http://www.sundayworld.com/lifestyle/amanda-brunker-real-world.php?aid=14728
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Amanda post Breast Reduction
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Amanda Before her Breast Reduction
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Here at the Avoca Clinic we’re very proud of our work. We take great pride in helping people to achieve the look they’ve always dreamed of, so we’re always delighted to hear some positive feedback from our patients.
Dr. Jean Philippe Salmin and Amanda Brunker
Amanda Brunker, novelist, columnist and former Miss Ireland, underwent a breast reduction surgery in our state-of-the-art clinic in Avoca, County Wicklow.
Amanda came in with a good idea of what she wanted. She was able to describe her hopes and expectations to Dr. Jean-Philippe Salmin, as well as her reasons for wanting the surgery and what she wanted to gain from it. “I didn’t just want a reduction in size,” Amanda explains, “but I wanted my breasts to be reshaped and pretty-looking like they were in my late teens.”
Many women may read that and wonder what are the other 2 wishes Amanda is planning on making to whatever genie she managed to find. Even Amanda herself admits “that may sound ambitious”. Amanda had spent years dreaming of getting a breast reduction surgery and had “met with several plastic surgeons but none that I felt 100% confident in.”
After visiting several clinics, with no success, Amanda made an appointment with one of our expert surgeons, Dr. Jean-Philippe Salmin.
“The minute I met Jean-Philippe Salmin I knew I had met the surgeon for me.” Having consulted Dr. Salmin, and listened to his advice and suggestions, Amanda decided to go ahead and get the breast reduction surgery she had wanted for years.
Amanda explains how what she had wanted was “exactly what I got. Whatever about the rest of me, my boobs look at least 20 years younger and that makes me a very happy woman”.
Amanda also explained in her column in the Sunday World about the fantastic post-operative care she received in the Avoca Clinic. She visited the clinic a few weeks after her surgery for a routine “tidy-up” which was “all part of the service”.
“For anyone interested I would highly recommend the Avoca Clinic and my surgeon Jean-Philippe Salmin to anyone. This is a major operation but everything went without a hitch for me. I’m truly a happy customer.”
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“When they’re huge, you become very self-conscious. Your back hurts. You find that whatever you wear, you look heavy in. It’s uncomfortable.”
Drew Barrymore after her breast reduction
That’s actress Drew Barrymore talking in 1998 about her breasts before she had a breast reduction in 1992.
Breast reduction is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries, so understandably Drew isn’t the only familiar face to have this done.
Mimi Rogers famously said “When I waked into a room, my breasts were always several steps ahead of me”. Her 34DD chest was reduced to 34D after a breast reduction.
Queen Latifah, Ulrika Jonsson, and our own Amanda Brunker have also had the surgery.
While very large breasts might be idolised in some cases, often they mean physical and psychological problems for the women carrying them.
Breast reduction surgery can be a feasible option for these women, and it’s not just for aesthetic reasons. Back, neck and shoulder pain are often a reality, and the extra weight can lead to bad posture. Sometimes the surgery is recommended by doctors and chiropractors.
Past patients have told us about the hassle of shopping for lingerie, swimsuits and dresses that never cater for women with slim torsos and large breasts. They’re daunted by the gym as activities like jogging and Zumba can be uncomfortable and even painful.
If these women do decide to have the surgery, they tend to be delighted afterwards. They feel like they lost weight and gained a new, proportional shape. There is almost always a boost of self-confidence, and new motivation to participate in activities that they avoided before.
A recent study confirms the high satisfaction rate for the procedure. The study in the medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), found that breast reduction surgery led to improvements in patient’s health and quality of life.
They asked 38 patients to rate the improvement in different areas of their life. Out of 100, satisfaction with breast appearance went from 20 before surgery to more than 80 afterward.
Scores for psychosocial well-being went from 41 to 84, sexual well-being went from 40 to 78, and physical well-being from 43 to 81.
Patients said the procedure relieved pain in the breast, neck, back and shoulders, but also led to improvements in sleep and the ability to exercise. The study also noted that the benefits of breast reduction are seen shortly after surgery, in as little as six weeks.
“I really love my body and the way it is right now”, said Drew Barrymore in the interview in 1998. Among the many women who undergo the procedure, she is not alone.
If you would like to know more about breast reductions, our Patient Advisors would be happy to give you more details. Give us a call 01 201 4563.
