During weight gain the two proteins in the deeper layers of the skin elastin (which helps the skin retract) and collagen (which give the skin strength) are torn. This damage causes the skin to stretch and lose its elasticity. Other elements, such as smoking, aging, sun exposure and genetics play a role in this type of skin damage, so that following weight loss the skin does not shrink back to where it been before weight was gained. 

Apart from being unsightly this excess skin can be the cause of medical issues such as sores in the folds of the skin and in areas that are rubbing together during exercise and back pain.  Many people have to purchase bigger clothes sizes in order to accommodate this excess skin. After all the strides made towards achieving a healthy weight, finding one’s self with an unattractive appearance and discomfort, may lead to depression, a negative self image and can lead to weight increase again. 

It is important that one psychologically and physically adjusts to his/ her new body, and continues to live a healthy lifestyle maintaining an ideal weight, before considering surgery for the excess skin. Depending on the amount of excess skin the surgery can be quite extensive. The surgical procedures generally involve removing the excess skin depending on where it is loose, adjusting underlying muscles and other tissues and recontouring the body. In some cases two or more areas may be operated on under one general anaesthetic.

It is vital that you attend a surgeon who is experienced in the area of post weight loss surgery, and who is honest regarding the possible risks and complications of the surgery(s). It is important to remember that a number of major surgeries may be required to achieve a good aesthetic result, through a medically safe and well thought out treatment plan. Patients must be able to make an informed decision and be aware that there will be significant scars, as well as possible risks of infection, skin and fat necrosis, seroma, asymmetry etc. Surgeons must also provide candid medical advice and explain what can be realistically achieved from such surgery. 

It is a good idea to chat to your GP about your concerns and your weight loss journey to date. Request a referral to an experienced and reputable surgeon, who is resident in Ireland and will be on hand to assist you during the post operative period. Your surgeon should be on the Specialist Register of the Irish Medical Council. All our surgeons at Aesthetic Surgery Ireland are members of the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons. It is also important that your surgery takes place in a major hospital, with staff that are well trained in post operative care and that appropriate after care is available to you.

Making the decision to have surgery is a very personal one. Having a surgeon who explains all the possible risks and complications, as well as the realistic outcomes  to you is imperative so that you can make an informed decision regarding surgery. Men considering this surgery should also be aware that gynaecomastia can recur and surgery may have to be repeated. Whilst health insurance companies recognise gynaecomastia reduction as a valid medical procedure, they do require the procedure to be pre-approved and have a set of clinical criteria that have to be adhered to in order for the cost of the procedure to be approved.

Many men and adolescent boys, experience great degrees of embarrassment due to their gynaecomastia preventing them from participating in sports and influencing the clothes they wear. This can have an adverse impact on both social interactions as well as overall mental health. Surgery for this condition generally leads to a highly satisfied patient who can take part fully in all activities again. If you are considering this surgery choose your surgeon carefully and make sure you are comfortable with them and well informed before surgery.

Adult acne tends to appear as red nodules and pustules that occur in the lower half of the face, but may spread to the cheek areas. It is generally agreed that an increase in testosterone can cause acne by increasing the production of sebum (skin lubrication made in the sebaceous glands). Acne results from the buildup of oil and dead skin cell in pores caused by the excess of sebum and the aggravation of bacteria infecting this blockage. Stress, hormonal fluctuations, adverse reactions to medication, excessive washing (which disturbs the natural PH balance of the skin) as well as excess sweating can all cause acne in adults.

It is important that you attend a reputable clinician who is able to assess what treatment would suit you as an individual. This will include a close examination of the affected area, the taking of a full applicable medical history, possible blood tests and a discussion about the various available treatment options/ regimes to suit the individual. Treatments include specifically tailored skin care products, prescription medication, chemical peels, topical retinoids and jetpeels.

Scarring of the skin can provide a lasting reminder of acne outbreaks. Red blemishes and a pitted appearance are often difficult to cover effectively with make-up. Your surgeon, after a detailed consultation and examination will be able to advise you on how to attain a better skin appearance and lighten scarring. These include various types of resurfacing treatments such as an array of lasers treatments, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and in some cases of deep pit marks, dermal fillers or even surgery may be more appropriate.

It is vital that adult acnes is treated by a medical professional who specialises in this area and is able to offer you a comprehensive and holistic treatment plan, using clinically tested techniques and who provides closely monitored care both throughout the treatment course as well as afterwards.

