Liposuction, LY poh suhk shuhn or LIHP oh suhk shuhn, also called lipoplasty, is a kind of surgery to remove unwanted body fat and improve or enhance body shape. Liposuction is a kind of cosmetic surgery because it is used to improve a person's appearance but does not improve health. Liposuction removes fat deposits that cannot be reduced through traditional exercise and diet methods. Surgeons most often perform liposuction to remove fat from the face, upper arms, hips, thighs, and abdomen. The procedure does not produce an overall weight reduction, however. Physicians and other medical experts stress that people should not use it as a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise program.