It is important to note that no surgery is risk free. All the risks associated will be discussed at length with your consultant and you will leave the clinic ready to make an informed decision. Your suitability will be determined during your complimentary consultation with one of our team of consultant plastic surgeons and our promise to you is safe surgery, premium service in luxurious surroundings at affordable prices.
The post Why women have breast reductions appeared first on Avoca.
Amanda Brunker before surgery
Former Miss Ireland and columnist Amanda Brunker is just one of our satisfied patients to speak publicly about the decision to have cosmetic surgery.
A year ago, Amanda came to Avoca Clinic for a breast reduction – and she says it was the best decision she ever made.
Amanda was among the many women who suffered from back pain because of her GG cup size – and even hoovering and sleeping was uncomfortable. Amanda wrote recently in The Star that:
“There are a million other reasons why I wanted a breast reduction. Yes, I resented looking like a hefty, middle-aged auld wan who could make the cover of Readers Wives. Yes, I suffered back pain and yes, I had truly started to hate the sight of myself.”
She met with numerous surgeons, but didn’t commit to the surgery until she met Dr. Jean Philippe Salmin and the rest of the team at The Avoca Clinic. It was then that she finally felt ready for the surgery she had “so badly wanted” for years.
Amanda Brunker RSVP photoshoot
Amanda didn’t just want her breasts made smaller, she decided that if she was going under the knife she wanted them to be reconstructed:
“I didn’t just want a reduction in size but I wanted my breasts to be reshaped and pretty-looking like they were in my late teens. That may sound ambitious but that’s exactly what I got. Whatever about the rest of me my boobs look at least 20 years younger and that makes me a very happy woman”.
A year on, Amanda is delighted with her “pert, round, symmetrical” D cups, saying the scarring is minimal.
We’ve written before about satisfaction rates for breast reduction. One study that found this procedure resulted in great improvements in different areas of life for many women, including satisfaction with breast appearance, physical wellbeing and sexual wellbeing.
Amanda was no different:
“12 months on and the newer, more aerodynamic me is slipping into dresses I could have never considered wearing before and I can now skip down the road, or sit at my desk for hours on end, totally pain free.”
She found the pain totally manageable, and came off painkillers after three days.
Amanda post Breast Reconstruction
Amanda has been vocal about her experience, writing in the Sunday World and also talking on RTE Radio 1 about her decision.
The Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons applauded her for speaking out, and reminded those listening that:
“rather than just being considered a cosmetic procedure, breast reduction surgery gives significant physical relief to daily symptoms. Almost all our patients describe neck, upper back and shoulder pain which often require pain-reliving medication, which significantly improves after surgery.”
Amanda has been quick to advise other women who are considering the procedure:
“Having a reduction was life-changing for me. It gave me a totally new lease of life and for any woman sitting on the fence about making such a bold move, I suggest you check out all of your options, meet with as many surgeons as possible, choose the right clinic and just go for it.”
If you would like to know more about breast reductions, our Patient Advisors would be happy to give you more details. Give us a call 01 201 4563.
It is important to note that no surgery is risk free. All the risks associated will be discussed at length with your consultant and you will leave the clinic ready to make an informed decision. Your suitability will be determined during your complimentary consultation with one of our team of consultant plastic surgeons and our promise to you is safe surgery, premium service in luxurious surroundings at affordable prices.
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From the time my breasts started growing, they quite simply didn’t stop. I never had perky breasts, they always hung low and hiding them was a task in itself. I would walk slouched over and carry things in front of me to try and avoid the comments that people felt completely at ease in passing.
From sun up to sun down my aim was to fly under the radar. As I got older, my breast not 
only caused discomfort during the day, but at night, I needed to sleep with a bra on and with a pillow to my side to offer some support. My shoulders were indented with marks from the bra straps and the pain in my neck was awful.
I can talk about the physical pain, but to be honest it was the mental pain that having 40HH breasts that was worse. Nobody held back in voicing their opinions on my appearance and a lot of my teens, twenties and thirties involved sitting across from people agreeing that my breasts were insane. I would pretend the comments didn’t embarrass me, I would walk away, crying and promising myself that the breast reduction would happen soon.
And quite simply, the cloud lifted one day, I was shopping trying to find an outfit for a wedding, and like all women, I wanted to look amazing, but unless it was a tent or something that was very revealing, there just wasn’t anything to fit me. I’m not thin and never will be, but I’m not obese either, clothes fitted, just not across my breasts. So I walked out of the shopping centre and rang Avoca Clinic.
