Let's say that I have a flat surface, and on that surface I have some sort of curve that is not self-intersecting.  I want to make an indentation along that curve.  

So, I want to go from the attached Fig 1 to Fig 2.  

For the above, I cheated and made a sweep of a profile and then made a revolved cut at each end.  

Is there a tool that lets me do this without so many steps?

Thank you.

EDITED BY MODERATOR: Moved to the Parts and Features space. Please post to the appropriate space if one exists.