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Health Watch: Tickle Lipo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Liposuction that makes you laugh. There's a new procedure called Tickle Lipo. 3 On Your Side Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl shows us how it works.

New mom Chari Depersio wears clothes that are loose around the middle to hide some trouble spots she can't get rid of with diet and exercise.

"I've been going to the gym for three months straight, five days a week. My whole body looks great other than those areas post baby," said Chari.

When nothing else worked the 27-year-old decided to try liposuction. But, not traditional lipo.

"I'm having tickle lipo done on my love handles, my abdomen, and the fat right below my bra," said Chari.

Tickle Lipo uses a special vibrating cannula. Doctors say patients get local anesthesia and are awake, and pain free, because the vibrations trick nerves into thinking there's no pain.

"I think the Tickle Lipo is so special because of the feeling the patients describe as if tickling, so there's no pain anymore," said Dr. Daniel Man, a Plastic Surgeon.

Jennifer Simon is having her inner thighs reduced, and says she feels no discomfort.
"There is a tickling sensation. Yes, not bad at all," said Jennifer.

Dr. Victoria Falcone, with Physicians Body Solutions, does Tickle Lipo in Philadelphia.

She said to Stephanie Stahl, "You'll see the cannula vibrates, rotates." She says the vibrating device also makes it easier and quicker to remove fat, so there's less bruising and swelling, and a quicker recovery.

"The movement of the cannula actually dislodges fat, and it takes it in smaller particles, so it's easier to suction out," said Dr. Falcone.

In Chari's before and after pictures, you can see no signs she recently had a baby.

It can also be used shrink down heavy hips, thighs, or arms. And even jowls around the chin and neck can be slimmed down with Tickle Lipo.

"I think this is revolutionary," said Dr. Falcone. She says Tickle Lipo is less expensive than traditional liposuction, costing one to two thousand dollars per area. But the risks of things like infection are similar.

RELATED LINKS:

Tickle Lipo Information

Philadelphia Doctor Offering Tickle Lipo

Reported By: Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3

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