An appointment was made for me to speak with the surgeon, Jean Philippe Salmin. He put me at ease straight away by his professionalism and confidence. I then spoke to Naomi who spoke about the financial end of things and who arranged the dates for my surgery. Before I knew it, it was all systems go and I really was ready to go!
I was looked after from the first phone call I made and to this date 5 months on I still feel I can pick up the phone if I have a query.
The day of my surgery was filled with the usual worry but excitement defiantly out played that After the surgery I woke up although groggy, I felt no pain, and the nurses were on hand through the night to offer any assistance I required. The pain never kicked in for me, I never felt it, I took my medication for the remainder of the time, took it easy and waited to get strong enough to go out shopping for new underwear. The scaring is fading already and is a very small price to pay for my reduction.
For anybody who is thinking of having this surgery, I would say do it and do it with Avoca, they gave me more than they will ever probably know and they genuinely care. I went to Avoca to get a breast reduction and came away feeling like my demons were well and truly left in the past.
*As always, patient confidentiality is our priority so Louise is not her real name.
If you would like any further information on Breast Reduction please click here or call 012014563
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I would like to say a huge thank you to all the staffing team at the avoca clinic from the moment I stepped inside the doors I knew from the friendly staff that it was the right place for me.The clinic is very modern and pristine and the girls are fantastic
I had a breast reduction done on the 26th of April . I have talked about having it done for 25 years . I made my decision on the day of my consultation .Dr John Philippe is a gifted 
young professional with magic hands . He has given me the most beautiful size shape and perfect boobies . I have spend years hiding them and now I can’t stop looking at them .
On the day of my operation I did not have time to get nervous my nurse Pauline was lovely kind gentle caring lady and made me feel very comfortable as did the theatre staff all very friendly and caring, a splendid team .
I would like to say a big thank you to you all .I am thrilled with my result/
If any one out there is thinking of getting a reduction go for it if I could do it anyone can . I don’t even like needles!
I would highly recommend the Avoca Clinic. 10/10
Thank you all again xx
Read more of our former patient’s reviews.
You may like to read our Breast Reduction page.
If you have any questions, we’d be happy to answer them. Call us on 01 2014563 or get in touch via our contact form on the right.
*Patient discretion is one of the most important parts of our service, so of course Fiona is not the patient’s real name.
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What’s the average Irish breast size? What’s the most popular breast implant size and shape among Irish women? We ran the numbers and uncovered the latest trends in Irish breast procedures. Here’s the highlights.
Research has shown that at 34C on average, the Irish have the 3rd largest breast size in the world!
While breast augmentations overall continue to rise, the number of women opting for breast reduction procedures has skyrocketed, increasing 113% in just one year.
For those women who are opting to go bigger, the average desired cup size has dropped two years in a row, from DD in 2013, to D in 2014 to C in 2015.
When it comes to implants, there are different shapes as well as different sizes. 75% of women now opt for the more natural looking teardrop shape over the round shape.
While everybody is different, recovery times for breast procedures continue to fall. In the past, women may have had to expect to take weeks off work. Today, most women are back at work within just 5 – 7 working days.
To learn more about breast procedures that we specialise in at the Avoca Clinic, check out our Breast Augmentation Guide.
Don’t hesitate to contact us via the online contact form or call our expert team on 01 2014563 if you have any questions.
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Maria Redmond has suffered from years of back pain, anxiety and unwanted attention because of her large breasts, and this month she hopes to improve her quality of life dramatically by undergoing breast reduction surgery at the Avoca Clinic.
Maria has decided to document her breast reduction journey in a bid to help other women who may be thinking of having a similar procedure. In the first instalment, Maria tells us about her reasons for undergoing the surgery and her excitement to see the post-surgery results.
Maria Redmond
At 12, I’ll never forget my mom taking me to Marks and Spencer for my first bra. I was excited, giddy and so proud to finally become a little lady. That day I came home with a two-pack of lilac and pink 32AAA bras – Oh, how the times have changed!
Throughout school I had modest breasts but they tended to be larger than most of my peers. I didn’t mind, I enjoyed dressing them and I was flattered when someone would complement my figure.
As I grew older however, my cute 32AAA bra progressed to a dowdy, thick-strapped and underwired 34E bra – no fun when you’re 19 and embarking on the social scene!
