What is the surgical removal of fat beneath the skin called?

The surgical removal of fat beneath the skin is referred to as lipectomy. This procedure targets subcutaneous fat, which is the layer of fat located just beneath the skin surface. Lipectomy can be performed for various reasons, including cosmetic enhancement or to treat certain medical conditions related to excessive fat accumulation.

Other surgical procedures mentioned in the options serve different purposes. For instance, appendectomy is the removal of the appendix, primarily performed to treat appendicitis. Cholecystectomy involves the surgical removal of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones or gallbladder-related issues. Laparotomy is a broader surgical term that refers to a large incision made in the abdominal wall to gain access to the abdominal cavity for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Each of these procedures has distinct indications and does not relate to the removal of fat beneath the skin, which solidifies lipectomy as the correct answer for this question.