Aoibhe Devlin, The Secret Obsession Blog

Where does the surgery take place?

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.

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.

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 has 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.

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.

Link To Original Post on The Secret Obsession

The post Aoibhe Devlin Breast Reduction FAQ appeared first on Avoca Clinic.

“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?’

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:

You can find out more information about Tickle Liposuction on our website.

To speak with us about your options, learn more about our service or to book a FREE consultation, please give us a call on 01 201 4563 or email info@avocaclinic.ie.

The post Amanda Brunker Tickle Liposuction appeared first on Avoca Clinic.

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

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 a 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

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

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

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”

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?

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.

The post Picking the Implant or Augmentation that’s Best for You appeared first on Avoca Clinic.

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 

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 

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.   

The post Tummy Tucks and Pregnancy appeared first on Avoca Clinic.

Meet Niamh 

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.

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.â€Â 

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.â€Â 

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.â€Â 

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.â€Â 

“But I can be anywhere really.â€Â 

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.â€Â 

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.â€Â 

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.â€Â 

“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.â€Â 

Cosmetic Surgery, Society and Happiness

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.â€Â 

“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.â€Â 

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.https://apotheeknetherlands.com/kopen-viagra-origineel-zonder-voorschrift-online/

The post Meet Niamh – Company Director and Co-Founder of Avoca Clinic appeared first on Avoca Clinic.

The post Protected: Breast Implants & ALCL appeared first on Avoca Clinic.

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.

“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 worthwhile 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 surgery (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.

“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.”

Following her abdominoplasty surgery at The Avoca Clinic, Jen has made appearances on Ireland am and Newstalk in which she discussed her weight loss 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.”

Want to learn more about Abdominoplasty at The Avoca Clinic?

To learn more about our Tummy Tuck service, simply fill out our online contact form. You can also get in touch with us by phone at 01 201 4563 or email info@avocaclinic.ie.

The post Jen’s Abdominoplasty Journey appeared first on Avoca Clinic.

Breast reduction surgery is on the rise. In fact, if you look at the United States, there was an 11% spike in requests for the procedure in 2017.  Closer to home, breast reduction in Ireland is gaining ground too. In The Avoca Clinic, it’s becoming an increasingly sought-after procedure. 

Here are a few reasons why patients around the world believe that less is more…

Comfort 

Common reasons for the procedure are comfort, reduced pain, and overall better quality of life. Time and again, patients have talked to us about the freeing experience of carrying a lighter load. 

One of our patients, Aoibhe Devlin, said in a blog post, “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.”

Standing, swimming and especially running can be a challenge for those with big breasts. And many women suffer long-term strain in their neck, back and shoulders, especially if they have an otherwise small frame. Then there’s the added discomfort that wearing a bra can bring. 

If the patient enjoys being active, especially running, large breasts can be a hindrance. An excellent sports bra can only do so much.

For some of our patients, weight loss did little to reduce their breast size. Breast reduction surgery, on the other hand, can help address all of those issues. 

Jeffrey E. Janis, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons said of this procedure’s rise in popularity: “Breast reductions are consistently reported as one of the highest patient satisfaction procedures because it positively affects a woman’s quality of life. It addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns.”

Speaking of aesthetics…

Appearance/Aesthetics 

Size is not the be-all and end-all. For many, breasts that are too big have a negative effect on their silhouette and can even affect their self-esteem. Many of our patients have been putting up with the negative impact of a large chest for half of their lives. Some patients developed breasts when they were just 9 years old. 

Large breasts might not have a clear shape, might be asymmetrical and they sometimes are more prone to sagging.

It can be hard to find clothes that fit. Also, having to cover one’s breasts limits the wardrobe options further. And they can lead to unwanted attention or self-consciousness.

Again, these are all issues that patients have successfully addressed with breast reduction surgery.

To use another of our own examples, Maria Redmond told us: “Before the surgery, I wouldn’t have been able to see my shape. My boobs would have been quite low and gone out to my sides, so after surgery was the first time I could see my hourglass figure. It’s made me feel more feminine.”

“Natural” look rising in popularity 

In a recent interview for the Avoca site, Niamh Murdock, Avoca’s Clinic director and co-founder, said: “I think trends have changed. 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 [plastic surgery] done. We’ve had a major increase in demand for breast reduction in recent years.”

Every woman has a unique body shape. While some patients opt for breasts that are bigger; others believe that reducing and re-shaping their breasts will make them look better. 

The Avoca Clinic – Changing Lives 

It might be dramatic to say that a cosmetic procedure can change one’s life, but that’s exactly how many of our patients (including Amanda Brunker) describe it. 

If you’d like to know more about the positive effect a breast reduction can bring, there are plenty of patient reviews and testimonials. We see these endorsements and personal stories as a reflection of the fine work we do.

And if you’d like to talk to us, please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

The post Breast Reductions – Why They’re Popular appeared first on Avoca Clinic.

