“I’ve had absolutely no complications whatsoever – so I’m really really happy!”
Ciara Drea recently had her four week checkup with The Avoca Clinic following her Breast Augmentation surgery last month and checked in with us again for her latest video blog.
She tells us how her surgeon has told her that she no longer needs to wear her support bra and that she is back working and will be gradually getting back into cardio and light weight training over the coming weeks.
Check out the before & after transformation clip below to see the effect of Ciara’s Breast Augmentation surgery.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Ciara is a bodybuilder and bikini competitor (RIBBF Bikini champion 2017 spring classic and Overall Bikini Champion2017) and decided to have Breast Augmentation surgery with 450cc implants with The Avoca Clinic last month. Click here to read in detail why she decided to have the surgery and why she chose our clinic.
“It was lovely when I went back in – everyone was really happy and excited to see me!”
Eight and a half weeks on from full muscle repair, hernia repair and Abdominoplasty surgery at The Avoca Clinic, Roberta from Mums & Tots magazine has updated us on how she’s been getting on.
She tells us that she’s been feeling much more like herself since around six weeks after surgery and that her surgeon is very happy with how she is healing and told her that she didn’t need to wear the binder anymore.
Last year, makeup and beauty blogger Aisling Murray AKA DramaticMac blogged about her lip filler experience with The Avoca Clinic. Aisling explained how she was looking for something that would look understated (she was given 1ml of Juvederm) and that she was very happy with the results saying that “Dr Mark Hamilton was amazing, I urge any of you who are interested and live in Ireland to go see him. The girls and guys in the Avoca clinic made me feel very welcome and I was put at ease straight away.”
Here is her video from last year about her experience at The Avoca Clinic
One Year On
Aisling tells us that the reason it worked out so well for her last year is because she did her research and “went to a reputable company” and that she found it “remarkable” so she returned for a second time in May of 2017 (her first visit being in April 2016). She explains that she decided to get lip fillers in the first place as she was unhappy with the volume in her lips but emphasizes the importance of researching the available options before she made her decision to have the treatment saying “you need to know all the facts before you can make a well rounded decision”.
“They know exactly what they’re doing”
One of the most commonly asked questions Aisling gets asked regarding her lip filler treatment is “does it hurt?”. She explains that whilst the procedure is not completely pain free, and depends on the patients pain threshold, it is by and large a smooth process and you are given a numbing cream to dull the pain. The first time she had lip filler at the clinic, Aisling was given 1ml Juvederm injections but for her second visit in May she was given Restylane injections. Whilst she was delighted with the effects from both injections she tells us that the Restylane injections gave a more natural feeling which she prefers.
Aisling explains how her surgeon did not inject directly into her lips in order to avoid “lumping” which is a common side-effect of lip fillers when not performed properly adding that the surgeons at The Avoca Clinic “know exactly what they’re doing, they’re actual surgeons, professionals – they know what they’re at and they’re not just someone whose licensed to inject.”
In terms of bruising, Aisling explains that after her first visit for lip filler at the Avoca Clinic, she had minor brusing for 2 to 3 days but that there was none at all after her second visit in May 2017, apart from a little swelling which is to be expected. She explains how she has no regrets over her decision to get lip filler, emphasizing the non-permanent nature of the procedure and touches on the stigma associated with such treatments. She adds that she has the support of all her friends and family and says that “If somebody is doing something to themselves and it doesn’t affect you in any way shape or form then you should just let them do what they want to do if it makes them happy that is amazing – I think happiness is one of the most important things in life, and health, so let them do what they like!”.
“They’re the only clinic that I’d recommend”
Another question that Aisling gets asked frequently about her lip filler experience is “how long do they last?” and “how often do you have to go back?”. She tells us that there were thirteen months in between getting them done the first time and the second time and that she is planning on returning around April of next year. She adds that how often you have to go back will vary from person to person and depends on how much they are looking to get done but that generally a patient will need to go back between six and nine months after each treatment. Personally, Aisling feels that she needs less top ups to get the desired effect she is looking for whereas others would need to go back more frequently to maintain the fullness of their lips.
Aisling concludes her video blog by saying that The Avoca clinic are the only clinic in Ireland that she would recommend, that she has never had any negative side effects and that she is “delighted so much with everything that they do in there, and the way they treat you – and it’s such a gorgeous place as well – it’s really relaxing!”. Finally, she suggests getting in touch with the Avoca Clinic if lip-fillers are something you have been thinking about and have questions or would like to book a consultation.
To Learn More About Lip Fillers at The Avoca Clinic…
Check out our guide here or contact the clinic on 012014563 or via our online contact form.
Fashion, food and lifestyle blogger Sarah Hanrahan (the creator of the I come undone website/blog) recently had anti-wrinkle treatment at The Avoca Clinic with Botox. Just after her treatment she had this to say (via Instagram):
“Just out of The Avoca Clinic after being looked after in the very capable hands of Dr.Colm, really impressed with the level of service & professionalism… they don’t have such a great reputation for no reason!”
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
You can see the effect of the treatment in her before & after photos below:
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Additionally, Sarah shared a series of Instagram stories, short video clips documenting her experience at The Avoca Clinic. You can see a compilation of them below showing Sarah before receiving the treatment, getting the treatment itself as well as her thoughts afterwards.
You can follow Sarah (aka I Come Undone) on Facebook here, Instagram here and Twitter here
“Eradicating those lines has made a huge difference to my appearance and confidence”
Jules Coll is the prominent co-writer and producer of RTE2 smash hit comedy Damo & Ivor, best selling author with her debut book Flabyrinth: My Escape From Maximum Insecurity Prison and the subject of the hit RTÉ prime-time documentary Nine Stone Lighter, which followed her weight loss journey as she transformed her body and life, morphing from 19 stone to 10 stone. She has since become an online personality noted for a variety of content including health, fitness, comedy, media and plenty more!
