eyelids directly without the need for intraocular shields, offering an efficient and efficacious treatment for drooping eyelids.

The unique design of the handpiece allows for precise control and adjustable energy levels, ensuring a reliable and reproducible treatment tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

Q&A with
Dr Tom Parmakellis

Cosmetic Physician,
LookFresh Cosmetic Medicine, Sydney

How long have you used Tixel and how does it differ from other fractional skin resurfacing technologies?

We have had Tixel for just over 6 months. It’s a novel device that ablates the epidermal layers via a titanium pyramid structure, which seals the injured epidermis and allows for less downtime than CO₂ laser ablation. The downtime can be minimal to moderate, depending on the parameters used. Most patients have minimal downtime, with the microcrusts that form taking 3-5 days to disappear.

In your experience, what are the key advantages of Tixel?

Less downtime, minimal discomfort, well tolerated and great results equivalent to CO₂ skin resurfacing with several sessions (3-5).

Can it be used on delicate skin, such as periorbital area and neck?

Tixel is very well tolerated in these areas and is something we have total confidence in treating, whereas I would be very reluctant to use other fractional skin resurfacing devices on these areas.

How is Tixel able to provide minimal pain/discomfort and downtime?

The heat allows the skin injury to be sealed off, like spot welding, so there is no ooze or serous exudate as occurs with CO₂ resurfacing.

Patients find it very tolerable, even around the eyelid skin, and most resume normal duties by day three.

Can you customise intensity of treatment for different patient needs?

Absolutely. By increasing the depth of penetration and increasing the length of time that the platinum pyramids contact the skin, you can cause considerable thermal injury with precision and reproducability. This can reproduce CO₂ laser-type treatments. Going the other extreme, you can be very gentle in more sensitive patients and have no downtime at all. The balancing act of creating a reasonable thermal injury with minimal downtime is easy to achieve with protocols provided by the manufacturer.

What are patients saying about Tixel treatment?

Our patients and staff are loving the results. We finally have something that successfully targets skin laxity, crepey skin and textural changes as well as sun damage and age spots. Seborrhoeic keratosis and actinic keratosis are also easily removed. The biggest success is in the patient results. Our before and afters are quite impressive.

Is it easy to use and delegable?

Tixel is a very easy to use device. I do believe that medical oversight is essential with dosing adjustments and dealing with the infrequent but occasional transient complications. In my clinic, my dermal therapist does all the actual hands-on treatments.

How does Tixel perform in terms of profitability and ROI?

For our practice, it has the highest return of any device we have purchased over the years. The device is extremely reliable. The support from Device Consulting’s clinical, service and marketing team and in particular, Judith Booker, is top tier. The only consumables are the shots on the handpiece, which are minimal compared to some other devices I have. A full face treatment costs less than $80 for consumables and we charge $990 for a single full face treatment.

We have already paid for our device within the first 6 months of purchase – it is the only device that has paid itself off in 6 months and requires minimal input from myself. Delegating this treatment to my dermal therapist allows me to earn income by performing other procedures.

Why would you recommend Tixel to other practitioners?

Great results, patient satisfaction is very high, and the downtime is very well tolerated and accepted. The return on the investment is very high. AMP