WHAT IS LIPOSCULPTURE?
Answer: Liposculpture is the removal of unwanted bulges created by excess localized fat deposits. These fat deposits form because of hereditary factors (familial traits) and gender (male versus female). Liposculpture differs from liposuction primarily by the size of the cannula, with microcannulas enabling more precise sculpting. A small microcannula inserted through a tiny opening placed in an inconspicuous location, removes the unwanted fat by a high-pressure vacuum.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LIPOSCULPTURE?
Answer: Athletic individuals who are already on an exercise program and of normal body weight are considered ideal for this treatment. However, patients who are moderately overweight can still be good candidates. In general, the most important thing is that they have realistic expectations of what they can achieve. Age by itself is not a significant factor. Many patients who are in their 60’s and 70’s have been delighted with the outcome. The patient should be in good general health without significant heart or lung problems. This technique is not a substitute for weight loss. There is a limit to how much fat can be removed safely at one time.
WHAT IS TICKLE LIPO?
Answer: Tickle Lipo, aka Nutational Infrasonic Liposculpture or Custom Acoustic Liposuction, is an FDA-approved liposuction technique for fat removal and body sculpting. It was developed in Europe with the objective of improving patient safety and comfort as well as results. Tickle Lipo is a revolutionary technique using three-dimensional vibration (nutation) to greatly improve the effectiveness, ease,and safety of true tumescent liposuction. Tickle Lipo implements a “nutating cannula” – that is, the liposuction cannula quickle moves in 3 directions simultaneously: it moves in and out, rotates in a circular motion, and vibrates. This greatly minimizes discomfort during the procedure and allows for extremely even and efficient removal of fat while minimizing trauma to other important structures of the body, such as blood vessels and nerves. Less trauma leads to less bruising, less discomfort, and a quicker recovery time for the patient.
WHY CHOOSE TICKLE LIPO?
Answer: The vibration of the “Tickle Lipo” cannula essentially “tricks” your nerves that transmit the sensation of pain to your brain, blunting this sensation. You therefore feel very little to no discomfort during the procedure. In fact, many people giggle at some time during the procedure, because it tickles! One of the disctinct advantages is that this vibrating cannula allows her to more easily treat fibrous (tough) areas of the body, especially the love handles and chest in men, and the dreaded “back fat” in females. These areas are notoriously difficult top treat because the fat is surrounded by more fibrous tissue. Tickle Lipo allows Dr. Lee to more easily remove the fat in les time, leading to a quicker recovery time, less bruising, and absolutely NO general anesthesia. Everyone returns to work within 1-3 days!
WHAT AREAS ARE TREATED?
Answer: The most common area treated is the upper outer thigh area in women. These areas are commonly referred to as “saddle bags”. The second most common area is the stomach/abdomen, followed by the flank (love handles). Other areas that are treated are double chins, upper arms, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, and ankles. Bulges on the chest in front and back of the arms may also be treated. For men this procedure can be used to correct gynecomastia (enlarged pectoral tissue/ chest).
IS THIS A DANGEROUS PROCEDURE?
Answer: Contrary to sensationalistic misrepresentations in the lay press, Liposculpture has been shown to be a very safe procedure with very few complications. A recent review of over 30,000 cases of Liposculpture revealed no serious complications and a very low percentage of minor problems (i.e., temporary swelling, irregularity, numbness, etc).
WHERE IS LIPOSCULPTURE PERFORMED?
Answer: All cases are performed in an Outpatient Surgery Center under local anesthesia. This center is fully accredited, meaning it has passed vigorous standards for safety and infection control.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?
Answer: The recovery time varies with how many areas are treated and the type of activity the patient intends to resume. Most patients are performing routine duties after two days.
WILL THERE BE BANDAGES?
Answer: There are no bandages. Special compression garments are worn under clothing for one week. These garments are made specifically for this procedure.
WILL THE FAT REGROW?
Answer: No. No new fat cells develop after puberty. With weight gain or weight loss the fat cells expand or contract in size. When fat cells are removed from a treated area, they do not return. Liposculpture is indeed the only true spot reducer.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE EXCESS SKIN?
Answer: Skin is a dynamic organ that has elasticity and in most cases is able to shrink and re-accommodate to the new body contour. Those who are poor candidates for liposculpture surgery because of decreased skin elasticity can have the excess skin removed if they so desire at a later date. In our experience, this is almost never necessary.
CAN THE PROCEDURE BE REPEATED?
Answer: Yes. There is a maximum limit to the amount of fat that can be removed during any one operation. In some instances you may want to have additional fat removed at a later date. It is recommended to wait at least 1 month between procedures.
WHEN WILL I NOTICE THE RESULTS?
Answer: Usually between 10 to 30 days, however, improvement continues for up to 6 months.
WILL I LOSE WEIGHT?
Answer: Weight loss may be minimal because fat weighs very little. The difference will be seen primarily in the way your clothes fit. You will probably lose inches and look slimmer. In general, body weight remains the same if diet and exercise levels remain unchanged. This is NOT a method for weight loss.
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?
Answer: Although diet and exercise help with weight reduction, the body’s shape may stay relatively the same without liposculpture. Direct surgical removal with “open” surgical technique is possible but would result in large scars. The last alternative is to elect no treatment — leave “well enough” alone.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF LIPOSCULPTURE?
Answer: Areas of cellulite (“cottage cheese” texture) are only occasionally improved by liposculpture. Correction of asymmetrical areas may also not occur.
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