Earlier this year, Jules decided to visit The Avoca Clinic for Botox anti-wrinkle injections and shared her story via social media. After receiving the treatment she had the following to say about her experience:
“Getting Botox in my forehead The Avoca Clinic over the past year has been one of the best things I ever did for myself I used to be really self conscious about the wrinkles and lines on my forehead, especially seeing myself on screen a lot, but eradicating those lines has made a huge difference to my appearance and confidence. Thanks Avoca Clinic! You’re the best!!”
Jules shared the following video montage containing clips from before, during and seven days after the procedure itself:
In the comments section below the video, Jules answered a number of questions from her fans who asked about whether or not the procedure was painful and regarding the price of the treatment to which she replied “it’s not painful, not even as bad as getting a wax! And the cost varies, it depends on how much you’re getting so they do free consultations”.
Jules also shared these before & after photos showing just how much of a difference the treatment has made.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
If you’ve been considering anti wrinkle treatments, you can book your free consultation today by calling us on 012014563 or sending an email to info@avocaclinic.ie – we look forward to hearing from you!
You can follow Jules Coll on Facebook here, Instagram here and Twitter here.
Tickle Liposuction is our newest treatment at The Avoca Clinic and has proved to be a popular alternative to traditional liposuction surgery. One of the most common questions we are asked is what are the differences, advantages and disadvantages between Tickle Liposuction and traditional Liposuction methods which we also provide at our clinics.
With traditional Liposuction, the patient requires general anesthetic, in an operating room setting and requires a larger instrument (known as a cannula) than is used with Tickle Liposuction. Although patients will not feel anything as they will be under general anesthetic, because of the nature of traditional liposuction, there is more tissue trauma than with the less invasive Tickle Liposuction method which only requires a local anesthetic. As a result, with Tickle Liposuction, the patient will be awake throughout the entire procedure and can speak with their surgeon whilst maintaining a greater sense of control of their body. Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Minimal Pain or Discomfort
With Tickle Liposuction, body fat is removed gently using a special cannula that does not burn or cut and stops when non-fatty tissue is touched, reducing trauma while improving fat removal. The fibrous network and non-fatty tissue under the skin are preserved while improved fat removal uniformity provides excellent skin retraction and flat, smooth skin.
Infrasonic vibration allows for minimal pain or discomfort throughout the process. Typically, the patient will feel like they are being tickled during the procedure, hence the name! As a result, Tickle Liposuction is the most comfortable Liposuction method currently available.
Tickle Liposuction allows for the removal of stubborn body fat from one or more areas at the same time, including difficult or delicate spots that require extra special care. The body is sculpted with precision to the desired shape and size, removing all types of fat, including fibrous, more effectively.
Tickle Liposuction can be used on many parts of the body. These areas include, but are not limited to:
Inner ThighsImage may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Back
Outer Thighs
“Love Handles”
Bra Bulge
Abdomen
Buttocks
Faster Recovery & Faster Results
Because the structural changes are minimal compared to traditional Liposuction, patients’ recovery time is hugely reduced with the Tickle Liposuction method and will typically be back to work or their daily routines within days rather than weeks. With Tickle Liposuction, patients recovery a lot faster and see immediate results which only improve with time (see our before and after photos below).
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
More Affordable
Due to all of the advantages mentioned above, the Tickle Liposuction method is more cost effective and therefore affordable to patients than traditional Liposuction. You can book a free consultation at The Avoca Clinic by calling 01 2014563 or by sending an e-mail to info@avocaclinic.ie to discuss your options with a member of our expert team.
Tickle Liposuction In Media
This clip from the TV show “The Doctors” shows Dr Sandra Lee performing Tickle Lipo on a patient who hates her “saddlebags”.
In the following video, Dr. Leslie Smith shares the differences between tickle liposuction versus traditional liposuction and why she prefers the tickle lipo procedure.
Have you had a baby and are looking to regain your pre-pregnancy shape, muscle control and remove stretch marks? Or perhaps you have experienced significant weight loss and have been left with unsightly excess skin which you wish you could remove.
There are a number of treatments which we offer at The Avoca Clinic which can help and we understand that it can be confusing at first to know which procedure is most suitable for you. The most typical solutions to the issues mentioned above are Abdominoplasty (more commonly known as a Tummy Tuck) and Liposuction.
Liposuction
Liposuction is the number one treatment for the removal of stubborn fat cells and is generally the less invasive option and comes with shorter recovery times than Tummy Tuck surgery. Liposuction is ideal for removing stubborn areas of fat in just one procedure and whilst it is most commonly used to remove abdominal fat, it can also be used in other areas including the arms, hips and thighs.
Liposuction is a very specialised procedure and we will personalise each procedure to each individual patients needs. Typically, it can take between 1-2 hours and this procedure is usually performed as a day case unless in some cases the patient may stay overnight.
The recovery time varies from patient to patient but a recent survey shows that most women will be back at work within 3-5 days following this procedure. You will be required to diligently follow the discharge instructions as your participation in our aftercare programme is absolutely necessary.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Tickle Liposuction
Our latest procedure new at The Avoca Clinic is the revolutionary tecnhique known as Tickle Liposuction which is another excellent weight loss solution but comes with the added benefits of having minimal recovery times, being more affordable and offering instant results which only get better over time.
You may also be interested in discovering the differences between Traditional Liposuction and Tickle Liposuction, check out our recent blog on the subject here.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
While liposuction is an effective choice for some patients, others will need a little more to achieve the results they desire. For these patients, Abdominoplasty surgery (commonly referred to as a Tummy Tuck) might be the most appropriate option (this will all be discussed and decided at the time of the patients consultation).
