Treatment guide · Laser Treatments

Tixel in Seoul

A heat-based fractional treatment that smooths fine lines and texture, even around the eyes.

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Tixel explained

Tixel is a fractional resurfacing device that uses heat delivered by direct contact instead of a laser beam. It is used for fine lines, crepey eyelid skin, enlarged pores, mild acne scars and uneven texture. Because it does not rely on light, it can be used close to the eyes.

How Tixel works

A titanium tip covered in tiny pyramids is heated to a high temperature and touches the skin for a few milliseconds. Each pyramid makes a small, shallow heat point, while the skin between the points stays intact. The skin heals these points within days, and the heat stimulates new collagen and elastin in the following weeks. The depth is adjusted by changing the contact time and how far the tip protrudes.

Who Tixel is for

• Fine lines and crepey skin around the eyes
• Mild acne scars and rough texture
• Enlarged pores
• Upper lip lines
• People who want resurfacing with less downtime than CO2

Who should avoid Tixel

• Pregnant or breastfeeding people
• Active infection, cold sores or open wounds in the area
• People with a history of keloid scars
• Recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use, usually within 6 months
• Those with a pacemaker or metal implants near the area, unless cleared by a doctor

What happens at the appointment

1. Consultation to choose the treatment depth and area
2. Cleansing and numbing cream for 30–45 minutes
3. The heated tip is pressed briefly on each section of skin
4. Cooling or calming mask after treatment
5. Moisturiser and sunscreen applied before you leave

Aftercare and flying home

• Keep skin moist with a plain, gentle moisturiser
• Do not pick at the small dots or crusts
• Avoid makeup for 24–48 hours if the clinic advises
• Use SPF 50 sunscreen and avoid direct sun for 2 weeks
• Pause retinoids and acids for about a week

Side effects and risks

• Redness and warmth for 1–3 days
• A grid of small dots or crusts for up to a week
• Swelling, especially after eyelid treatment
• Temporary darkening of the skin in some skin types
• Rarely, infection or scarring if aftercare is not followed

How much does Tixel cost in Seoul?

₩150,000–₩500,000 (about US$110–370) — The cost depends on the area (eyes only, full face or neck), the depth settings and the number of passes. Eye-area treatment alone is usually at the lower end, and packages of 3 sessions reduce the price per visit. Tixel is less common in Seoul than Korean-made lasers, so prices vary and are estimates only.

Why get Tixel in Korea?

Seoul clinics often combine Tixel with skin boosters or eye-area treatments in one visit, and prices are usually lower than in Western cities. Clinics in Korea treat a high volume of eye-area and texture concerns, so staff are used to planning short-stay schedules.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Tixel cost in Seoul?

Tixel in Seoul usually costs about ₩150,000–₩500,000 per session (roughly US$110–370). The eye area alone costs less than a full face.

Does Tixel hurt?

With numbing cream it feels like quick, hot taps. Deeper settings are more uncomfortable, but each pass takes only seconds.

How many Tixel sessions do I need?

Most people need 3–5 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Results build over several months and usually last about a year with good sun protection.

What is the downtime after Tixel, and when can I fly?

Redness lasts 1–3 days and small dots can stay up to a week. Flying the next day is fine, but plan for visible marks and use sunscreen.

Is Tixel a laser?

No. Tixel uses heat from a metal tip instead of light, but it works in a similar fractional way to lasers. This is why it can be used on the eyelids.

Is Tixel safe for darker skin?

Because it does not target pigment, it may carry a lower risk of pigment problems than some lasers. Darker skin can still darken temporarily, so conservative settings and sun protection are important.

Where to get it in Seoul

Foreigner-friendly clinics cluster around Gangnam, Sinsa–Apgujeong–Cheongdam and Myeongdong. Tap a number to zoom in, then tap a pin to ask the clinic on WhatsApp whether they offer this treatment and for a quote.