Tickle Lipo: Is It An Effective Liposuction Procedure?

Can you tickle your way out of having excess fat? In reality, no, but that's how the Tickle Lipo treatment is sometimes marketed as feeling like. This procedure is the official name for Nutational Infrasonic Liposculpture, a liposuction technique initially developed in Europe. 

Tickle Lipo is minimally invasive, with FDA approval for fat removal and body contouring. The Tickle Lipo procedure allows for both low and high-volume de-bulking in all regions of the body. 

What is Tickle Lipo?

Tickle lipo is a type of power-assisted liposuction that uses a particular device to generate low-frequency vibrations. These vibrations are transmitted through a cannula or small tube inserted into the targeted area of the body. The vibrations cause the fat cells to break apart, making them easier to suction out.

Compared to traditional liposuction, tickle lipo is considered less invasive and gentler on the body. The vibrations are often described as a tickling sensation, hence the name tickle lipo. Tickle lipo allows patients to remain awake under local anesthesia during treatment, a major benefit for patients who want to avoid the risks of general anesthesia. 

Traditional vs. Tickle Lipo

Conventional liposuction is an invasive surgical operation involving incisions made with scalpels and fat suctioning beneath the skin. Your doctor may give you general anesthesia in order to proceed safely. 

On the other hand, Tickle Lipo is a less invasive method that uses local anesthesia. Manual liposuction can damage various tissues, while Ticke Lipo has a cut-off valve to prevent such damage. 

Despite supposedly offering several benefits over traditional liposuction (providers tout the use of local anesthesia), newer techniques like AirSculpt offer this same advantage. In addition to quicker recovery and less pain during treatment, the results of tickle lipo are quickly visible, but again this is not a unique advantage.

How Does a Tickle Lipo Procedure Work?

Tickle Lipo uses infrasonic technology to make removing fat cells from multiple parts of the body easier. Some of the most common body parts where it is used are:

• inner and outer thighs
• back
• stomach
• banana rolls

The procedure begins with the application of a numbing solution to the skin, followed by tiny incisions being made in areas with unwanted fat.

Next, a local anesthetic is applied, and a thin tube is inserted into the entry point to disrupt and break down the fat by emitting vibrations. These vibrations give Tickle Lipo its nickname, but in reality, it is hardly different from other power-assisted liposuction operations.

Overall, procedures are fast and minimally invasive. Because of its speed, you can even treat various body parts simultaneously. 

Benefits of Tickle Lipo

Some of the benefits of tickle lipo compared with manual liposuction include:

1. Less Pain: Because the fat cells are broken up before suctioning, there's less trauma to the surrounding tissues. This can lead to less pain and discomfort during and after the procedure.

2. Faster Recovery: Tickle lipo is less invasive than traditional liposuction, so recovery times are often faster. Patients can typically return to normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure.

3. Better Results: Tickle lipo may lead to better results than traditional liposuction because the fat cells are broken up before suctioning. This can lead to more precise sculpting of the targeted area and smoother-looking skin.

How Much Does Tickle Lipo Cost?

As liposuction is an elective cosmetic procedure, insurance does not typically cover Tickle Lipo. At a very minimum, prices begin at a floor of $2,500.

The cost will differ according to:

• The area targeted

• How many areas are included

• The extent of fat removed

Some Tickle Lipo treatments may cost more than $10,000 if multiple areas are operated on simultaneously.

Is Tickle Lipo Right for You?

If you're considering liposuction, tickle lipo may be a good option. However, it's important to remember that every person's body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.

To determine if tickle lipo is right for you, it's essential to consult with a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon. They can evaluate your unique needs and goals and help you decide on the best action. 

Newer fat removal procedures like AirSculpt offer all of the same benefits while providing surgeons even more accuracy by enabling them to remove fat cell by cell. Fat transfer procedures, cellulite removal, and skin tightening are also offered with this approach. 

Conclusion

Tickle lipo is a purportedly newer and gentler form of liposuction that uses low-frequency vibrations to break up fat cells. Compared to traditional liposuction, it offers several benefits, including less pain, faster recovery times, and better results. That said, many other procedures can provide these same advantages as well. 

If you want to talk to a qualified surgeon and learn more about what fat removal treatments like TickleLipo entail, contact the body contouring specialists nearest you to begin a free consultation.