Although Tummy Tuck surgery is more invasive than liposuction, it can remove excess abdominal skin and tighten muscle, which may be essential in achieving the best results for those who have had children and are looking to regain their pre-pregnancy shape. It is also very suitable for patients who have experienced significant weight loss and are left with unsightly, excess skin that they wish to be removed.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Some patients will also require or desire liposuction during their tummy tuck surgery. In this case, the combined tummy tuck and liposuction is what we refer to as “complete abdominal re-shaping”.
As our specialist plastic surgeons are Abdominoplasty experts we offer different variations of the tummy tuck and will plan each patient’s surgery to suit their individual needs. To get in touch with the clinic with any questions you might have or to book a free consultation, simply give us a call on 01 2014563 and we can discuss your options.
So I’m writing this chilling in the biggest arm chair in Culloden Estate. We are here for two nights and I just love it here. We stayed here back in November when it was all done up for Christmas. It’s such a beautiful hotel, really is. I love that it’s 15 minutes outside of Belfast so the views are so gorgeous from the rooms. We stayed in the Bishop Suite last time and the Cavehill Suite this time. Both are divine. My dad is from Belfast so I have always been up and down since I was younger. Both Sean and I love up here so much. Belfast is definitely one of our favourite cities. We leave tomorrow morning (Friday) and I’m going to take tomorrow-Sunday to chill with Lily with no phone. If you are a new follower then you won’t know this but at the beginning of 2019 I made a promise to myself to GET OFF MY PHONE! So I try to not use my phone, go on stories or post for a few days every week and spend them with Lily. I don’t want to look back when she’s two and realise I spent all this time on the stupid phone. So if you see me on stories and then not, you know why now Sorry for anyone that has to listen to me say that all the time but I’m conscious that new followers don’t know. This won’t be live until Sunday.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Anyway onto the post at hand. I put up the questions thing asking what you all thought this might be and so many of you said to be a pilot and although yes that is correct I do, it’s not what this post is about. The something I have wanted to do for years is something that I have wanted to do since I was 16 years of age. I told my three cousins a few weeks ago and all three of them guessed it right straight away, they knew! It was mad as they are all much younger than me but still knew how much it has affected me.
So what is it?
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
A breast reduction
Firstly before I continue let me point out to you, this has nothing to do with the size that is on the tag. I would wear any size dress tomorrow if it looked good on me and I am the biggest advocate for dressing in what makes you feel comfortable & nice in. This is something I have struggled with for half my life.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BukIh21Fm1t/
So let me tell you my ‘breast story’ and why I want this done. Basically I got boobs aged 9 and was the only girl in my group to have boobs at the time. I instantly hated them and wouldn’t wear a bra as none of my friends wore one. I didn’t start wearing one until nearly 3 years later when I started in secondary school. At that stage my boobs were really big and imagine I was only 12. I think by then I was a 32C and a big C at that. Throughout secondary school I swam a lot and was a lifeguard. I hated that my boobs were so big and always felt so self conscious about them. They grew and grew as they do and by 6th year I was a massive 34D. Over the past ten years, I have struggled so much with them especially with dressing. I always wore a high neck and never ever showed off my boobs. I wore minimiser bras the whole time just to make them look smaller. I wore a size 10/12 bottom but would always have to go up to a 14 for my boobs. The larger your boobs the larger the tops and dresses and you are also much more limited too with dressing. I worked in Brown Thomas for years, surrounded by amazing fashion pieces and fashion brands like Kooples and Maje but unfortunately I couldn’t wear any of it. I had to stand a lot for my job in Brown Thomas too wearing heels so my back really suffered for a long time working there along with the added weight of my boobs.
I saved up in 2016/2017 and I was all set to get a breast reduction, then I fell pregnant in late 2017 and that couldn’t happen. At the time, I just knew my boobs were going to get much much bigger. I already had lower back problems and an incident in work in 2016 which I hurt my back so I knew my back would cause me a lot more problems throughout the pregnancy. Half way through my pregnancy, I started to really feel it. My back was in extreme pain with the baby and my boobs also at the time. My boobs went from a 36DD to a 36G during my pregnancy so 4 cup sizes. They are currently a 36F now. When I had Lily last August, I took a few months to recover and let them ‘settle down’. Back in November last year, I sat down with my mum and Sean and said I’m doing it. I was becoming so upset about them and I knew I had to do something. My mum had surgery abroad a few years ago so I was planning on going there initially but then I really didn’t want to leave Lily for 12 days.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
I researched into a few different places and I decided to book a consultation in the Avoca Clinic in Wicklow. The Avoca Clinic are Ireland’s premier cosmetic surgery clinic staffed by top surgeons in Ireland. It’s a private, purpose built surgery and aftercare facility so all under one roof. I had went for a consultation back in 2016 with them so the lady had that on my file. I had my initial consultation and then met with the surgeon. The surgeon was very important to me and I wanted to know everything about what he had done previous etc. The surgeon is one of the top people in Ireland who works on breast reductions so I know I am in good hands. We spoke about sizing, implications and scarring. To me scarring was the least of my worries as most of you won’t know this but I have a huge scar across my stomach from an operation I had as a baby. I was in & out and got my date for surgery so I won’t lie I’m a mixed bag of nerves. I am nervous, scared and excited all at the same time. My friend had to remind me to ‘snap out of it’ as it’s something I’ve wanted to do for the last 14 years.
