We spoke with Southlake plastic surgeon and author Dr. Michael Vennemeyer for tips on getting our midsections ready for pool season. His book, “Plastic Surgery Myths Dispelled: A Consumer's Guide” is an educational resource for anyone considering cosmetic plastic surgery.
Q: What is the biggest misconception about getting a great tummy?
A: The biggest misconception is that working out a lot is the most important ingredient in achieving a good-looking core. I'm not saying that exercise is unimportant. It's just not the primary factor—nutrition is. If you work out constantly but eat garbage, your results will be limited.
Q: What is the best nutritional approach for great abs?
A: What is good for the tummy is good for the whole body. The enlightened view is that everything we put in our bodies can be a medicine or a poison. Most of the processed, refined-carbohydrate-laden foods we eat are inflammatory and make us fat. We've been brainwashed by the food and diet industry to believe that restricting calories will give us the body we want. The reality is what we eat matters more than how much.
If you want to learn how your food can make you look better and live longer read the book Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. It's based on scientific studies, not diet fads. This book completely changed the way my wife and I eat.
Q: Can good nutrition erase the need for tweaking your tummy with plastic surgery?
A: If you get the body you want from healthy living you are all set. Unfortunately, weight loss, pregnancy and resistant fat pockets hold many of us back. For example, normal weight women often seek help for their “muffin top” from extra fat in the hip area. Plastic surgery can really help if you are stuck in this situation.
Q: How does extra hip fat affect the tummy area and what can be done?
A: Extra fat in this area makes women look high-waisted and square-shaped. We can target your core with liposuction, creating a more hourglass taper and lowering the waistline. The obvious benefits are visible from the front, but an added bonus is a more youthful appearing backside. My patients are always pleasantly surprised when hip lipo makes their butt look smaller and better.
Q: How can plastic surgery help your tummy after pregnancy?
A: So many women struggle to get a flat tummy after having babies. They seem so relieved when I help them understand why 1,000 sit-ups a day will not make their abdominal bulge and loose skin go away, because stretched skin and connective tissue is to blame. A tummy tuck removes loose skin and repairs the separated muscles, flattening your tummy. I put the scars really low so my patients can wear a two-piece—you should be able to show it off if you want!
See additional tummy before and after photos and learn more by reading Dr. Vennemeyer's blog “5 Elements of a Great Tummy."
VENNEMEYER PLASTIC SURGERY
500 N. Carroll Ave, Suite 110
Southlake, TX 76092
817.912.1410