My early twenties were a whirlwind of fun and adventure and I never shied away from a party. However, it was awkward wondering what was appropriate to wear and I’m sure I pushed the boundary on many occasion. I’m just happy social media wasn’t as prevalent as it is now!
Maria Redmond
The older I’m getting, the more aware I’m becoming of my chest size. When my chest attracts attention, I never get upset about it, I understand why someone would notice it, but I worry about how am I being perceived? And I wonder how can I prevent that from happening again?
Eventually my whole wardrobe changed and covered-up, flowy and loose became my style. If it was a smock, cape, shirt or loose dress, then great, that’s how my style evolved.
At 28, It may seem young to have such surgery but why shouldn’t I be able to enjoy my body and dress womanly without myself or anyone else questioning it?
Please don’t think this is all being done for vanity. There are many other cons that I endure from having a fuller chest:
I could go on forever, but what’s most important is why I chose the Avoca Clinic.
Over the course of a few months I met with other doctors in other surgeries and I’m glad I did my homework – this surgery isn’t to be taken lightly! But none of them felt right until I had my first consultation.They were so attentive and professional that I knew I was in capable hands.
I have full confidence in the team, so much so that I agreed to document my journey in the hope of helping other women with similar stories, as well as those who want to start their own journey.
Whichever way you take it, this is MY journey and I’m not trying to preach that surgery is the answer for all women. I am documenting this process in the hope that it may answer a few questions for others and hopefully assure a few women that they’re not alone in their concerns.
My surgery is fast approaching and I’m quite emotional at the prospect of having this weight lifted – literally!
Check out our guide here or contact us on 012014563 or via the contact form on this page.
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This is the second blog from Maria Redmond ahead of her breast reduction surgery at The Avoca Clinic.
Previously Maria spoke to us about her excitement ahead of the operation and her reasons for undertaking this big step. Having suffered from years of back pain, anxiety and unwanted attention, Maria is ready to undergo a breast reduction and begin a new and exciting chapter in her life.
In this video diary, we catch up with her on the day of her surgery. Having fasted overnight and removed all make-up and nail varnish, Maria has completed all of the routine pre-surgery steps and is hours away from her visit to The Avoca Clinic.
Although Maria has no reservations ahead of the breast reduction, she voices concerns about how mobile she will be post-op. After she’s been discharged from The Avoca Clinic, she’ll be staying with her parents for a night, so will have lots of help at hand.
However, Maria is still worried that she won’t be able to lift her arms above her chest after the surgery. To ease her concerns, she has moved things around in her apartment so they’re easily reachable when she returns home. She hopes to be as comfortable as possible whilst in recovery.
With the minutes ticking by, she’s still looking forward to the surgery and can’t wait to see the results. If you’re interested in following Maria’s journey, make sure to watch her day after surgery video diary.
Check out our guide here or contact us on 012014563 or via the contact form on this page.
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It’s the morning after Maria’s breast reduction surgery at The Avoca Clinic and she’s been up bright and early and is ready to update us on her recovery so far.
In her previous blogs, Maria mentioned that she was worried about how immobile she would be after surgery. Thankfully her concerns were laid to rest as she explains in her third video diary.
So far Maria has been recuperating nicely in her room, drinking lots of water and enjoying her breakfast. She’s even been for a walk along the clinic’s corridors and, as she says herself, is full of smiles and in absolutely no pain.
Wearing a neatly-fitted sports bra, which is in her desired cup size, Maria praises the clinic’s staff for their extraordinary care and attention. After surgery, Maria is hooked up to two drips that are used to drain excess fluid and blood. She’ll bring these drips home with her, but will have them removed at the clinic in a couple of days.
Detailing her recovery period, Maria explains that after she has the drips removed she won’t visit The Avoca Clinic again for another two weeks. At this later appointment she’ll have her stitches removed and will be firmly on the road to complete recovery.
As she ends her video diary, Maria explains that there was no need for her pre-surgery fears of pain, as everything went perfectly with no complications. In a couple of weeks, Maria will have her stitches removed and will finally have the chance to see her new breasts.
Check out our guide here or contact us on 012014563 or via the contact form on this page.
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It’s four days since Maria Redmond’s breast reduction surgery, and she’s feeling well enough to get dressed up and meet with her friends. The last time Maria caught up with us was the morning after her surgery, where she was recovering nicely from her procedure at The Avoca Clinic.
