What is Tickle Lipo?
Tickle Lipo, also known as Nutational Infrasonic Liposculpture, is a procedure that is FDA-approved and involves removing fat from different parts of the body. It has its unique name because of how it involves tickling the patient, which causes many people to giggle or laugh instead of experiencing pain. The body-sculpting method is considered to be less invasive and more comfortable than liposuction, allowing it to be safer and more effective. The procedure involves blocking pain as fat is suctioned out as the cannula continuously rotates at 10 Hz and vibrates.
As the cannula vibrates, the air is inserted into the targeted area to trick the nerves to prevent the tissues from signaling that pain is currently present in the body. During this process, the fat is immediately liquified before it’s removed. The targeted fat is broken up by the acoustic waves from the vibrations of the cannula. All of the surrounding tissue still remains intact, and the process is less painful because the cannula is smaller than what is typically used during liposuction.
Tickle Lipo is an ideal type of procedure for different types of candidates because it can be performed on various parts of the body due to its innovative technology. Many people opt to undergo Tickle Lipo to remove fat on the inner and outer thighs, abdomen, buttocks, saddlebags, and hips.
How Tickle Lipo Differs From Traditional Liposuction
One of the main ways that Tickle Lipo differs from traditional liposuction is because of how much more comfortable it is to undergo. Tickle Lipo is performed under local anesthesia and small incisions are made on the targeted areas where the tube is inserted. General anesthesia is used when traditional liposuction is performed.
The average incisions made during Tickle Lipo are 1 to 3 mm in length compared to 1 to 1.5 cm in length with traditional liposuction, which prevents large scars from being left behind.
The length of the surgery is three to four hours, whereas traditional liposuction takes two to three hours to perform.
There are a lot fewer side effects associated with Tickle Lipo, making it a safer alternative to standard liposuction. Patients can expect to have minimal pain, burning, and bleeding. With traditional liposuction, the side effects can be more severe and include a more moderate risk of pain, bleeding, and bruising. There’s also the chance of the skin rippling, and more risks come with the general anesthesia that is used.
The recovery time for Tickle Lipo is only a few days, making it easy to get back to work and your busy schedule. Liposuction has a recovery time that can last for several weeks, making it much more inconvenient to plan for and schedule.
The post-surgery requirements of Tickle Lipo include taking temporary pain relievers, if possible. With standard liposuction, the patient has sutures, they must take pain medications, and there’s even the possibility of needing a blood transfusion.
How Tickle Lipo Works
Tickle Lipo was first performed in Europe before it was adopted in the U.S. The main tool used during the procedure is a cannula, which is narrow and is inserted into the targeted areas to remove unwanted and excess fat on the body. As the cannula begins to vibrate, it causes fat cells to loosen and also prevents any damage from occurring to the surrounding tissue.
This type of procedure is often paired with skin tightening procedures, especially when a lot of fat is removed. General anesthesia may be used, depending on the extent of the procedure and the preference of the patient.
A compression garment must be worn for one to four weeks following the procedure to aid the healing process.
Tickle Lipo Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
One of the main benefits of undergoing Tickle Lipo is that it’s much more comfortable than traditional liposuction. This makes it much less painful compared to traditional liposuction and also allows the recovery process to be easier and quicker. The lack of heat that is used also prevents the skin and tissues from becoming burned. Overall, there’s less discomfort both during and after the procedure is performed.
This type of procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, which is known to increase the recovery time and minimizes the risks involved. The procedure can be used to treat many different areas of the body, including the chin and neck areas where there’s a smaller surface area.
Many patients prefer Tickle Lipo because it delivers permanent results, making it possible to enjoy a slimmer figure without worrying about the fat returning in the future.
Because a lot less trauma occurs to the surrounding tissues, it makes it possible to use the fat and insert it into other areas of the body. This makes it a convenient fat removal treatment method for those who want to undergo a hip augmentation or Brazilian butt lift fat transfer.
Cons
A few main drawbacks of this liposuction technique are that it needs to be performed with diet and exercise, which requires patients to eat healthy foods and stay active to naturally shed as much weight as possible and be in good health for the procedure. It’s not considered to be the ultimate weight loss procedure for those who are looking to become slimmer.
It should also be performed by board-certified plastic surgeons who have a specialty in this type of technique.
The recovery process may include inflammation and swelling for three to four days after the procedure is performed. Infections and blood clots can also develop. Bruising may also develop, which can linger for several weeks. Those who have fat removed near the hips may also experience a numbing or tingling sensation as they heal and recover.
Some of the potential side effects of Tickle Lipo include mild discomfort, minimal bleeding, and some pain on the areas, where the fat is removed. There may also be occasional uneven fat distribution, which requires undergoing a minor revision to correct the affected areas.