So I know so many of you are going to say #AD and no it’s not. I am not being paid one cent to promote The Avoca Clinic however they asked me if I was comfortable to share my story with my followers so it’s a collaboration. I know that I most definitely won’t be the only one to want this operation done so I am happy to share my journey with you all. Most people these days want bigger boobs so I thought it would be good for me to share my story of wanting smaller boobs. I had a great chat with fellow big boobed beauty Aisling Keenan. Go follow her if you don’t already, SOUND GIRL. Anyway Aisling and myself spoke back in December about how it’s honestly very much a struggle with dressing and get stuff to wear having much bigger boobs. I told her (nobody else) about what I wanted to do and when I met her last week I was like, IT IS BOOKED. She couldn’t believe it and is dying to know how I get on now with it.Some of you have noticed my lack of fashion posts and honestly I’m just totally not loving clothes at all right now. I am hating everything I put on and this is most definitely down to my boobs and trying to find stuff to wear. I love fashion and just want to be able to wear what I want again. This is something I have wanted to do for so so long and honestly something that has really got me so down over the years. I am not only doing this for cosmetic reasons but health reasons too. I’ve read so much online about how a breast reduction can truly change your life in so many ways. A lot of people these days want a Breast Enlargement while a Breast Reduction you don’t hear about as often. I thought by sharing this with whoever wants to read it, it may help someone make the decision to get it done too.
So I’m all booked in, three weeks tomorrow and I’ll be in there. AHHHHHH! I know I am in good hands in the Avoca Clinic so I’ll be fine. I won’t be documenting it through videos like other people may have done before. I will be doing it through my own Instagram Stories and Blog Posts. I’ll have a highlight for it on my Instagram for you to be able to check out, HERE. All blog posts and any stories or Q&A’s related to it, I’ll have in there. I will be doing takeovers on the Avoca Clinic Instagram page too. My next blog post will be up in April and it will be all about the operation itself, being in hospital, leaving, pain, aftercare, at home, stitches, washing & cost etc. I’ll also be doing a Q&A with someone from The Avoca Clinic who will be able to answer lots of questions you may have. If you have any immediate questions about it you can check out their FAQs HERE or DM me on Instagram.
So that’s it for now. Wish me luck Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. Until next time Small boobs here I come baby!
Love Aoibhe xxx
DISCLAIMER: This blog post is in collaboration with The Avoca Clinic
In Ciara Drea’s latest video blog for The Avoca Clinic following her Breast Augmentation surgery with 450cc implants, she updates us on how she is getting on two weeks after surgery. She has just had her stitches removed and whilst she says that is was one of the things she was dreading the most she found that in the end she didn’t feel a thing and was in and out in around ten minutes.
She lets us know that everything is going well and that she is now back in work after a week off. She says that she can’t believe how quickly she has recovered and that it feels like she has had her new breasts for months. She adds that the staff have been amazing, supportive and have answered any questions she had and have made the whole experience extremely straightforward for her.
Finally, Ciara tells us that she has her next follow up appointment on the 8th of August and hopes that she will get the go ahead to take her support bra off.
A breast reduction was something I had wanted since I’m 16 years of age. I always had big boobs and hated them. Let me tell you my ‘breast story’ and why I wanted this done. Basically I got boobs aged 9 and was the only girl in my group to have boobs at the time. I instantly hated them and wouldn’t wear a bra as none of my friends wore one. I didn’t start wearing one until nearly 3 years later when I started in secondary school. At that stage my boobs were really big and imagine I was only 12. I think by then I was a 32C and a big C at that. Throughout secondary school I swam a lot and was a lifeguard. I hated that my boobs were so big and always felt so self conscious about them. They grew and grew as they do and by 6th year I was a massive 34D. Over the past ten years, I have struggled so much with them especially with dressing. I always wore a high neck and never ever showed off my boobs. I wore minimiser bras the whole time just to make them look smaller. I wore a size 10/12 bottom but would always have to go up to a 14 for my boobs. The larger your boobs the larger the tops and dresses and you are also much more limited too with dressing. I worked in Brown Thomas for years, surrounded by amazing fashion pieces and fashion brands like Kooples and Maje but unfortunately I couldn’t wear any of it. I had to stand a lot for my job in Brown Thomas too wearing heels so my back really suffered for a long time working there along with the added weight of my boobs.
This was something I wanted to do for over half my life and now I have FINALLY done it.
I talked all about choosing where to go and choosing my surgeon. I got my breast reduction done in the Avoca Clinic in Wicklow. The Avoca Clinic are Ireland’s premier cosmetic surgery clinic staffed by top surgeons in Ireland.
This blog post will be broken into different sections, the operation, the hospital, leaving hospital, pain, aftercare, cost and I will also answer a lot of the FAQ’s about the surgery too. My next blog post will talk about the surgery/scars three months on, different bras/swimsuits I recommend and give a list of essentials.
So let’s get started.
The OPERATION
The night before my operation I was so emotional. I just couldn’t believe this was it. I was such a mixed bag of nerves. I made sure I had no nail varnish and all my fake tan was fully removed the night before. The morning of the operation I cuddled Lily so so much and played with her (above). We watched Sing on the couch and played all morning as I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold or cuddle her properly for a few weeks after the operation. I went into the hospital, got my bed and all ready for the surgery. Sexy compression socks and gown on. I was waiting a few hours in the hospital before I was called and I won’t lie I was terrified at this moment.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Before I knew it I was on the bed and ready for theatre. I did have a bit of a cry before I went into theatre and the nurse said it was totally normal. In case you didn’t read my first post, Dr. Nadeem Ajmal was doing my surgery. He marked out everything on my boobs and in I went. I woke up just over three hours later in recovery where everything is a bit of a blur. I remember them putting on my support bra. You can get two different types of surgeries like a reduction and implant and reduction and lift. I got a reduction and lift. There are also two types of scars you can get from having this surgery. See below. I have an anchor scar. This is because I had lot of breast tissue to be removed and I went from an F to a C.