In her fourth video diary, Maria brings us up to speed with her recuperation and details the next steps in her recovery.
Looking fresh and full of energy, Maria explains that she had her drains removed three days after the surgery, which is a great relief to her. Although the drains caused no pain, they were awkward to carry around and hindered her mobility as they were not very discreet. The new-found freedom has enabled Maria to be more independent and she’s very excited to catch up with friends.
Describing her post-surgery pain, Maria says that on a scale of one to 10, she’s only between one or two. The only slight discomfort she feels is when she’s getting dressed or doing her hair. She jokes, that it took her a long time to put her hair into a pony tail, but she got there eventually.
Maria is still wearing her surgical support bra, but is really happy with how her profile is looking. She can’t stop checking herself in the mirror and is amazed at how different she looks now. Maria adds that a weight has been lifted off her shoulders and she’s delighted not to be carrying that extra burden anymore.
Since having the drains removed, Maria has been able to do some light exercise and recently took a short 20-minute walk. The exercise is of huge benefit to her recovery process and helps alleviate her shortness of breath. After breast surgery, a slight feeling of tightness across the chest is normal and is all part of the recovery process.
Maria has also been enjoying a full night’s sleep and is making sure there’s lots of extra padding in bed. She continues to sleep on her back, as it’s still far too sensitive to sleep on her side or front. Her next visit to The Avoca Clinic is in a week and half, where her stitches will be checked.
While she can’t lift her hands above her chest, Maria is still very mobile and has had a very independent recovery.
She’s very thankful to her family, friends and housemates who’ve all helped her since the surgery. Maria adds that it’s a great comfort to know that The Avoca Clinic is always available to answer any questions she may have.
In her next video blog, Maria will be back at The Avoca Clinic to get her stitches removed.
Check out our guide here or contact us on 012014563 or via the contact form on this page.
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It’s been one week since Maria’s breast reduction surgery and she’s been recovering at home. This week, she is off all of her medication, but is still feeling great and is looking forward to having her stitches removed.
In her fifth video diary for The Avoca Clinic, Maria brings us up to date on her recuperation and lets us know what beauty products have been her ‘little saviours’, throughout the recovery.
Despite feeling fine, Maria is glad she took the recommended time off work, as she finds herself getting tired very quickly. While she may be physically able to work, she knows she wouldn’t have been able to focus properly.
There’s no doubt that Maria’s family and friends have been a huge help during her recovery. Her housemates have even washed her hair, but there have been a couple of ‘little saviours’, that have ensured Maria always felt refreshed after surgery – namely dry shampoo and baby wipes.
Because Maria still has her stiches in, she can’t have a full body shower and is relying on other means to keep freshened up. She jokes that she’s really looking forward to having her post-surgery shower.
Even though Maria is off all her medication she sometimes takes a couple of paracetamol before going to bed, which aid her night’s sleep. It’s when she’s in bed that Maria feels a bit tender and sore but apart from that everything is going as normal. She’s still drinking lots of water to help keep her body hydrated and support her recovery.
Maria is very complimentary towards her support bra, it’s so comfortable she says, you don’t even know you’re wearing it. The extra support has allowed her to be more mobile, as she’s been able to go for little walks and meet her friends.
Unfortunately, this has resulted in Maria having reduced-energy levels. She thinks she may have overdone it a little bit and adds that you’re not as strong as you think you are after surgery.
Apart from moments of low-energy, Maria is still very happy with the results and is enjoying watching her breasts recover. In a few days, she’ll visit The Avoca Clinic for her two-week check-up and have her stitches removed.
Check out our guide here or contact us on 012014563 or via the contact form on this page.
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In Maria’s sixth video blog, she catches up with us after her two-week check up at The Avoca Clinic.
Previously, Maria had spoken about her post-surgery beauty routine and her low energy levels, but today she’s feeling full of energy as she meets the aftercare team.
Maria has just had her two-week check-up, where the team at The Avoca Clinic cleaned up the surgical area and made sure all of her stiches had dissolved. To her delight, she’s also finally allowed have full body showers again.
Maria was also advised on breast after-care, and was told to massage the breast area to help increase blood flow, as well as aid the recovery of nerve endings.
She says she has noticed the benefits of following the doctor’s advice, and can feel the odd tweak in her breasts as the muscles return to functionality.
