Introduced in April 2008, the Zerona system uses a low-level laser to target excess body fat that may be resistant to diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. The FDA-approved Erchnoia laser used by the Zerona system has been approved for use in use for laser-assisted liposuction since in 2004. The laser's energy is absorbed by body fat, which is broken down and passed through the body as the body naturally detoxifies itself.

While the Zerona laser has little to no reported side-effects, one of the reported benefits is the ongoing loss of days and weeks after treatment as the excess, broken-down fat is passed through the body. A study by the American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery in 2008 demonstrated that patients lost an average of 5-6 inches from their waists, hips and thighs over the course of a few weeks of treatment. A healthy diet and continued exercise is always necessary to keep the weight off with any body contouring procedure.

Most providers say you can expect to lose 3 to 12 inches in a six-treatment, two-week session. The Zerona laser body sculpting procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and continuous treatments of up to six sessions in a two-week period may be necessary to see the best results. The painless 40 minute sessions are usually spent by patients reading, relaxing, or sometimes taking a nap. Zerona is quick and convenient enough that many patients schedule treatments during their normal lunch hour.

It's always recommended that patients be as close to a healthy weight as possible and that they maintain that weight for a while before undergoing cosmetic surgery. Being as close to a healthy weight as possible helps to get the best results and lowers the risks of complications during surgery.

One of the most important factors in determing if a patient is at a healthy weight and a good candidate for "body contouring after major weight loss" or "weight loss plastic surgery" is a patient's current BMI (Body Mass Index).

Normal: 20 - 25
Overweight: 25 - 30
Obese: 30 - 35
Morbidly obese: BMI greater than 35

You can calculate your BMI here!

To get the best result and lower the risks of complications it's recommended that patients reduce their BMI to under 30. Patients with a higher BMI (Body Mass Index) or a higher body fat % are usually recommended to consider a weight loss program, including a proper diet and exercise, first.

Liposuction is often combined with a Body Lift, or post-bariatric plastic surgery to help remove additional or stubborn subcutaneous fat deposits and get the best results. In some cases, Liposuction may be performed before a Body Lift to help improve the odds of a successful procedure.

"These numbers mirror what we have been hearing across the country this past year,” said Felmont EavesIII, MD, Aesthetic Society President. "Patients who put off surgery because of uncertainty in the economy and the job market are coming back for tried and true procedures. Growth in demand will likely continue as the recession eases and baby boomers and their offspring begin to explore surgical and nonsurgical options."

The most frequently performed surgical procedure was breast augmentation and the most popular nonsurgical procedure was injections of botulinum toxin type A (including Botox and Dysport). Here are the top five cosmetic surgical procedures and top five minimally-invasive procedures.

Women had almost 8.6 million cosmetic procedures equalling 92 % of the total, while Men had over 750,000 cosmetic procedures representing 8% of the total.

The Aesthetic Society, which has collected multi-specialty procedural statistics since 1997, says the overall number of cosmetic procedures has increased 155 percent since the tracking of the statistics first began.

Source: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Women looking for a Mommy Makeover in the Houston, TX area could expect the average cost of a Mommy Makeover to usually be between $8,000 - $12,000 after surgeon's fees, lab fees, surgical facility costs and so on.

If you're a Mom and you're considering a Mommy Makeover in the Houston area, we have a list of plastic surgeons in the Houston area who may be available for a Mommy Makeover consultation. Here's just a few of our Mommy Makeover surgeons in the Houston, TX region:

• Bruce K. Smith, M.D.
• Donald R. Collins, M.D.
• Lisa Santos, M.D.
• Mark A. Schusterman, M.D.
• C. Bob Basu, M.D.
• Sean Boutros, M.D.
• Michael Ciaravino, M.D.
• Michael Eisemann, M.D.
• Andrew T. Lyos, M.D.
• Bonnie Baldwin, M.D.

Not in Houston, TX? Click Here to Find a Mommy Makeover Surgeon in Your Area.

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that does not require the doctor to use needles or create surgical incisions. The benefits are no surgical scars, no anesthesia or pain medications, and no recovery time. You can resume routine activities, return to work and keep up your exercise regimen on the same day as the procedure.

In this video patient diary, a Zeltiq patient shares her reasons for choosing CoolSculpting by Zeltiq for body contouring and non-invasive fat reduction - Courtesy of CoolSculpting's YouTube channel.

Cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery offer several options for tightening and toning the body:

Liposuction is a great way to address small pockets of love handles and pockets of excess fat in the waist, abdomen, hips and thighs. The midriff area is one of the most trouble-prone areas and often means the difference between feeling comfortable in a bikini or wearing a one-piece swimsuit. With a recovery time of only a few weeks and final results that are visible within a few months, Liposuction can be performed early enough to get someone into a bikini by the first day of summer.

Zeltiq is a non-invasive alternative to Liposuction. CoolSculpting by ZELTIQ works by means of Cryolipolysis, or cold therapy. Intense cold is precislely controlled to target the fat cells without harming the skin or other tissues. Zeltiq can be used on the abdominal area, love handles (flanks), and back. The result is a reduction in fat bulges that is visible in most patients in about two to four months. Plenty of time to see painlessly see a difference before it's time to hit the beach.

Zerona is another body contouring procedure. Zerona uses a low-energy "cool" laser to emulsify fat cells. The laser doesn't affect the skin or other tissues and targets only the fat layer. The excess fat released by the emulsified cells are then passed through the body during its normal course of detoxification over a span of several weeks. Zerona is great for targeting localized fat deposits on the waist, hips and thighs ("love handles" and "saddle bags"), upper arms, bra-line fat, inner knees, back fat and buttocks.

Laser Hair Removal is a the most common procedure for would-be bikini bodies. Laser Hair Removal is a non-invasive, cost-effective and convenient way to remove unwanted body hair from the bikini line, back, chest and legs. Laser Hair Removal takes several treatments to be truly effective and you need to avoid sun exposure following treatment so undergoing Laser Hair Removal early can help provide the best results. With treatments scheduled 10-12 weeks apart on average, most patients may be able to get in 2-3 treatments before summer.

In our next blog, we'll talk about a few other procedures for achieving the bikini body you desire.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is recognized as the world’s leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body.  ASAPS is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; active members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. International active members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.

Here are the Ten Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2011:

One of the most popular procedures, the Mommy Makeover would be the procedure of choice for recent (and not so recent) moms looking to turn back the clock and the effects of one or more pregnancies on their body.

For those who underwent bariatric surgery or experienced a dramatic weight-loss in the past year and have succeeded in achieving and maintaining their weight loss goals, body contouring after dramatic weight loss or post-bariatric plastic surgery may be a part of their New Year, New You plan.

And for those looking for a less-invasive solution to slimming their figure, Zeltiq or "CoolScultping" has become the most popular procedure. CoolSculpting selectively targets fat bulges in the abdominal area, love handles (flanks), and back using a precise and controlled method called Cryolipolysis™ which cools and eliminates fat cells without damaging the surrounding tissue. How "cool" is that!

Of course, Breast augmentation, tummy tuck surgery, nose reshaping and liposuction remain among the top cosmetic procedures.

if you're considering plastic surgery, bear in mind that choosing to undergo plastic surgery is not something to be taken lightly. Be specific with your plastic surgeon about your goals and reasons for opting to undergo a cosmetic procedure. You should have realistic expectations regarding your procedure and should avoid considering plastic surgery if you're experiencing a stressful or life-changing event such as when going through divorce, dealing with the death of a spouse or loved one, or the loss of a job.

Ultimate payback after a breakup? Plastic surgery

READ THE WHOLE STORY at WashingtonPost.com