Tixel by Sentient

What is Tixel by Sentient? 

Steven F. Weiner, MD: Tixel by Sentient uses thermal mechanical action to perform a superficial skin treatment that uses heated plates. This leads to improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, reduces acne scars, improves crepiness in the skin and minor pigmentation and redness.

Tell us more about the mechanism of action.

Dr. Weiner: Tixel by Sentient delivers short bursts of thermal energy into the skin’s surface without damaging the deeper tissues. The heated plates have inverted pyramids on them, and the operator triggers the plate to barely touch the skin at anywhere from 8 to 16 milliseconds. There is very little discomfort with this procedure due to the very short contact duration. Since it is not a laser, Tixel by Sentient does not emit potential retinal damaging light. This enables the operator to get very close to the eye without having to use protective metal eye shields. Eye shields are not comfortable for the patient and are somewhat claustrophobic, which creates complete darkness and has some risk of scratching the eye. You eliminate that risk with the Tixel device.

How does Tixel by Sentient compare to other methods of periorbital rejuvenation?

Dr. Weiner: While the typical ablative lasers can have one month, even two to three months of redness, the downtime with Tixel by Sentient treatments, including redness and swelling, is very limited to a day or two. If you do three or four treatments with Tixel by Sentient you avoid the downtime and the redness but can get similar results to an ablative laser.

Who makes a good patient for this device?

Dr. Weiner: If they have fine lines and crepey skin around the eyes, patients are good candidates for Tixel by Sentient. Regardless of skin color, Tixel can be used as a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. The device can be adjusted to meet patient skin types. For patients who have significant eye bags, I would recommend surgery.

Any risks or side effects with Tixel by Sentient?

Dr. Weiner: The risks and side effects are minimal. You are going to get some mild swelling or redness for a maximum of one to two days. Sometimes it resolves by the morning following the procedure. If overly aggressive settings are used in darker skin, there can be pigmentation changes. This is easily reversed with the use of recommended creams.

Are patients happy with the results? 

Dr. Weiner: Yes, very happy. Some have results that mimic surgical results around the eye. Patients are very happy with the low downtime and low discomfort associated with the procedure. 

Disclosure: Dr. Weiner has been paid by Sentient to lecture about Sentient’s Tixel and answer questions from other providers who are considering purchasing the device.