Maria mentions that she would feel a bit vulnerable without the comfort blanket of her support bra, or as she’s christened it ‘my SWAT vest’. Even though she’s getting stronger every day, the support bra is a great asset in her recovery.
She has to wear the bra for another four weeks but she can imagine that the longer she wears it, the better. As a testament to her speedy recuperation, she says that she woke up this morning on her side, which is great news because as she said in an earlier video, you’d have woken yourself up in pain previously.
So far everything is going great and the only discomfort Maria feels is when she makes a sudden movement. Maria’s next visit to the Avoca Clinic won’t be for another week and a half, where she’ll be signed off by her surgeon.
Check out our guide here or contact us on 012014563 or via the contact form on this page.
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It’s been one month since Maria’s breast reduction surgery, and she’s just out of her check-up with her surgeon and the nurses at The Avoca Clinic.
Thankfully her recovery is going smoothly and she answers your most frequently asked question and tells us all about her newfound body confidence and recovery to date.
Following her latest consultation, the doctors and staff are happy to see how Maria’s breasts are healing and are letting her continue to recover at home. Since her surgery Maria has been following her aftercare procedures diligently to ensure her breasts recovery properly.
One of the most beneficial post surgery treatments is a massage of the breast area. Maria has been doing this for two to five minutes every day and has noticed a massive difference in her breasts’ sensitivity and the appearances of her scars. Maria advices massaging your breasts after the shower as the skin is a little bit softer.
Maria adds that her breasts look completely different from what they used to, but they are beginning to heal a lot more since she’s started massaging them. She must continue to wear the compression bra for several more weeks, but Maria has grown surprisingly attached to it.
Out of curiosity Maria tried on a non-underwired lace bra, which is something she never would have been able to wear before. She says she was really excited to wear a bra like that, and while it wasn’t uncomfortable, it did feel a little bit weird to wear one as she wasn’t used to it.
Maria also tried on an underwired-bra which was uncomfortable against her scars. The clinic did advise her not to wear an underwired bra just yet, but she was curious. She doesn’t even think she’ll be able to wear that style of bra in six weeks’ time.
In future Maria thinks she won’t actually need that much underwiring as her breasts are now much higher and won’t need to be lifted as much. She says that it’s a really positive thing for her and it really puts a smile on her face because she’s so used to wearing bras with tight straps and thick underwire.
Since the surgery, a major metaphorical and physical weight has been lifted from Maria’s shoulders and she’s been enjoying her newfound lightness to the full. The surgery has made a really positive difference to her body confidence and the way she carries herself.
One of the most commonly asked questions Maria has gotten since her breast reduction surgery is, will she be able to breastfeed? She explains that she doesn’t know how to answer that question because she doesn’t have a child and she doesn’t plan on breastfeeding anytime soon.
She adds that of course not being able to breastfeed is a risk when you have breast surgery, but for her it wasn’t a negative risk. However if you think it would be for you, then that’s something you personally need to assess beforehand.
Over the past two weeks, her recovery has progressed far enough that she can be more active. Maria says she can’t exercise as much as she’d like because she’d put weight and pressure on her breasts. Since the surgery, she has to take exercise very slowly as her chest gets used to exertive movements again.
Maria’s next update will be in two weeks and she expects to see massive changes and progress in her recovery when she talks to us again.
Want to learn more about Breast Reduction at the Avoca Clinic?
Check out our guide here or contact us on 012014563 or via the contact form on this page.
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A recent survey carried out by the Avoca Clinic in Co. Wicklow, has revealed the reasons why women opt for breast surgery and the massive impact it has on their lives thereafter.
It their responses, the women revealed:
A lack of body confidence and low self-esteem appear to be the critical factors for people exploring their breast surgery options. Most of the women surveyed started to become self-conscious about their breasts from quite a young age. On average, most women decided that they wanted to have breast surgery by the time they reached 18 years old.
When asked what three words they would use to describe their pre-surgery selves, “self-conscious”, “flat” and “embarrassed” were the three most common responses. Worryingly, some women also described themselves as “ugly” and “freakish” and “masculine”.
When it came to describing their pre-surgery body confidence, 54% of respondents said it was ‘fairly low’ or ‘extremely low’. Nearly 30% of respondents defined their confidence as ‘just ok’.
The impact that a lack of body-confidence can have on a person’s well-being can’t be overstated. This includes the impact on their most important relationships. 67% of the women surveyed said that their lack of body confidence had negatively affected their personal relationships.