The HOSPITAL
I had to stay one night in hospital to be monitored. When I went back to the room it was so lovely to see Sean. I had a lot of medication to numb any pain and I had two drains coming out either breast. I still had my compression socks on along with blood pressure machine on both my legs to keep my blood flowing. I had to wear these pretty much all night and some of the next day as I wasn’t up and moving. I immediately looked down and couldn’t believe how small my boobs were. I couldn’t believe they were mine. I was not able to move my arms at this stage, just use my phone. The one thing that was most uncomfortable for me was the drains. I am really bad with blood so this just wasn’t good for me. I ended up dosing off quite early after the operation and Sean left.
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The next morning they check your drains to see how much blood has been drained out. They generally let you out if the drains are under a certain amount but for me, it was over so I had to stay in for a bit longer. I got up late morning to go to the toilet and that is when I realised what a difference there was. I went into the bathroom with the help of a care assistant to have a wash. I took the bra off and instantly started crying. I was just in total shock. It was tears of happiness of course. I just couldn’t believe it was my body in the mirror, my boobs. If you watched my Instagram story about it a few days after the operation you’ll see me very teary eyed in it too as I just couldn’t believe it.
I was discharged later that evening so had only spent just over 24hrs in hospital. I unfortunately had to go home with the drains in. A lot of people have them taken out before leaving but some don’t. This is all down to the amount of blood draining and in my case there was too much so they needed to remain in. Personally I would have preferred to have stayed that night in the hospital and wait until the drains had been removed the next day. So for anyone reading this that is going in for the procedure, I would highly recommend that if the drains need to remain in that you stay another night however sometimes (not that often but it happens) you may have to leave the drains in for longer.
As mentioned above, I was discharged after one night and went home. I was given the prescribed amount of painkillers and antibiotics to last me one week. I went back in the next day to get the drains removed. For me getting the drains out was the worst part of the whole experience. Removing them was very quick and painless, as it just felt like a small wiggly snake being pulled out. I was definitely uncomfortable for the first 24hrs but after the drains were gone I was flying along.
LEAVING HOSPITAL
I recommend bringing a loose shirt or jumper for when you are leaving the hospital. You won’t be able to lift your arms so this is necessary. Also you should bring shoes that are handy to get on and off without help. You will have to wear the bra they put you in for a period of time so you can choose to buy your own or continue to use the one they give you. I bought one spent a fortune and it was so uncomfortable. I immediately put the hospital one back on. I recommend getting one that has velcro straps over the shoulders and thick straps not thin. This is similar HERE.
I had to return to The Avoca Clinic after one week for a check with Dr. Ajmal. The nurse took everything off and the he assessed my breasts. He said they were healing well and he was happy (as was I) but wanted to see me the following week. When I went back in the following week, he was happy for everything to be removed and for me to remain wearing my support bra for a further 4 weeks and return to see him after week 6.
The PAIN
I will talk about this honestly as I was petrified about this. I was so scared of everything, going under, blood clots, something going wrong, just everything. I was nervous that the pain, it would be unbearable when I went home and how wrong was I. From the minute you are taken up from recovery, you are given painkillers to completely take away any pain you might have. They even said to me ‘there is absolutely no reason for you to be in pain’ and I never was. Even when I went home, I stayed on top of my medication and everything was ok.
The most painful thing was having the drains in and even at that, it was not that painful at all. These are necessary so there is no avoiding them. I didn’t like it but I sucked it up as look I had small boobs so how could I complain?
But overall pain wise its actually not very painful at all.
The AFTERCARE
You cannot shower from your stomach upwards until the surgeon says. You also cannot lean over a bath to get someone to do it for you either so I recommend booking in to get your hair washed a few days after surgery as you will feel a million dollars after it. When you can eventually shower, it will feel like the best shower of your life.
You cannot sleep on your side so I recommend to get some fab puffy pillows and sleep like a queen until you feel comfortable enough to turn on your side. Sleep propped ip so it’s easier to get in and out of the bed. I was only able to sleep on my side after 4 weeks.
You cannot lift anything heavy for at least 4-5 weeks, your baby included. I held Lily very carefully after two weeks and that was so carefully. I didn’t lift her until 3-4 weeks though and this was very hard but all lifting is out the window.
I recommend taking arnica tablets a few weeks before/after to help with bruising.
The COST
The cost of the operation is €8.5K upwards. The Avoca Clinic provide payment plans with Flexi-Fi. They can speak all about this at your initial consultation.
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
I will have more up throughout the summer however these are my initial before and after photos from the surgery. This is the morning before the surgery and then 4 weeks later. As you can see from all of the before photos, my boobs consumed a large portion of stomach so I never really had a waist as such ever. I think the front view is hugely different but for me it’s the side profile that gets me. I always looked wider on top because of my boobs and now I am more in proportion with the rest of my body.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
My THOUGHTS
It was hands down the best thing I ever done. I am so happy with my results at The Avoca Clinic. From my initial consultation to now, everything has been brilliant. My only thing is that I wish I done it sooner than now. My back isn’t in pain anymore, I don’t have to cover up like I did before, I am in proportion to the rest of my body now and I just cannot stop smiling with how they are. I honestly still can’t believe they are my boobs.
Your surgery can be carried out in one of four locations: Avoca Clinic, St Vincent’s Private Hospital, The Hermitage Clinic or The Bon Secours Hospital in Glasnevin. The choice is yours and the surgery requires one overnight stay.
How many consultations do you need?
I only had one consultation however you can have more if you wish.
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What about scars and recovery time? How long do I need off work?
As mentioned above there are two types of scars. Recovery time is up to 6 weeks. I think personally you would need a minimum of 2 weeks off work after your surgery.
After having a baby, how long do I have to wait to get it done? Can you breastfeed after?
