Dr Baines and his team at the Crescent Clinic are now offering the latest treatment for skin rejuvenation - TIXEL.

What is it?

TIXEL gives extraordinary results in treating a wide range of conditions. TIXEL uses thermo-mechanical ablation technology (TMA) to provide anti-aging improvements to the skin tone and texture, giving it a radiant and youthful appearance. TIXEL delivers results that are comparable to deep skin peels and intensive laser treatments, with much less downtime, less pain and faster recovery times.

TIXEL treatment is ideal for those seeking smoother, more radiant and revitalised looking skin, but who are worried about downtime. The added benefit is that it continues to deliver results that improve over time and can last for several years (as it is your own collagen that produces the effects).

What is it for?

✓ Skin tightening, to improve skin tone and texture

✓ Skin rejuvenation (facial skin, neck and décolletage)

✓ Acne and acne scarring

✓ Lines and wrinkles

✓ Eye lift, for sagging eyelids or eyebags

✓ Uneven pigmentation and melasma

✓ Rosacea

✓ Stretch marks

How it works

TIXEL uses a small heated metal plate of multiple tiny heated cones. This is passed over the face and neck delivering short bursts of heat energy directly to the skin’s surface, without damaging deeper skin tissues. This stimulates collagen production, which in turn tightens the skin.

TIXEL offers 3 levels of treatment: “full ablative”, “medium ablative” and “open channel”.

The following videos show the Tixel treatment in progress.

**Full Ablative* Treatment:**

Both full and medium ablative treatment are ideal for skin tightening and scar treatment. At this highest level, results are comparable to those of a fractional CO2 laser resurfacing treatment or deep chemical peel, with just one session. Recovery time can vary, and for 2-3 days the skin can be pink and small micro crusts will develop. Make-up can be worn 48 hours after treatment to cover this. We recommend a couple of days off work post treatment.

Medium Ablative* treatment:

This level can achieve the same skin tightening results as the full ablative level however it will require more sessions. The recovery time is less with normal activities resuming within 24 hours. Post care treatment is the same as full ablative treatment.

* Results of a course of ablative and sub-ablative treatment can last several years as it is your own collagen that produces the effects. A course of 3-6 treatments is recommended.

“Open-Channel” treatment:

An Open Channel treatment is the lightest treatment level. The heat applied to the skin creates “channels” in the upper layer of the skin. This increases the porosity of the skin to help in the absorption of topical medicines (known as mesotherapy) which targets conditions such as melasma, hyperpigmentation, rosacea and skin laxity (lack of tightness). There is minimal downtime and you can return to normal activities the next day. Make-up can be used the same day to hide any redness, however it is preferable not to.

What can I expect during the treatment?

Anaesthetic cream can be applied for 30 minutes beforehand if required (however this is not necessary for Open Channel treatments). Your skin will first be cleansed and prepared by our Clinic Nurse. A grid may may be marked on your face in white pencil for the Nurse to work in sections. The machine is hand held with the metal plate passing directly onto the skin for a fraction of a second, delivering a short burst of heat, within each section of the grid until the whole treatment area has been covered. Treatment time is usually 30-60 minutes.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on the treatment mode and the individual. Full Ablative sessions achieve results faster than Medium Ablative treatments. Some people start to see results after just one treatment, however for best results the recommended treatment is a course of 3-6 sessions spaced ideally 4-6 weeks apart, with a treatment every 6 or 12 months thereafter. Open Channel treatments can be performed every 2-4 weeks.

Side effects and downtime

This will depend on the level of your treatment. Your skin may feel tight, warm and slightly sensitive, as if you have been in the sun, with some mild swelling and redness 24-72 hours post treatment. For the Full and Medium Ablative treatments your skin can remain pink to red for 2-3 days and a light brown micro crust will form for 7-10 days. For the lower intensity Open Channel treatment you will be able to return to normal activity the following day. TIXEL around the mouth may trigger cold sores, this can be treated as you would normally treat an outbreak.

How do I know which treatment to have?

Dr Baines will fully explore the treatment options during your initial consultation appointment and advise you on the best treatment plan based on your skin condition, skin type, the result you would like to achieve.

Aftercare?

You must avoid touching the treatment area, to minimise infection. You must not rub or pick at any micro-crusts as this could cause scarring or hyperpigmentation. These micro-crusts will lift away naturally by day 10.

Full Ablative and Medium Ablative treatments: Use Clinisept to clean your skin and pat area dry. Emollient such as Obaji Hydrate can be applied 4 hours after the treatment and every 6 hours thereafter. Avoid all active skin care products such as retinol, vitamin C, hydroquinine, salicylic acid and exfoliant face washes for 7 days post treatment. For the first 48 hours you should avoid the sun and wear a physical barrier to protect your skin such as a wide rimmed hat and glasses. After 48 hours it is very important to apply a high factor sun cream daily for at least 6 months post treatment. Your skin will glow after a week and tighten in 6 weeks.

Open Channel treatment: If using a mesotherapy treatment, apply regularly during the 6 hours post treatment (wash hands prior to application). Sunscreen SPF 30-50 may be applied to the treated area 6 hours after treatment. Make-up can be worn 6 hours following treatment, however it is preferable to leave your skin clean. Avoid all active skin care products such as retinol, vitamin C, hydroquinine, salicylic acid and exfoliant face washes for 7 days after the treatment.

Cost of Treatment:

The cost of a treatment will depend on the level of treatment, (whether Full Ablative, Medium Ablative or Open Channel) and the size of the area to be treated. For example, a full face Open Channel treatment starts from £350; to treat the area the size of the face with ablative treatment will vary according to the strength of the treatment from around £500 (Medium Ablative) to £750 (Full Ablative).