Tixel transfers energy to skin directly by conduction, the most efficient energy transfer method.
Tixel creates a spherical thermal effect yet it employs much less energy sparing the skin from excessive heat, carbonization, pain, smoke or smell.
TMA Technology
TMA TECHNOLOGY
Tixel is powered by TMA (Thermo-Mechanical Action), a non-laser fractional treatment technology that can transfer thermal energy to the skin very quickly and safely. The energy is emitted through a matrix of tiny pyramid-shaped pins made of biocompatible materials covering a treatment area of 1cm². The pins are heated to a temperature of 400°C, similar to the temperature generated by a CO₂ laser beam when it interacts with the skin.
During treatment, the pins are introduced at a precisely controlled speed to the surface of the skin, after which the thermal energy stored in the pins is rapidly transferred to the skin upon brief contact lasting only a few milliseconds. The ensuant evaporation of water from the skin occurs instantaneously, resulting in the formation of tiny micropores in the treatment zone. The tiny pyramids hold a limited amount of energy and evaporate the upper layers of the skin in a controlled manner without causing burns or charring in the tissue, a side effect often seen with other energy sources such as ablative laser.
Tissue evaporation by the tip upon brief contact with the skin
HISTOPATHOLOGY & ENERGY
SKIN TEMPERATURE & PAIN
Tixel’s low treatment pain can be explained by the temperature profile in the skin. The temperature on the surface of the skin is 400°C. However, it drops to 50°C at a depth of 100µm.
Pain nociceptors in the skin are located in the deeper epidermis (about 50µm depth). Therefore, pain levels with Tixel are relatively low compared to ablative laser or RF devices in which temperature at deep layers is much higher.
In addition, pain receptors are extremely sensitive to temperature change rate over time. CO2 laser for example generates heat at an extremely fast pathway. Harris et al have shown that CO2 laser heating to 400°C takes about 200ns while the Tixel heating effect is slower by at least 1 magnitude of order.
SKIN PERMEABILITY
Permeability of human skin to 5-ALA has been studied by Dr. Christine Dierickx. Results show that Tixel treated skin exhibits 40% greater permeability than non treated control.
The Novoxel devices’ intended use does not currently include tissue permeability enhancement