After months of dieting and exercising, the pounds have melted away. Yet, here and there are a few extra inches that simply refuse to budge. The problem is fat cells: once in place, they cannot be dieted away, only reduced. For some, fat cells tend to accumulate in greater amounts in certain localized areas – abdomen, thighs, waist, hips, neck, double chin, buttocks, calves, arms and breasts. The only solution is outside intervention.

The surgical removal of fat when used in conjunction with a high-pressure vacuum is known as liposuction. Since its introduction in Europe, this popular procedure has been refined to achieve better results than ever. Attractive, permanent results are most likely to be achieved in patients who meet the criteria previously described, follow instructions and maintain their weight afterwards.

Liposuction is not intended as a cure for obesity, but rather as a last resort to remove localized accumulations of fat that have not responded to dieting or exercise. It can smooth bulges and create more pleasing contours, but it can not take you from a size 18 to a size 12.