Also called lipoplasty, licposculpture, removes localized collections of fatty tissue to give you a slimmer body contour. For the best results, you should be relatively normal weight with extra fat localized in specific areas such as hips, buttocks and abdomen.

Lipoplasty is also effective in removing fat deposits from the back, legs, arms, face and neck. It is neither a substitute for a proper diet and exercise nor a method for overall weight loss.

It cannot eliminate cellulite or correct loose, hanging skin. In fact the best results from lipoplasty are achieved when you have healthy, elastic skin with capacity to shrink evenly after surgery. If your skin has lost much of its elasticity, you may need a skin tightening procedure such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, buttock lift or arm lift.

There are a number of variations to conventional lipoplasty. A "tumescent" technique introduces fluid mixture that decreases bleeding and pain. Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty for example, uses energy from sound waves to liquefy the fat before it is removed.

Following surgery, you will wear a snug dress or garment for several weeks to promote skin shrinkage and to minimize swelling and bruising as you gradually resume normal activities. You can expect to return to work within a week or so.