While 39% of women reported being ‘fairly unhappy’ or ‘very unhappy’ with their physical appearance when fully-dressed pre-surgery, this shot up to 68% when asked how they felt when undressed.
The survey results reveal that the turnaround in body confidence and self-esteem following breast augmentation is incredible. When asked to describe themselves using three words, the most popular responses were “confident”, “happy” and “sexy” – a stark contrast to pre-surgery answers such as “self-conscious”, “embarrassed” and “masculine”.
An amazing 92% rated their body confidence as ‘fairly high’ or ‘very high’ since having breast surgery. 80% of patients said they felt more confident in themselves and better in their clothes, and 75% report feeling sexier post-surgery.
All this new-found confidence is bound to lead to some retail therapy. Our respondents said they couldn’t wait to show-off their new shape in sexy lingerie, low-cut tops and party dresses. Others were excited to go bra-less.
Unlike in days gone by, today’s patients are perfectly happy to share their life-changing decision with their friends and family and in-turn, benefit from their support throughout their journey.
90% of women tell friends and family (3 – 7 people) in advance of having their surgery and not a single respondent received any kind of negative reaction. 89% received ‘completely positive’ or ‘mostly positive reactions’ and 11% received an indifferent response. It seems that a decision like this is now seen as a positive step of self-empowerment or as no big deal, rather than in any negative context.
When asked, who their biggest supporters were throughout their Avoca experience, it was mothers and partners who featured the most – you can always count on your two biggest allies no matter what.
The quality of aftercare proved to be of great importance to women undergoing these procedures.
And finally, when asked, ‘What would be your one piece of advice for anyone thinking about having your surgery?’ the dominant theme was ‘do it for you’.
One woman responded that she underwent breast surgery, “For myself, not society, my partner or any other factors, just for me”, while another said, “Don’t do it because someone is telling you to, do it just for you”. We couldn’t agree more.
Want to find out more about the different breast surgeries available at the Avoca Clinic?
Check out our guide here or contact us on 012014563 or via the contact form on this page.
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The post Breast Surgery: Irish Women Take Charge Of Their Bodies appeared first on Avoca Clinic.
We often hear about women suffering from low-esteem because of their smaller breast size but women with larger breasts can also face the same confidence issues.
Maria Redmond recently underwent breast reduction surgery at The Avoca Clinic and has spoken about how her breasts “took over” and began to control every aspect of her life.
“I never developed breasts until I was about 17 and then they just went from nothing to massive really quickly. They took over, they took over the way I dressed and the way I carried myself. I work in a very male-dominated area so it’s something that I was always very conscious of”, said Maria.
Despite losing weight in her early twenties, Maria’s breast size never changed and her now smaller frame only accentuated her bigger bust.
“I lost weight when I was 24 and came down to my proper shape but my boobs didn’t change. They didn’t change at all. They say that if you lose weight, you’ll change breast size but mine only ever went down to a double D.
“My aunty had a breast reduction years and years ago, so large breasts and small frames are genetic in my family,” added Maria.
Over time, Maria’s bigger bust size started to make her feel self-conscious and she began to change the way she dressed.
Maria Redmond: Pre Breast Reduction
“I always wore very structured, loose fitting clothes, shirts and dresses. I never wore V-necks and I definitely couldn’t go out in skimpy clothes because I felt there’d be a preconception made about me. I was always covered up.
“Even wearing a suit or work-appropriate clothes, they’re usually a little bit tighter and it just didn’t make me feel very confident. I didn’t want to be perceived in a certain light”.
Besides battling body issues, Maria also started to develop lumbar pain from all the strain and pressure placed on her back. Tired of suffering from pain and having to change the way she dressed, Maria decided to explore breast reduction surgery at The Avoca Clinic.
“A lot of my male friends would have said I was bitch-slapping god in the face by doing it, but I said I’d go for it now, while I can enjoy them.
Maria Redmond: Pre Breast Reduction
“I met with my surgeon and the team and they were so professional. You can tell they have had so many people like me in a similar position. They were able to empathise with me which was lovely, every avenue was covered with them”.
After the surgery, a metaphorical and physical weight had been lifted from Maria’s shoulders. Her bra size had now been reduced from a 34E to a more manageable 34C.
“I remember when I first got off the table, with my nurse Caroline, and they felt so much lighter. It was like someone had taken a backpack off your chest.
