"I have some very cute cannufae," says Maurizio Viel , who with his brother, pioneered the ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty technique. He is referring to the rods that suck out the offending fat. Not what most people consider cute, but then liposcution isn't a pretty subject. Even so, it's the fastest growing form of cosmetic surgery and the one with the highest post-operative satisfaction rate. Since it was first invented in the late Seventies, vast improvements have been made and surgery can now be done on an outpatient basis without general anaesthetic. "Most good surgeons will use one or more techniques to get the best results. including tumescent liposuction - whereby large volumes of saline solution containing local anaesthetic are injected into the area - and ultrasonic therapy, which liquefies fat before removal," explains Viel. "But remember liposculpture is not about cellulite, it's about silhouette." Expect to pay from £2500. For further details, call 020 76364272