The Hot New Kid on the Block: An Intro to Tixel Skin Resurfacing

Most of our blogs focus on skin care you can do yourself at home, and it’s true that you can do wonders for your skin with over-the-counter products. But every so often, you might want something that gives your skin a stronger boost – professional skin treatments like chemical peels, laser treatments, microneedling, and so on. If you’re exploring your skin procedure options, you have to hear about one of the most advanced and unique treatments available: Tixel.

What Is Tixel?

Tixel is a skin resurfacing treatment – a treatment that’s designed to revitalize your skin at a comprehensive level to reduce issues like lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, and some acne scars. It’s not like other resurfacing treatments such as laser skin resurfacing, though. It uses a revolutionary new technology known as thermal-mechanical action or TMA. In fact, Tixel is the first and only skin resurfacing treatment using TMA. Our dermatologist, Dr. Amy Wolthoff, performs this treatment to help her patients with general anti-aging and other cosmetic concerns.

Why Does Tixel’s New Technology Matter?

Before we dive into the specifics of Tixel and how it works, I need to explain why this particular treatment is such a big deal and why it’s so exciting to self-admitted skin care and beauty nerds like me.

Resurfacing treatments are known for having phenomenal results, but they’re also known for being somewhat invasive and having risks. For example, one of the most prominent resurfacing procedures is laser skin resurfacing. Because of the way lasers work, though, they carry a higher risk for people with moderate to dark pigmented skin. For many people of color, lasers aren’t an option. In a similar vein, most resurfacing treatments shouldn’t be done on skin that has active acne, which is also limiting for a large number of people.

That isn’t the case with Tixel. Because of its advanced technology that isn’t light-based or invasive, Tixel is available for all skin types as well as people with pigmented skin and people with acne. This is a game-changer!

How Does Tixel Work?

Tixel uses a technology called thermal-mechanical action, which means that it combines targeted heat with precise and strategic motion. The device has a pyramid-shaped tip that sends warmth specifically into the deeper layers of your skin. This process stimulates your body’s natural healing response, which is to build more skin-firming and smoothing collagen in the area. A skilled provider like our own Dr. Amy Wolthoff will customize your treatment to address the specific areas and concerns you want to treat.

Unlike most resurfacing treatments, TMA allows Tixel to give you powerful results without breaking the surface of your skin – no needles, no bleeding. Because your surface skin stays intact, you have less recovery time and your healing is more discrete.

For best results, you’ll want a series of treatments. For anti-aging, the typical course is just three treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. You’ll also want one or two maintenance treatments in the year after your procedures. Keep in mind that everyone’s skin and needs are different, though, so your provider will recommend the best plan for you.

The Benefits of Tixel Skin Resurfacing

Tixel’s key goal is to give you a more youthful, revitalized look, so the most obvious benefit is the cosmetic improvement. There are several other benefits that set Tixel apart from other resurfacing treatments, though.

Patients love the lack of downtime with Tixel. Some resurfacing treatments could cause your skin to look scabbed or injured for as long as two weeks or more before you’ve healed enough that you’re comfortable going out in public. Because Tixel sends its targeted warmth into your skin without breaking the surface of your skin, there’s little or no visible healing so you don’t need to make plans to stay in. It’s recommended that you stay out of the sun for 24 hours and avoid heavy exercise, saunas or hot tubs, and topical products for those 24 hours, but you can jump right back into your social calendar after this time.

On top of the little downtime, Tixel is a treatment that comes with less discomfort than many resurfacing procedures. It’s well-tolerated by most patients, often without any topical numbing. Treatments are quick too, as little as 15 minutes in some cases, and Tixel can revitalize your skin in any area although the most common areas are the face, neck, and chest.

Can Tixel Get You Younger, More Beautiful Skin?

Tixel is one of those versatile skin care treatments that can address a wide range of cosmetic goals and can help nearly anyone’s skin. Ultimately, though, a knowledgeable provider needs to be the one to examine your skin and determine if Tixel is the best fit for you. Visit our dermatologist Dr. Amy Wolthoff to see if Tixel could be the next step in your skin care journey.