A huge part of this is the openness of celebrities to talk about the work they’ve had done. In the past, we used to speculate about who was going for what procedure, but now, many public figures have been open and sometimes proud of the changes they’ve gone through. 

This helps remove any remaining taboo that plastic surgery carries, reassures women that their celebrities were not born that way, and it might give inspiration as to what patients might like to have done. 

Here are some celebrities who’ve opted for plastic surgery and who were happy to talk publicly about it…

“Christine Tiegen” by David Shankbone – Licensed Under CC BY 3.0

Chrissy Teigen, Model 

The outspoken model, TV personality and author has been very frank about the plastic surgery she’s had done. “Everything is fake about me except my cheeks,†she told Byrdie. 

Speculation is rife about what she’s had done, but, for what it’s worth, Tiegan was pointing at her face at the time of interview. 

‘Ariel Winter’ by Rogue Artists – Licensed Under CC BY-3.0roulette 222

Ariel Winter, Modern Family Actress 

The young actress, best known for playing Alex in Modern Family, has had breast reduction surgery.  “I was 15 years old with [size] F [breasts],” Winter told Glamor magazine. “It’s like, how do you navigate that?'”

Winter cites discomfort and pain as main reasons for the operation, something we’ve heard many times from our own patients: “It started to hurt so bad that I couldn’t take the pain,” she said in the same interview. “I got it for myself. I can’t even really put it into words about how amazing it feels to really feel right.”

Breast reduction is one of our most popular procedures at Avoca Clinic.

‘Britney Spears’ by Santiago Sebastian Vera – Licensed Under CC BY-SA 2.0

Britney Spears, Pop Star  

The pop icons’s enviable figure is apparently a combination of genetics, discipline and a little extra help. 

Britney playfully told In Style that she’s had lip injections and “fun stuff†done. We’ll leave it up to you to guess what that fun stuff is. 

“Cardi B” by Frank Schwichtenberg – Licensed Under CC BY-SA 4.0

Cardi B, Rapper and Pop Star  

Cardi B seems to have come from nowhere to become a world-famous pop/hip-hop star. She’s recently moved into acting, with a role in the hit movie Hustlers alongside Jennifer Lopez.

It shouldn’t be hugely surprising that Cardi B has had breast augmentation work done (another popular procedure with our patients, incidentally). 

She told her millions of Instagram followers recently: “I TRUELY LOOOOVEEE MY BOOBS SINCE I Bought THEM…my first expensive purchase.â€

“Kelly Rowland” by Eva Rinaldi – Licensed Under CC BY SA 2.0

Kelly Rowland, Destiny’s Child

Rowland, a member of one of the biggest girl bands of all time, faced a familiar dilemma when it came to breast implants. While she wanted them from a very young age, Rowland was discouraged from making such a big decision in her teens. 

She told Shape in a 2013 interview: “I wanted to get breast implants when I was 18, but my mom and Beyoncé’s mom told me to really think about it first. I took their advice and waited 10 years.”

“Khloe Kardashian” by Eric Longden – Licensed Under CC BY 3.0

Khloé Kardashian, Reality TV Star and Businesswoman 

Not every Kardashian is so candid about the work they’ve had done, but Khloé has admitted to non-surgical work such as face fillers. She said that plastic surgery “should be viewed almost like makeup.†In the same interview, which was with E! Online, she said: “If I want to do something, I’ll totally do it—I don’t care and I’ll be the first one to say, ‘Look what I just did!â€

“Kaley Cuoco” by Gage Skidmore – Licensed Under CC BY SA 3.0

Kaley Cuoco, Star of The Big Bang Theory 

Cuoco hit the big time as the star of The Big Bang Theory, which made her one of the highest paid actresses in TV history. 

In an interview with Women’s Health the actress said: “Years ago, I had my nose done. And my boobs. Best thing I ever did.”

However, the actress works hard to stay in shape, managing her diet with portion control, no red meat and plenty of fish and vegetables. And she’s a fan of hot yoga and spinning classes. 

“Jane Fonda” by Georges Biard – Licensed Under CC BY 4.0

Jane Fonda, Actress and Activist 

Fonda, one of the great screen beauties, has been captivating viewers since the late 1960s. The actress, now 81, says that plastic surgery has taken years off her appearance. 

Talking to The Guardian (ironically to promote a movie called Youth), she said: “Plastic surgery bought me a decade.†But she also believes in a good night’s sleep, meditation and yoga. 

The actress, who recently made a comeback with the Netflix series Grace and Frankie, is also a brand ambassador for L’Oreal. 

What can we do for you? 

Plastic surgery is the right option for many, regardless of whether you’re a celebrity. Whether you’re curious about what can be done, or you have a clear idea of what you’d like, reach out for a free consultation. We’d love to talk. 

The post 8 Celebrities Who have Had Plastic Surgery appeared first on Avoca Clinic.