You just have to not be breastfeeding anymore that is all to get it done. Having the surgery definitely reduces being able to breastfeed again yes.
After having a breast reduction, can they get bigger again?
Your boobs won’t grow back to the original size/shape however life factors can still affect the size and shape of your breasts. These include weight gain, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Is it safe to have a breast reduction?
Having any surgery has risks. These include bleeding(clots), infection and adverse reaction to anaesthesia. Breast reduction scars tend to be minimal and fast-healing. Minor complications include bruising (which tends to be temporary), breastfeeding difficulties or loss of sensitivity.The Avoca Clinic have an open-door policy to all former patients, as well as comprehensive post-surgery care.
Do you need to have a catheter?
No you don’t for this type of surgery.
Should you wait until you have had all your children?
This is completely individual. I personally had waited 14 years so that was long enough for me.
Do you have to get an implant with a breast reduction?
No you don’t. This all depends on what your surgeon says and if it is needed or not. I personally didn’t get one or need one.
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Do your boobs stay perky after the surgery or? Do you ask for a certain shape?
Yes they are still perky. I don’t think you can ask for a certain shape, I just said just please make them smaller and happier. You can tell what you like but he has to work with what he has got.
What advice would I give to someone thinking of getting a breast reduction?
Don’t wait any longer. I waited 14 years and now I wish I got it done sooner. The best thing I have ever done for myself in my life. Couldn’t be happier with the results.
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“I’m absolutely loving them – best decision I have ever made!”
Last summer, Teresa McGrath aka SupermomSlimming (who had recently lost eleven stone in six months!) had Breast Augmentation surgery with The Avoca Clinic and decided to document her journey with us via a series of video blogs and Instagram Stories.
The above video is a compilation of her Breast Augmentation Question & Answers stories in which Teresa answered your questions on all things Breast Augmentation. She discusses the profile of the Breasts she chose for her surgery, the recovery time, the aftercare and more.
Last summer, Teresa McGrath aka SupermomSlimming (who had recently lost eleven stone in six months!) had Breast Augmentation surgery with The Avoca Clinic and decided to document her journey with us via a series of video blogs and Instagram Stories.
The above video compiles her Instagram stories detailing how her recovery post-surgery progressed from the day after the surgery until almost a month after sh underwent the procedure.
1 Day After Surgery
The day after undergoing Breast Augmentation surgery, Teresa tells us how she’s getting on. She explains how she is taking her time moving due to some stiffness but that there is little pain and that she “feels great!”.
2 Days After Surgery
“They look unreal!”.
Two days after surgery, Teresa explains how she slept much better than the previous night. She also tells about the support bra she is wearing post-surgery. She tells us that she has no problem driving her car and thanks everyone for all the support she has received online.
Later that day, she shows us the scar where the incision was made and tells us that she’s feeling great already, not even 48 hours after her surgery. She also confirms that she has lost no sensation in her nipples (after receiving several questions about this online – a full Q&A with Teresa can be found here).
3 Days After Surgery
The following day, Teresa tells us that she has been sleeping well and that she has an upcoming appointment with the clinic for her first post-surgery checkup. She tells us that if she had known how little pain was involved, she probably would have had the surgery years ago.
1 Week After Surgery
“My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner!”.
A full week on from her Breast Augmentation surgery at the Avoca Clinic, Teresa shows us how her breasts are healing and says she is feeling “pretty great” and that she only needed to take painkillers for two days. She explains that after two weeks she will be able to have a full shower and describes the creams she has been given to use post-surgery.
11 Days After Surgery
Eleven Days post-surgery, Teresa tells us that she’s just done her first 10k walk!
2 Weeks After Surgery
Two weeks on from her surgery at the clinic, Teresa says her breasts have softened out loads and shows how the scar is healing and describes the serums and moisturisers that she is using.
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3 Weeks After Surgery
Three weeks post-surgery, Teresa tells us that there is absolutly no pain in her breasts and that the scars are healing great!
“I wanted to look the way I felt, and even though I had lost 20lbs, I couldn’t lose it off my back. So I treated myself to some Tickle Liposuction.”
Presenter and novelist Amanda Brunker recently had Tickle Liposuction treatment at The Avoca Clinic and took to social media to share the results on her Instagram profile. Amanda had been dieting for some time but found it difficult to lose the weight off her back so decided to treat herself to the recently developed procedure which produces results similar to traditional Liposuction methods but with less downtime and without the need for general anaesthetic.
Amanda turned 45 this year and said that she decided to have the surgery because ‘heck, I was turning 45, what was I waiting for?’
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On her Instagram post showing the before and after photos from the treatment, Amanda had the following to say:
“Ok, I must be mad… but here is a before and after shot of my body. I feel a bit sick showing you my body before #TickleLiposuction – apart from not having any tan on, it reflects an old tired me. Last year I found myself quite sick, pains throughout my whole body, my insides didn’t work very well either. So I decided I need to make a change myself. I improved my diet. Removed my old silver fillings. Started to eat and wash with organic products as much as I could. Took @cbd1uk It was a slow process but I healed. Feeling stronger – I wanted to look the way I felt, and even though I had lost 20lbs, I couldn’t lose it off my back. So I treated myself to some #tickleliposuction – heck I was turning 45, what was I waiting for? I have to say, I’m chuffed with myself. It’s not a small op, but I don’t smoke so I heal well. According to my surgeon I’m still only halfway healed, so I’m now on the hot baths to aid the shrinking. @theavocaclinic never asked me to share these pix, but I thought why not. Instagram can’t be all glossy. Now I’m off to hide!”
The results speak for themselves and the reaction to her post has been overwhelmingly positive:
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You can find out more information about Tickle Liposuction on our website here. To speak with us about your options and to book a FREE consultation, please give us a call on 01-2014563.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that plastic surgery can change your life. In fact, that’s how many of our patients have described it.
