People are obsessed with thinness, even as we get fatter every year. The lure of a quick surgical fix is irresistible to many people, so it should not be surprising that liposuction is the most popular elective surgery in the world.

The procedure involves anesthetizing the patient, injecting fluid into the area to loosen the fat cells and sucking out the fluid and fat cells through a tube called a cannula.

A new, more expensive method called Smartlipo uses a laser to break up fat cells before removing them surgically. Smartlipo is performed with local anesthesia and speeds recovery, but removes far less fat than the more traditional technique.

Smartlipo is controversial Some physicians say that the procedure is no better than the tried-and-true techniques and that it is little more than a marketing ploy. Liposuction is not a painless quick fix for obesity. People are usually more satisfied with the results of liposuction if they watch their diet and exercise after the procedure.

People who do not change their lifestyles are usually unhappy with the outcome. Liposuction is not without risks: 20 people die from blood clots or infections for every 100,000 people who have the surgery, which is more dangerous than driving a car or smoking cigarettes.

Do not have this surgery unless you understand the risks and are willing to exercise and watch what you eat. [sources: The Wall Street Journal, Fitness RX]