Tixel: A Multi-Purpose Skin Rejuvenation Treatment Now in Singapore

by Andy Cheng Director

For a long time, doctors have been using resurfacing lasers to improve appearance of the skin caused by sun damage, acne scars or other facial flaws. Although effective, the downtime and other side effects associated with laser treatments are aplenty.

What is Tixel?

Tixel is a technology developed by Novoxel to bring about a radical change in how doctors address a wide range of skin issues, including depressed acne scars and skin laxity.

Unlike other therapies that are currently available, Tixel is not a laser, radiofrequency, microneedling or ultrasound treatment. It works by using a thermo-mechanical ablative (TMA) technology, a non-laser fractional technology that transfers thermal heat from the tip of the handpiece to the skin.

The tip of the handpiece that makes contact with the skin is bio-compatible that is about 1cm² with an array of 81 pyramid-shaped pins made of titanium. When heated to about 400°C, the thermal energy gets quickly transferred from the apex of the pyramids to the skin in a fraction of a second, using a stamping motion.

How does Tixel work?

Depending the type of treatment, the machine can be programmed to determine the extent of energy transfer mainly by 2 components:

Tip’s exposure time with the skin between 5ms and 18ms; and
Protrusion to push the skin between 100µm and 1000 µm

These pins are not designed to perforate the skin so they are not sharp like a needle. It works by rapidly transferring thermal heat energy stored in the pins to the skin with a brief contact that lasts for a few milliseconds. The impact with the skin causes instant evaporation of moisture from the skin surface, resulting in formation of tiny micropores in the treated area.

Tixel has an added capability of opening tiny channels in the skin to allow increased absorption of skin care products and active ingredients such as Vitamin C or skin-lightening agents.

Differences between CO2 laser and Tixel

Both heat the skin up to about the same temperature to induce neocollagenesis and produce similar outcome on the skin. However, there are some key differences between both treatments.

CO2 laser treatment involves using a laser technology, so both the doctor and patient must wear protective eyewear during treatment.

As CO2 laser are ablative lasers that remove a thin superficial layer of the skin, it leaves the skin raw and red. During the post-laser recovery period, the skin may scab and become itchy. Without proper technique and post-treatment care, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and other risks may occur.

On the other hand, Tixel is not a laser device. The TMA technology merely transfers thermal heat to the skin in a fraction of a second.

As it does not perforate the skin, it reduces healing time and potential complications. At the same time, the impact and heat transfer result in new collagen formation by stimulating the skin’s natural healing process.

There are fewer side effects that are associated with CO2 lasers too. The skin may appear red for a few days after a Tixel treatment but it should resolve quickly in a few days.

What conditions can Tixel treat?

Tixel in Singapore comes in three modes: Non-ablative, ablative and open-channel.

Non-ablative function heats the skin in the upper dermis of the skin while protecting the superficial layer. This function is particularly useful to treat people with saggy skin. It is also suitable for people with darker skin tone.

Ablative function creates tiny channels on the skin to stimulate collagen production. As it is a more aggressive treatment, the downtime is likely to be longer.

Open channel is similar to the ablative mode, except that it creates permeable channels on the skin to allow skin care products to be absorbed into the skin more easily.

With the different functions, Tixel is most widely known for its best acne scar treatment. In addition, it can also treat a wide range of other skin conditions such as wrinkles and fine lines, pigmentation, sun damaged skin, depressed scars, stretch marks, ptosis, poor skin tone and texture.

Average cost of Tixel treatment in Singapore

Tixel treatment is less expensive as compared to CO2 lasers. Just like CO2 lasers, patients are encouraged to undergo at least 3 to 4 sessions to see visible results. With the repeated treatments, the savings for Tixel treatment can be substantial.

Hence, Tixel treatment is suitable for people who is on a budget.

Tixel Treatment Per Session	Estimated Cost in SGD
Part of the face	$300 to $400
Full face	$500 to $650
Full face and neck	$700 to $900

It is recommended to undergo this treatment at least once every 4 weeks. Tixel can also be combined with other treatments to increase efficacy and improve treatment outcome.