A method, and apparatus are provided for targeting lipid rich tissue to effect a desired method/apparatus involving irradiating the lipid rich tissue (16) with energy at a wavelength preferentially absorbed by lipid cells, such wavelength being preferably in a band between 880 nm to 935 nm, 1150 nm to 1230 nm, 1690 nm to 1780 nm, or 2250 nm to 2450 nm with a fluency, and duration sufficient to achieve a desired treatment. For preferred embodiments the irradiation wavelength is between 900 nm to 930 nm, 1190 nm to 1220 nm, 1700 nm to 1730 nm, or 2280 nm to 2350 nm. The method, and apparatus may for example be used to target one or more sebaceous glands (22) for the treatment of acne or hair removal to target subcutaneous fat for removal thereof, or for targeting fat on an anatomical elements for various purposes.
