- Tixel is a non-laser, fractional ablative rejuvenation technology which resurfaces the skin in a safe and non-invasive way.
- Ideal for skin issues such as acne scarring, sun damage, fine lines and crepey skin around the eyes.
What’s on this page
Medically reviewed by Lorcan Sheppard BSc MBBS FRCA, Chief Medical Officer for The Private Clinic.
Last Reviewed July 3rd 2023
Related Treatments
Tixel
Tixel uses heat energy which is based on thermos-mechanical ablation (TMA) to tighten and resurface the skin.
There are a wide variety of treatments available now that use all sorts of technology from ultrasound to radiofrequency and lasers.
Tixel is a relatively simple treatment that only relies on heat. Like other similar treatments, it works to create micro trauma to the skin which stimulates the skin’s healing process. This process causes more collagen and elastin to be produced which helps the skin to become fresher, tighter, and smoother.
What is Tixel used for?
Tixel can be used to treat a wide variety of skin conditions including:
- Acne Scarring
- Pigmentation / Sun Damage
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Crepey skin around the eyes
Types of Tixel treatment
Tixel has three unique applications making it a customisable treatment. When you come in for your consultation, our experts can help to tailor this treatment to meet the needs of your skin.
- Ablative Treatment – Tixel ablative treatment is the most intensive treatment and is best used on skin that requires skin tightening and scar treatment. Ablative tixel treatment will involve a period of downtime.
- Non-Ablative Treatment – Tixel non-ablative treatment is a great alternative to tixel ablative that can achieve the same great results, but more treatments will be required. This is a great option for patients who do not want downtime from a tixel ablative treatment.
- Open Channel Treatment – Tixel open channel treatment is a great treatment that creates channels in the skin causing it to become more porous and receptive of topical serums. This option is best for patients who have pigmentation or acne-prone skin.
In some cases, a combination of ablative and open channel treatment may be recommended to provide the patients with maximum results. A more detailed treatment plan will be provided following your skin assessment consultation.
Benefits of Tixel
- Quick and simple treatment
- Can deliver amazing results
- You can pick your downtime
- Minimal pain and discomfort
- No needles
- No lasers
Tixel at a glance
Procedure Time
15 – 30 mins
Downtime
7 days
Final Results
4 – 6 weeks
No. of Treatments
3 Treatments
Results Last
1 – 2 years
If Tixel treatment isn’t an option for you, we can tailor an alternative treatment plan to address your skin concerns that is suitable to your skin type and tone.
Ask us a question
What to Expect
The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of people placing their trust in us each year. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a personalised service. We have a team of friendly nurses and expert surgeons who understand the importance of this decision and will support you throughout your journey with us.
Tixel Treatment
When arriving at the clinic for tixel treatment, firstly anaesthetic cream will be applied to the face.
Tixel uses pure heat energy to create a controlled evaporation of tissue. It is comparable to fractitional CO2 laser treatment but with less downtime.
The tixel applicator tip is made up of 81 titanium, bio-compatible and sterile pyramid shaped tips which covers an area of just 1cm². This precise tip size means that the treatment is able to pin-point and target the exact areas requiring treatment, including sensitive areas around the eyes and mouth.
When the tip is applied to the skin, fractional technology is used to transfer controlled thermal energy to the skin which will be varied depending on the type of treatment being performed and the type of skin condition being treated.
Tixel Aftercare
A big advantage of Tixel is that you get to choose your downtime. Gentler treatments such as non-ablative tixel treatment will cause minimal downtime in comparison to a more aggressive tixel ablative treatment.
The skin on the area treated can feel hot for a couple of hours following treatment, like you have been sunburnt. It is recommended that strong sun protection is applied to the skin daily following treatment for at least 3 weeks – but ideally, sun protection should be worn daily as part of your skincare routine.
You will be advised on the best aftercare products to use by your practitioner at your consultation and after your treatment.
If having Tixel Ablative treatment, then there will be a period of downtime that usually lasts for up to a week.
Skin is likely to be red and swollen for 1-2 days following treatment. Micro crusting / scabbing may then appear on the areas treated which can take 4-5 days to clear.
Patients should not expect to peel or blister following tixel treatment.
Make-up can be worn 48 hours following treatment, but we recommend minimal usage initially in order to achieve the best results from treatment.
Tixel Results
Many patients will see a difference to their skin after 1 treatment, but a course of treatment may be recommended.
Results are best seen 4-6 weeks following treatment.
FAQs
Pre-treatment information for Tixel will be provided during your consultation.
It is important that your skin is not tanned when you arrive for your Tixel treatment. You must also cleanse your face so it is make-up free and allow 2 weeks between having an injectable treatment and Tixel.
We treat patients on a case-by-case basis so the number of treatments required will depend on their skin concerns and their desired outcome.
On average, we recommend that patients have 3 treatments, and these should ideally be performed 1 month apart.
Tixel treatment takes around 15-30 minutes to treat an entire face. Patients are asked to arrive 30 minutes in advance to have their anaesthetic cream applied.
Topical anaesthetic will be applied to the areas being treated to help make the treatment more comfortable. During the treatment, the skin may feel hot or stingy. Our practitioners will be on-hand to ensure you are feeling happy and comfortable throughout treatment.
The skin may continue to feel hot like it has been sunburnt in the hours following treatment.
Your skin following Tixel treatment is likely to be red for at least an hour after treatment but this can last for the remainder of the day before gradually reducing over 24-72 hours. Stronger ablative treatments may cause minor swelling and skin crusting in the days following treatment.
Recommended aftercare advice will be given after each treatment to help to achieve the best results possible and to minimise complications.
The results from Tixel include a smoother and tighter appearance to the skin. Whilst the results are long-lasting after a course of treatment – there is no guarantee that the results are permanent as the skin will continue to age and any sun damage to the skin may alter the results.
Tixel is a very safe and effective treatment but, like all of our treatments, will have a number of potential side-effects or risks.
Patients may experience skin sensitivity, redness and discomfort following treatment. If ablative treatment was performed then skin swelling may also occur and minor crusting may appear in the days following treatment.
Many patients are able to see the results once the skin as healed a week after treatment. We recommend waiting until 4-6 weeks to see the best results. A course of treatment may also be recommended for the best results.
The results from Tixel treatment are long lasting with many still seeing results 1-2 years following treatment.
Tixel does not stop ageing, but it will give your skin a boost and to help pro-long the results, a good skincare regime is recommended including daily use of SPF.
Can I have a shower after Tixel?
It is advised that patients wait 6 hours before applying water or any topical creams to the face following tixel treatment.
It is also best to avoid particular hot and steamy baths or showers for three days.
Tixel is not a laser treatment. It instead uses thermo-mechanical (TMA) technology to create small channels into the skin. Heat is applied directly to the skin at a high temperature that stimulates new collagen to form and improve skin quality.
Tixel is Available in these Clinics
Why Choose The Private Clinic
- Expert medical practitioners with years of experience.
- State of the art medical facilities, all registered by the CQC (Care Quality Commission).
- Our innovative treatment choice means you will be offered the most advanced minimally invasive treatment options.
- When it comes to non-surgical treatments we always strive to give you little to no downtime, so you can get back to enjoying life.
Meet our Medical Experts
RGN
BIRMINGHAM
London