Breast augmentation can bring shape to your overall silhouette, enhance your cleavage and finally give you the shape and body that you want.
But, even within your body type, there are countless options. So how do you pick what’s right for you?
Here’s a quick guide, taking into account lifestyle, aesthetics and – of course – size.
Size
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Many patients want to go up a size (or more). You might have a look in mind, or even a celebrity whose body shape is one you’d like. But it’s worth thinking about what’s right for you.
Firstly, breasts that are excessive in size can look unnatural on a relatively small frame. Remember, proportion is more important than specific size. What might look perfect on someone else might not be suited to your body type.
Our surgeons have experience in breast implants for all types of patients, so they will have insight into the best breast size for your particular body shape, size and requirements.
Talk to our surgeons. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough or even embarrassing questions. And if you have pictures of the breasts that you’d like yours to look like, by all means bring them in and show us.
Also, cup size is not the same as breast implant size, but our surgeons can show you what the implants look like post-operation. We have bespoke, customizable 3D computer technology that shows imagery of what the different sizes will look like on your body.
Lifestyle
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Just as many of our patients want bigger breasts, several desire smaller ones: This is because breast size often plays a part in a woman’s everyday comfort. Tell your surgeon about your everyday lifestyle, especially when it comes to exercise. Runners and swimmers, for instance, would tend not to go for large breast implants.
Shape
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You will be given the option of “round” or “teardrop”. Round implants give a lift and volume to the breast, but teardrop is growing in popularity as some say it looks more natural. Again, this is very much a personal, subjective decision. Our Surgeon will make a recommendation for you and discuss all of your options with you, based on you and your requirements.
Fashion and Style Tastes
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The actress Jennifer Love Hewitt once joked that her breasts were her favourite accessories because they go with everything.
What are your style choices? What looks good, in your opinion? If your favourite outfits show a little cleavage, consider that when choosing the breast implant. On the other hand, you might like a subtler look, which would also play a part in the implants you go for.
Your “Silhouette”
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You might also consider your shadow or silhouette, or what your new body will look like from the side. There are generally four levels; moderate, moderate plus, high profile or ultra-high profile. High profile is often a popular choice, typically our Surgeon will choose this for you.
To Lift or Not?
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If your breasts are sagging more than you’d like, implants alone won’t address that issue. That’s why many patients also opt for a lift as well as implants.
It’s a common option, though recovery time (naturally) takes longer than if you were opting for implants alone. We discuss this further in our Breast Augmentation FAQ section.
Tummy tucks(abdominoplasty) and pregnancy are often mentioned in the same breath – either because someone wants to regain their figure and definition post-pregnancy, or because they might have queries about how the procedure affects pregnancy (and vice versa).
We’d like to talk about both situations, clarifying a few issues, busting a couple of myths and hopefully giving you a steer, whether you’re going for the procedure before or after welcoming a child into the world.
We’ll start with the most common situation…
Tummy Tucks After Pregnancy
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Motherhood is an immense gift, of course. But a common price to pay is the loss of stomach definition. For many mothers, no amount of exercising and no kind of diet will return the stomach to its pre-pregnancy form.
This is why tummy tucks are especially popular among mothers. Indeed, it’s one of the most popular reasons for women opting for tummy tucks.
Pregnancy leads to excess skin and torn abdominal muscles for many. Tummy tucks repair this damage.
Contrary to what you might have heard, this is not a weight-loss procedure. Rather, it returns definition to the affected areas.
The Post-Pregnancy Tummy Tuck – Why Timing is Important
It’s tempting to try to schedule a tummy tuck as soon as possible after pregnancy. (Some even hope to book it while they’re pregnant!) But you should wait at until least six months after giving birth before undergoing this procedure.
Many patients wait even longer – waiting to see if exercise and diet can return their body to its pre-pregnancy state.
And, if you breastfeed, it’s advisable to wait until six months after breastfeeding has finished before your tummy tuck.
Another, less formal timeline to consider, is when you’ll be doing less lifting. Motherhood has more than its share of lifting and carrying (from the child itself to buggies and bags). And there is a recovery period after a tummy tuck.
Tummy Tucks Before Pregnancy
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Some patients wonder if a tummy tuck prior to a pregnancy can affect fertility or comfort.
Since this is an aesthetic operation (i.e., not affecting any parts of the reproductive system), it is highly unlikely that a tummy tuck will hinder a pregnancy. Your body’s tissues and abdomen will maintain the same qualities as before surgery, so will still be capable of expanding to make room for your new guest.
That said, because pregnancy will change a woman’s stomach every time, it’s recommended that a tummy tuck is undergone ideally after the patient is finished building a family.
Of course, life – and especially pregnancies – can be unpredictable. But there should be no health drawbacks to becoming pregnant after a tummy tuck.
The most predictable unwelcome outcome in this situation is aesthetic – some or all of the work of a tummy tuck being undone. Though in some cases, the stomach (and tummy tuck benefits) can return after a subsequent pregnancy. Like all medical situations, it varies from patient to patient.
Avoca Clinic – See the Difference
We’re in the business of helping people. If you’d like to know more about any of our world-leading procedures, feel free to get in touch.
Niamh Murdock, co-founder and company director with Avoca Clinic, has had a diverse, fascinating career. Prior to leading Ireland’s premier cosmetic surgery, she worked in finance, both in Ireland and abroad.
A cosmetic surgery clinic is, of course, a far cry from the offices and trading floors of Dublin and Australia. But for Niamh, this new life was the chance to change lives for the better, to connect with people and even to make some lifelong friends.
Here, she talks about choice, pursuing happiness and the transformative nature of cosmetic surgery.
