Last year, Americans underwent more than 2.1 million cosmetic surgery procedures. The most common type of procedure is liposuction (also called lipoplasty), with 455,489 procedures in 2005.

Liposuction is the removal of small, isolated areas of fat, commonly on the hips, thighs, abdomen or buttocks. Fat deposits in these areas are largely an inherited trait. And diet and exercise usually have little effect on eliminating these bulging areas.

There are several different liposuction techniques. Generally, a small, hollow tube, called a cannula, is inserted through small incisions in the skin. As the surgeon moves the cannula back and forth to free some of the fat, a vacuum on the other end of the tube suctions the fat away. Liposculpture is a more precise form of liposuction that removes very small amounts of fat to contour the shape of the body.

"Fashioning" Cosmetic Surgery

As fashions and styles change, different parts of the body are accentuated. One of the newest target areas is the roll of belly fat that sticks out over the top of low-rise jeans and some types of pants and skirts. Stephen Greenberg, M.D., Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon, says some people refer to this condition as, muffin tops. Other areas of concern:

Banana fold - fat below the buttocks

Buffalo hump - an area of fat in the upper back

Cankles - fat in the lower leg that eliminates the distinction between the calf and the ankle

Chubb - fat around the kneecaps

Doughnut - excess fat around the navel

Wings - the bulges of fat that protrude over the fastening strap of the bra

Greenberg says as society becomes more self-conscious about these areas of the body, many people want to find ways to eliminate the "problem" spots. Since no amount of exercise and diet helps tone these areas, some people are turning to cosmetic surgery.

In most cases, surgeons are able to remove the excess fat and contour the area using liposuction or liposculpture. However, sometimes doctors need to combine other surgical techniques (like abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck) with liposuction to get the best results.

Greenberg says women who undergo cosmetic surgery are usually very satisfied with the results. Every year, he puts together a fashion show using cosmetic surgery patients as the run-way models. The fashion show allows the women to show off their new good looks in the latest fashion designs and educate others about cosmetic surgery options.

For general information on cosmetic surgery:

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons