Tixel

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chicago, IL

Tixel Dr. Paul Phelps Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery

Tixel (Tixel®) is a device that utilizes fractional thermal technology to rejuvenate and improve the appearance of the skin. (1)

As many patients look for safe and effective ways to improve their skin’s texture, diminish signs of aging, and enhance the results of topical skincare products without invasive surgery, innovative approaches such as Tixel treatments have quickly become a leading solution. The device offers patients effective results with minimal discomfort and downtime. It can address numerous concerns through advanced fractional skin resurfacing and medication/serum delivery technology, in one non-surgical treatment.

Dr. Paul Phelps and his team of experts at Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery specialize in a wide range of treatments that help patients restore a youthful, refreshed appearance. With the addition of Tixel to their list of non-surgical treatments, they can now offer patients a gentle yet powerful alternative to laser therapies. Whether you are looking to treat dry eye disease, lessen the appearance of wrinkles, or enhance drug delivery with peptides, exosomes, or other powerful skincare products, Tixel can provide impressive results with less downtime.

To learn more about Tixel and the many benefits this device has to offer, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Phelps and his team by contacting Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery online or by calling (312) 888-5754.

About Tixel

Tixel is a cutting-edge device that uses thermo-mechanical energy to rejuvenate the skin, improve texture, and enhance the absorption of topical treatments. Unlike laser devices that rely on light energy, Tixel gently delivers controlled bursts of heat through a titanium tip to the skin. This process stimulates collagen production, helping reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture over time.

Tixel is highly effective for facial rejuvenation and is FDA-cleared for the treatment of dry eye disease. (2) It is a needle-free, light-free treatment suitable for most skin types, making it a comfortable option for patients seeking noticeable improvements without surgery or extended recovery periods. With little more than mild redness after treatment, patients can typically return to their normal routines immediately and wear makeup as soon as the next day. (3)

Benefits

Tixel provides patients with numerous advantages. Under the expertise of Dr. Phelps, patients achieve improvements through:

  • Non-invasive treatment with no needles or injections
  • Enhanced absorption of serums and therapeutic agents
  • FDA-approved treatment for dry eye disease
  • Improved skin texture and tone
  • Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
  • Minimal discomfort during the procedure
  • Little to no downtime, with most patients returning to normal activities the next day

Ideal Candidates

Tixel treatments appeal to a wide range of patients seeking non-surgical skin improvement. You may be an ideal candidate if you:

  • Want to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, or mild sagging skin
  • Are seeking a treatment for dry eye disease that does not involve surgery
  • Prefer a non-invasive option with minimal downtime
  • Have sensitive skin or want to avoid light-based laser treatments
  • Are looking to enhance the effectiveness of topical skincare products, serums, or medications

Personal Consultation

Before starting Tixel treatments, patients will first need to attend a personal consultation with Dr. Phelps or a member of his team. During this visit, your skin concerns and medical history will be reviewed, and the team will explain how Tixel works and what results you can expect. The consultation provides an opportunity to ask questions and explore all available treatment options to help you understand the various ways Dr. Phelps and his staff can help you achieve your goals. Dr. Phelps will use the information he gathers during this meeting to craft a fully customized treatment plan.

Contact Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery online today or by calling (312) 888-5754 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Preparation

Preparing for Tixel is straightforward and typically requires no special measures. Dr. Phelps and his team will provide specific preparatory instructions based on your individual skin type and treatment plan. Adequately preparing for a Tixel treatment will ensure optimal results and a smooth procedure. Patients are often advised to avoid excessive sun exposure and discontinue the use of harsh topical agents, such as retinoids, a few days before treatment. We also advise patients to stay hydrated and avoid any blood-thinning medications or supplements. If you have any questions or concerns leading up to your treatment, Dr. Phelps and his staff will be available to help address these.

Procedure

The details of each Tixel procedure may differ depending on the patient, but typically, all treatments follow a series of uniform steps. During your treatment, Dr. Phelps will apply the Tixel device directly to the targeted treatment area, where it gently delivers controlled bursts of heat through its titanium tip. This process stimulates natural collagen production while allowing for enhanced penetration of topical agents, if applicable.