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Life Before Avoca
Like many Irish people, Niamh pivoted careers following the international financial crash.
“I earned a master’s degree in international business and then I worked in finance in Dublin and, later, Australia,” she says. “I worked there for three years in finance and came back here for my now-husband. This was after the crash, so I couldn’t find a job in finance.”
However, this turn of events brought new and surprising opportunities, not just for Niamh, but for Irish people who wanted something different from cosmetic surgery clinics. “I saw a gap in the market for a clinic run by women for women,” says Niamh, “and that’s what my mum [Ailish Kelly] and I are doing now.”
No Boards of Directors, Just Friendly Faces
The founding philosophy of Avoca was that it had to be accessible, friendly and warm. It’s an entirely independent business, not beholden to boards of directors or third level financiers. This gives Niamh and her team the freedom to run things their way: at their own pace with their own way of attending to patients, before, during and after surgery.
“I think a lot of plastic surgery clinics are run by boards and not necessarily for and by the women of Ireland,” says Niamh. “I think there’s a different pace [in Avoca]. We would never have a surgeon here that we weren’t confident working on us ourselves. We treat every patient like our mother, our sister, or our friend.”
No Two Days the Same
Avoca has clinics in Wicklow and Limerick, with plans for more branches in the future. For Niamh, part of the appeal of running this chain is the variety.
“My working day depends on the clinic I’m in,” she says, “usually starting after lots of coffee! And no two days look the same. We do consultations, reviews, operations, with different kinds of things underway and reaching completion. It’s a lovely, busy environment to work in.”
“But I can be anywhere really.”
Management is divided between Niamh and her mother, Ailish. “I would do most of the backend running of the business,” Niamh says, “whereas my mum would look after meeting patients and consultations. We have a fantastic team that we’re extremely proud of. They’re patient-facing. Consultations happen with surgeons and only surgeons. We’re very passionate about the level of people we work with.”
For Niamh and the team, it’s the patients that make the job what it is.
“The most gratifying thing is seeing the happy people,” says Niamh. “Jen’s journey is a good example. She had an abdominoplasty with us after losing 12 stone. It’s people like her that make it such a nice place to be. We meet lovely women and men all the time. It’s a happy environment. People are excited to come in here. It’s lovely.”
The Changing Face of Cosmetic Surgery
While the concept of beauty is timeless, demands and trends frequently change in cosmetic surgery, just like in every other industry. Now, customers are looking for more low-key procedures than before.
Niamh has noticed a shift in what customers regularly ask for. “I think trends have changed,” she agrees. “In 2012, people were in a very TOWIE [The Only Way is Essex] frame of mind. The aesthetic look was more obvious. Now it’s more subtle.”
“People don’t always want others to know they’ve had it done,” Niamh continues. “We’ve had a major increase in demand for breast reduction in recent years. Tickle liposuction is a real game changer now too. We’re also seeing the effects of the economy improving. People are spending more on the bigger more expensive surgeries such as breast reduction and abdominoplasty.”
Cosmetic Surgery, Society and Happiness
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Cosmetic surgery has its critics, but for Niamh, it’s about the freedom to be what you want to be.
“I think it’s all about choice,” she says. “Everything we’re seeing in society is moving towards people getting more choice to be what they are and who they want to be. Everyone’s entitled to that. I think the most important thing that [cosmetic surgery] can give people is options.”
“We have customers who have had three or four children and they’re not happy with how they look. They miss how they used to feel. So much of what’s done now is reconstructive. It’s getting people back to the way they felt.”
See the Difference
Niamh and the team at Avoca Clinic have been changing lives for almost a decade. If there’s anything you’d like to know about how they can help you, get in touch. We’d love to talk to you.
After vowing to turn her life around for her son, Jennifer Carroll lost an incredible 12 stone. Dublin born mum of one, Jennifer turned to Slimming World and lost close to half her body weight in just one year. Her incredible weight loss journey garnered attention in the media and through her popular Instagram profile @jens_journey_ie.
After travelling to London to study, Jennifer struggled with her personal life gaining 25kg as a result, RSVP Live reports.
She said: “I was at a very very low place in my life and was really struggling with everything.”
When her son Carter was two years old, Jennifer decided to make a change and took the first steps towards her new life, all to be the best mother she could be.
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“I had people messaging me saying that they lost weight maybe ten years ago and didn’t know surgery was available in Ireland because it’s not really talked about. The response was amazing which made it all worth while for me.”
One of the typical results of dramatic weight loss is excess skin and having lost so much weight, Jen knew that cosmetic surgery could be a solution. Having been left with around two stone of excess skin, she decided to have Abdominoplasty (also known as a Tummy Tuck) surgery at The Avoca Clinic and has been bravely documenting her journey via images and stories on Instagram which resulted in an overwhelmingly positive response from her followers.
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“The clinic was great as they had a top surgeon that was an expert with the Fleur De Lis, which is like a skin tightening treatment.”
She has regularly been discussing her experiences at the clinic, detailing her pre-surgery thoughts, the surgery itself, aftercare and the recovery which has taken Jen around six weeks.
“Recovery was 6 weeks, but in total it could be up to three months. I had drains in me for 4 weeks which was tough because I couldn’t leave the house. I thought I was going to be in agony, but recovery wasn’t too bad.”
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Following her Abdominoplasty surgery at The Avoca Clinic, Jen has made appearances on Ireland am and Newstalk in which she discussed her weight lost journey and subsequent surgery. With more surgeries planned, Jen has turned her life around and says that her journey has resulted in a new found confidence adding that:
“My only regret in life is that I wish I could go back and tell myself that I deserved to be happy. My life has only just begun and I’m so excited to give Carter everything that I missed out on. He deserves the world and more.”
