Fractional treatment of aging skin with Tixel, a clinical and histological evaluation

Abstract

Objective: This study presents clinical results of Tixel, a new fractional skin resurfacing system based on thermo-mechanical ablation technology. Tixel employs a hot (400°C) metallic tip consisting of 81 pyramids. Treatment is performed by rapidly advancing the tip to the skin for a preset tip–skin contact duration. Thermal energy transfer to the skin creates micro-craters by evaporation. Methods: Treatment results with tip types, D and S, with high and low thermal conductivity, were evaluated. Twenty-six subjects received three facial treatments, with 4–5-week intervals between treatments, without analgesia or cooling. In addition, histopathologies of Tixel and CO₂ laser were performed. Results: Crater properties are related to contact duration and to thermal conductivity. The D tip created char-free ablative craters 100–320 μm wide with a thermal zone 100–170 μm deep. The S tip created non-ablative coagulation preserving the epidermis. Skin complexion improvement was achieved in all subjects; average treatment pain of 3.1/10, downtime of 0–1 days, and erythema clearance of 3.5 days. Subject's satisfaction was 75% and wrinkle attenuation was achieved in 75% of the cases. There was no incidence of bleeding, scarring, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Conclusions: Tixel may be used safely for ablative and non-ablative resurfacing with low pain, low downtime, and quick healing.

Key Words::

• ablation
• fractional
• resurfacing
• skin rejuvenation
• thermal model

Declaration of interest: All authors state lack of conflict of interest. The authors may be compensated in the future with company options.