“I was so happy and so shocked at how great they looked and how well they fit me. Now I feel more myself and look more myself, they fit my frame”.
When talking about the surgery’s potential downsides, Maria mentions that for her there weren’t any, but scarring can be an issue for some people.
“The scarring will fade over time, there’s a huge difference from the initial scarring compared to now.
“People always ask about the scarring and it’s bad, but it’s nothing compared to the new breasts you have. If I was told I was going to have permanent scarring, I’d take it over not having the surgery. I love my new boobs, I show all my girlfriends”.
Maria adds that since the surgery, she’s finally started to feel comfortable in her own body and appreciate her womanly figure.
Maria Redmond: New Found Confidence
“People have told me I’ve lost weight, but I haven’t it’s just from the breasts. The surgery has made a huge difference to my appearance, the way I dress and the way I carry myself. Everyone who knows me has commented on it in a really positive way”.
“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 hour glass figure. It’s made me feel more feminine”.
Her smaller breasts have also helped Maria become more active, as there’s “no more bouncing around”. Her golf swing has also mproved and she’s looking forward to hitting the fairways this summer.
It’s been nearly four months since her surgery and Maria hopes that by sharing her story, she can encourage more women to make a change.
“I hope other people get it done as well, cause there’s an awful lot of women out there who are unhappy with their breasts. I absolutely love mine. Like if anyone asks, I tell them all about them”.
Want to find out more about the different breast surgeries available at the Avoca Clinic?
Check out our guide here or contact us on 012014563 or via the contact form on this page.
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The post Maria Redmond: I Feel and Look More Myself appeared first on Avoca Clinic.
Maria Redmond has suffered from years of back pain, anxiety and unwanted attention because of her large breasts, and this month she hopes to improve her quality of life dramatically by undergoing breast reduction surgery at the Avoca Clinic.
Maria has decided to document her breast reduction journey in a bid to help other women who may be thinking of having a similar procedure. In the first instalment, Maria tells us about her reasons for undergoing the surgery and her excitement to see the post-surgery results.
Maria Redmond
At 12, I’ll never forget my mom taking me to Marks and Spencer for my first bra. I was excited, giddy and so proud to finally become a little lady. That day I came home with a two-pack of lilac and pink 32AAA bras – Oh, how the times have changed!
Throughout school I had modest breasts but they tended to be larger than most of my peers. I didn’t mind, I enjoyed dressing them and I was flattered when someone would complement my figure.
As I grew older however, my cute 32AAA bra progressed to a dowdy, thick-strapped and underwired 34E bra – no fun when you’re 19 and embarking on the social scene!
My early twenties were a whirlwind of fun and adventure and I never shied away from a party. However, it was awkward wondering what was appropriate to wear and I’m sure I pushed the boundary on many occasion. I’m just happy social media wasn’t as prevalent as it is now!
Maria Redmond
The older I’m getting, the more aware I’m becoming of my chest size. When my chest attracts attention, I never get upset about it, I understand why someone would notice it, but I worry about how am I being perceived? And I wonder how can I prevent that from happening again?
Eventually my whole wardrobe changed and covered-up, flowy and loose became my style. If it was a smock, cape, shirt or loose dress, then great, that’s how my style evolved.
At 28, It may seem young to have such surgery but why shouldn’t I be able to enjoy my body and dress womanly without myself or anyone else questioning it?
Please don’t think this is all being done for vanity. There are many other cons that I endure from having a fuller chest:
I could go on forever, but what’s most important is why I chose the Avoca Clinic.
Over the course of a few months I met with other doctors in other surgeries and I’m glad I did my homework – this surgery isn’t to be taken lightly! But none of them felt right until I had my first consultation.They were so attentive and professional that I knew I was in capable hands.
I have full confidence in the team, so much so that I agreed to document my journey in the hope of helping other women with similar stories, as well as those who want to start their own journey.
Whichever way you take it, this is MY journey and I’m not trying to preach that surgery is the answer for all women. I am documenting this process in the hope that it may answer a few questions for others and hopefully assure a few women that they’re not alone in their concerns.
My surgery is fast approaching and I’m quite emotional at the prospect of having this weight lifted – literally!
Check out our guide here or contact us on 012014563 or via the contact form on this page.
The post Maria Redmond: Why I Am Having A Breast Reduction appeared first on Avoca Clinic.
