Q. I'm in my mid-thirties and have dieted and exercised. Now I'm considering body contouring to reduce my thighs. Could you tell me something about what this would entail?

A. Of course. Body contouring generally refers to the tightening, reduction and sometimes augmentation of parts of the torso, legs or arms. It involves procedures to reduce, lift or enlarge the breasts, as well as "tummy tucks" and liposuction.

Typical operations range from 45 minutes to two hours. Liposuction uses a high vacuum device to remove localized collections of fatty tissue from areas of the body including the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, arms, legs, face and neck.

The increasing popularity of liposuction is due to the effectiveness of the technique in the hands of a qualified plastic surgeon and the fact that it leaves only tiny scars, often as short as one-half inch in length or less.

Following liposuction surgery, you will wear a snug dressing or garment to promote skin shrinkage and to minimize swelling. You may be advised to wear a long-legged girdle for a few weeks as you resume your normal routine.

Patients need to be aware that body contouring procedures to reduce fat are no substitute for exercise and maintaining a low-fat diet. In fact, exercise and weight control are complementary to any surgical program.

And, while procedures such as liposuction are likely to increase self-esteem, it's important to remember that cosmetic plastic surgery won't automatically improve patients' marriages, careers or relationships. But it can change their appearance for the better.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has established a nationwide toll-free number to enable prospective patients to locate board-certified plastic surgeons in their own geographic area. Callers to the ASAPS Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Referral Line will be referred to members of ASAPS, the leading organization of board-certified plastic surgeons who have specialized interest in cosmetic plastic surgery. The number, 1-888-ASAPS-11 (272-7711), can be called from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Pacific), Monday through Friday. (NAPSI)

Dr. Lockwood is an official spokesperson for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and chair of its Body Contouring Committee.