Custom Acoustic Liposuction, (CAL), also known in Europe as Nutational Infrasonic Liposuction (NIL), is a newer FDA cleared liposuction technique for fat removal and body sculpting. It was developed in Europe with the objective of improving patient safety and procedure outcomes, while also increasing physician performance. It has been used safely and effectively in thousands of patients.
Quickly becoming known as the Tickle Lipo procedure, CAL’s patented technology is unique from other forms of liposuction in that the low frequency acoustic INFRASONIC 3-D vibration of the CAL Systems surgical cannula enables it to more easily glide through fat delivering the local tumescent anesthesia in the areas to be treated much faster resulting in little to no pain during the procedure. The vibration of the CAL Systems 3-D cannula also enables it to more easily maneuver through the more fibrous or tougher areas to be treated resulting in better body definition, a faster procedure and reduced bruising.
The 3-D vibration of the cannula also acts as a pain blocker in that the vibration tricks the brains pain stimuli in the same way that scratching an itch relieves the pain. This process is known to physicians as “The Gate Control Theory”. This advantage allows physicians to perform the liposuction procedure under local anesthesia and reduces pain for the patient especially during the application of tumescent anesthesia. Patients often report a tickling sensation during the procedure.
Where is the CAL procedure performed?
CAL procedures can be and most often are performed in the physician’s office under local or if needed, IV sedation. In most cases local tumescent anesthesia is the preferred method whereby the tumescent fluid contains a numbing solution for pain combined with diluted epinephrine used to control bleeding.
Safety Features:
The CAL System 3-D vibrating cannula also has a built in safety feature where it automatically shuts off when it comes in contact with the non fatty tissue.
Another great feature of the CAL system is that the surgical cannula used to suction the fat, does not heat, thereby preserving the patients fat so it can then be used for a secondary cosmetic fat injection procedure. Patients like using their own fat as a filler to enhance other bodily features.
Prior to the CAL Procedure:
Before the CAL procedure, the physician will discuss your tolerance to pain and will then determine if oral pain medication is required prior to the procedure. At the beginning of the procedure, the 3-D vibrating surgical cannula is inserted through the skin to the layer of fat where local tumescent anesthesia or numbing fluid combined with diluted epinephrine which is used to control bleeding is then injected in the areas where the fat is to be removed.
Once the tumescent fluid has been injected, it is then time to suction the fat. Depending upon the amount of fat or the toughness of the fat, the physician may switch the cannula to another CAL 3-D vibrating surgical cannula for better body definition. The physician will then start to suction the fat.
After the CAL Procedure:
After the procedure, you will recover for a short period of time and then be discharged from the office. Depending upon your tolerance for pain, the physician may or may not prescribe narcotic pain medication after the procedure or they may just recommend an over the counter pain reducer. Because tumescent anesthesia lasts for many hours after the procedure there may be no need for narcotic pain medications after surgery. Patients are encouraged to walk, move around and assume normal daily activities. Patients should refrain from exercise for two weeks and should avoid soaking in hot tubs for several days immediately following the procedure.
When will I see results?
You will start to see results within the next couple of weeks continuing over the next six months and up to a year.