Aesthetics provider Sentient has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its thermal energy skin treatment to prevent periorbital wrinkles commonly known as crow’s feet.

The Tixel device from Sentient uses short bursts of thermal energy on the top layer of the patient’s skin creating controlled micro-damage that stimulates collagen production and rejuvenates the skin's appearance. It also takes away the need for laser-impenetrable metal ocular shields or eye shields as the device claims to not release radiation.

The Tixel device has been used throughout Europe since 2011 and in 2021 it received FDA clearance for skin resurfacing of all skin types.

"The FDA's approval for treating periorbital wrinkles with Tixel by Sentient is a game-changer for patients and for the aesthetics industry," said Chris Cella, CEO of Sentient. “It reaffirms Sentient's dedication to innovation and delivering safe and effective outcomes for our patients.

Part of the ageing process periorbital wrinkles can occur from sun damage and excessive muscle movement in the face. The combination causes the loss of elastic fibres, collagen and fat within the skin resulting in wrinkles around the eyes.

Currently there are other over the counter treatments such as Retinol creams made from vitamin A helping the production of collagen and elastin, Peptide creams which uses amino acids that the body interprets as damaged collagen initiating the production of new collagen for repairs and exfoliation of dead skin.

Botulinum toxin injections, also known as Botox, is currently the most popular treatment on the market. According to a GlobalData report, the number of Aesthetic Injectable Procedures performed in the United States was 6,743,854 in 2015 and is predicted to reach 16,308,251 in 2030. Another report shows in the UK there was 387,476 Aesthetic Procedures in 2015 which is forecast to reach 538,887 in 2030.