The session typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and number of areas being treated. Most patients experience only mild warmth or tingling during the procedure, making it a comfortable alternative to traditional resurfacing methods.

Results

Following their Tixel treatments, patients often notice smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin within a few days of their first session. For optimal results, Dr. Phelps may recommend a series of treatments over several weeks. Many patients notice that improvements continuously emerge as collagen production increases. While results will vary from patient to patient, Dr. Phelps and the Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery staff are excited to offer Tixel because it has been shown to produce exceptional results for patients.

Recovery

Tixel Dr. Paul Phelps Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery

One of the biggest advantages of Tixel is its minimal downtime. If needed, Dr. Phelps will provide a detailed set of guidelines to navigate the recovery process. Patients typically experience mild redness for a few hours after treatment, with some residual sensitivity lasting up to 24 hours. Makeup can usually be applied the next day. Because there are no open wounds or significant peeling, the risk of infection or scarring is extremely low compared to more aggressive methods.

Corresponding Treatments

Our practice offers a variety of treatments that can be combined with Tixel for enhanced results, or they may be performed separately for patients requiring more dramatic rejuvenation. Some of these include:

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Patients seeking more dramatic improvement in skin texture are often recommended to explore CO2 laser resurfacing, which can help resurface the outer layers of skin and stimulate collagen production deep within the dermis.

Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing

Erbium laser skin resurfacing is a laser treatment that provides deeper skin rejuvenation, particularly for those with more pronounced wrinkles or scars.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL therapy can address pigmentation concerns, sun damage, and redness, making it an excellent pairing with Tixel treatments.

SkinPen® Microneedling

Combining SkinPen® Microneedling with Tixel can further boost collagen production and improve skin tone and elasticity. Both of these procedures create micro-channels in the skin and lead to enhanced topical product absorption.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP treatments use a growth factor and platelet-rich serum derived from your own blood to speed healing and stimulate natural rejuvenation, enhancing the effects of Tixel.

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 is a radiofrequency microneedling treatment that provides deep skin tightening and contouring, complementing Tixel for patients seeking firmer, tighter skin.

Cost of Tixel in Chicago

The cost of Tixel treatments varies depending on the treatment area, number of sessions, and whether other procedures are combined. During your consultation, our staff will provide a personalized cost estimate. To obtain a rough estimate of what any of our treatments might cost before your personal consultation, you are encouraged to explore our pricing page.

Schedule a consultation today to explore your Tixel costs and possibilities. If you have any further questions, please call our office directly at (312) 888-5754.

FAQ

How does Tixel differ from laser treatments?

Tixel uses thermo-mechanical energy rather than light or radiofrequency energy, making it a gentler option for skin resurfacing. This approach reduces the risk of burns, pigmentation issues, and extended downtime while still delivering impressive results.

How many Tixel sessions will I need?

Many patients notice visible improvements after just one session, but a series of three to four treatments spaced several weeks apart is typically recommended for optimal, long-lasting results.

Is Tixel painful?

Most patients describe Tixel as a comfortable procedure with only mild warmth or tingling during treatment. Numbing cream can be applied beforehand for added comfort.

What areas of the body can Tixel treat?

Tixel is most commonly used on the face, eyelids, and neck, but it can also be applied to other areas with signs of aging or uneven skin texture.

How soon can I return to normal activities after Tixel?

Downtime is minimal, with only mild redness or sensitivity that usually resolves within a few hours. Makeup can generally be applied the next day.

Can Tixel be combined with other skin treatments?

Yes, Tixel works well alongside treatments like PRP, microneedling, IPL, and medical-grade skincare to boost results and further improve skin texture and tone.

References

  1. Elman M, Fournier N, Barnéon G, Bernstein EF, Lask G. Fractional treatment of aging skin with Tixel, a clinical and histological evaluation. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. Published online January 20, 2016:1-7. doi:https://doi.org/10.3109/14764172.2015.1052513
  2. Tixel A with. Dry Eye Relief with Tixel i. Tixel.us. Published 2025. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://tixel.us/dryeye
  3. Estupiñan B, Souchik A, Kiszluk A, Desai S. Comprehensive Review of Thermomechanical Fractional Injury Device: Applications in Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2024;17(2):32. Accessed April 17, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10911265/