In general, yes, but safety depends on the health of the patient, the amount of fat being suctioned out, and on the circumstances under which the operation is performed. Liposuction, which is not covered by insurance and can cost thousands of dollars, should be done only by a doctor trained in the technique who works in a facility with adequate post-operative monitoring.

In liposuction, a doctor inserts a hollow tube called a cannula through tiny incisions to suction out fat and fluid. It is done under general anesthesia or sedation. Although the surgeon can't see the tip of the cannula, he or she is guided by experience and training.

Liposuction is still the nation's most popular form of cosmetic surgery -- 324,891 men and women had it last year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But its popularity has declined in recent years, with 9 percent fewer surgeries now than in 2000.

Make sure there is adequate monitoring of a patient after surgery, especially if more than 10 pounds of tissue is removed, said Dr. Rod J. Rohrich , past president of the plastic surgeons' group and chairman of plastic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. If a doctor removes more than this, serious "fluid shifts" can occur, triggering drops in blood pressure and stresses on the heart.

Plasma, the liquid part of blood, seeps into the hole created by suctioning out fat, potentially depriving organs of the plasma they need, said Dr. James W. May Jr. , chairman of plastic surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. "There are more fluid shifts with liposuction than, say, with an appendectomy."

Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity, because doctors can't safely remove enough fat. If you are considering liposuction, ask about your doctor's training and how many procedures he or she does per year (a busy specialist should do at least 50 to 100). Ask how you will be monitored afterward and talk to previous patients.