Tixel Experience
Alice Hart-Davis recently became one of our Tixel patients, not very long after it was introduced into our expansive device inventory, and wrote about her Tixel experience.
In a largely unregulated industry like cosmetic medicine, being open and honest about conditions, treatments, and wider aspects of care is imperative. This is why we place so much value on the reviews and feedback we receive from our clients, as well as articles that are written about the treatment options we offer and our amazing staff.
Tixel review
The Tixel uses heat energy through rods on the device to stimulate collagen production to improve a number of indications, including but not limited to wrinkles and fine lines, skin discolouration, uneven tone or texture, acne scars, and sun damage.
In Alice’s case, it was used to soften the appearance of crow’s feet and wrinkles around the eyes. (Note: this article has been edited for length and clarity.)
Tixel Experience : consultation
“ [Dr Tapan] shows me the device and points out that the rods on the device are made of titanium. There are 81 of them and they heat up to 400°c, at which point they will be lightly applied all around my eye area.
They can also be used across my eyelids, to give a mini eyelift effect. Wow. Part of my brain is fascinated. The other half is appalled: 400°c? That will hurt. That will burn. That will show.
‘Yes, it’s a light, controlled burn,’ says Dr Tapan. ‘Where the tip of each rod touches, it will burn away skin. But you have anaesthetic cream to dull the sensation and unlike a laser, where the heat spreads more widely, there is less risk of injury.
‘The burned spots produce collagen and elastin to repair the damage and rejuvenate the skin.’ ”
Tixel Experience : technical
“ This skin is thin in the first place, and, after menopause, collagen production tails off, meaning the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate itself is very limited.
As Dr Tapan described, damaging skin with Tixel’s hot rods has been shown in trials to stimulate the production of both collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm, and elastin, which gives skin its bounce, so should translate into firmer, springier skin around my eyes, and less obvious crow’s feet. ”
Tixel Experience : treatment
“ When it’s treatment time, I’m more than a bit apprehensive — 400°c is pretty damn hot. Dr Tapan marks out the treatment area with white lines of chinagraph pencil like a huge pair of goggles. Then he fires up the Tixel, warns me it will flash when it touches my skin, and we’re off.
I have to admit that, even with the anaesthetic cream and Dr Tapan’s zen-like couch-side manner, it stings. The one saving grace is that each sting is just a momentary flash of pain. It’s more agreeable than some lasers I’ve tried, which have a way of delivering a really biting pain just after the initial sting.
But after the patch under my lower lashes; the rest of the treatment is very comfortable. It doesn’t hurt half as much around my crow’s feet, and I can’t feel the bit above my eyebrows at all. Dr Tapan then lowers the temperature of the device, asks me to shut my eyes and works lightly across my eyelids.
I keep very, very still and it’s over before I can imagine holes being burned in my eyelids, and before I remember that I’m still wearing my contact lenses (to my amazement, they don’t melt, but it would have been better to take them out beforehand). ”
Tixel Experience : aftercare and results
“ [After treatment], he tells me to leave the area alone for the rest of the day and gives me a vial of high-strength vitamin C serum to help heal the skin — the tiny burn marks create channels into the skin, so products penetrate much better — and advises me to use lots of sunscreen. ”
“ Over the next fortnight, the skin heals up nicely, and my trusty magnifying mirror reveals that the area of treated skin is a good deal smoother and fresher-looking than the skin on my cheek, which wasn’t treated… The heavy hooding on my eyelids looks noticeably lighter and, yes, the crow’s feet are definitely reduced. To get the best results — which should last at least a year — will take three rounds of treatment, each a month apart. ”
Skin tightening consultation
You can find Alice’s full story here, and more information about the Tixel on our treatment page.
Alternatively, you can contact us on 0207 034 5999 or info@phiclinic.com.
Share