In the past number of years “Botox Parties” have been an ever growing trend, exacerbated by the recent economic downtown. These parties are social “get-togethers”, and usually take place in comfortable surroundings, such as in someone’s sitting room. The appeal of these social gatherings is that the treatment usually takes place in a relaxed environment and incentives such as reduced fees are common. Aesthetic Surgery Ireland agrees with other experts who believe treatment in such surroundings is ill advised. There are a number of important issues to consider before getting that party dress on.

It is important to choose a practitioner who is trained, qualified and experienced to administer treatments of this nature. A consultation is very important prior to treatment, as it allows the patient to ask questions regarding the treatment, assess treatment alternatives, be made aware of the risks and benefits and be given complete post treatment instructions. This can be difficult to achieve on an individual basis in a room of other people, and there can be pressure from friends to go ahead with treatment even if you are unsure. Botox® is a trade name for a particular brand of Botulinum Toxin, but it is not uncommon for someone to use the word “Botox” as a general term for requesting the reduction of facial wrinkles. However, each face is different, and careful analysis by a trained professional may suggest other treatments which may be more effective.   Another concern is that the consumption of alcohol at these parties can also impair judgment and gives rise to the question of whether consent to treatment is actually made in an informed way. Also alcohol is known to make bruising at the injection sites more common. Botox® requires a prescription and should ethically be administered in a medical facility, a sterile environment which caters for such treatments. A sitting room is unlikely to contain an examination bed or chair to allow the clinician to safely inject in the right area. Are you sure that substance being injected is indeed Botox® rather than a substitute or diluted down? How are the needles obtained and disposed of once used? Does the physician have the medical know how and the supplies to handle any adverse situations, such as an allergic reaction.

The best way to ensure that you attend a reputable aesthetic clinic or medical practice, and are under the care of a qualified and experienced clinician, is to have an open discussion with your General Practitioner (GP). Your GP will be able to direct accordingly. If you are not comfortable with talking to your GP then do your homework. Take responsibility for your own medical care, and make sure that you check that the facility you attend is of a high medical standard, and that the clinician administering your treatment is qualified as well as has listened to your desired outcome. It is vital that he or she explains in detail what can realistically be expected from Botox® treatment, the possible risks associated with it and provides post treatment information and care. To have aesthetic treatment of any kind is a personal decision that should be made at one’s own pace, in a clinically sound and medically informed environment.

 Moles can have a number of different appearances, varying in colour from pink to tan to brown. They can be flat or raised and may grow hair. Many will have been on your body for years while others may have appeared recently. Most moles stay exactly the same for years and are not dangerous, however some may change and need surgical removal. The following may give you some help if you are concerned that your mole may need an expert opinion. 

An easy way to remember the things that may indicate that a mole has changed and may need removal is to use the ABCDE rule, which describe the early features of a melanoma.

 A – Asymmetry – one half doesn’t match the other half

 B – Border is irregular – it may have a jagged and uneven appearance

 C – Colour is uneven with darker and lighter areas

 D – Diameter – the size has changed, usually by getting bigger. Most melanomas will be bigger than 6mm in diameter

 E – Evolving – the mole has changed its appearance over the past weeks or months

 There are various types of skin lesions, one of which may match the one you are concerned about. 

1. Dermal naevus – these are benign, often located on the face and may grow hair. They are generally raised above the skin and pale in colour. They may gradually get bigger over many years.
2. Junctional naevus – these are benign and can be anywhere on the body. They will vary in colour from pale to dark brown and are usually flat. They can rarely become a malignant melanoma.
3. Seborrheic keratosis – benign skin growths that occur in older adults in areas that have been exposed to the sun. They can vary in appearance but often resemble a dark wart.
4. Basal cell carcinoma – a malignant skin growth that grows in the area it appears but doesn’t spread to other areas. It is usually in sun-exposed areas (head and neck regions) and will gradually get bigger and destroy tissues. It can vary in appearance but typically looks like this. It may bleed easily.
5. Squamous cell carcinoma – this is a malignant lesion that may be caused by sun exposure and will get bigger and also may spread to other organs such as the lungs. It can vary in appearance from being very protuberant to growing inwards. It may scab or bleed easily. It needs early treatment.
6. Malignant melanoma – these can come from a previous mole but often just arise as a new lesion. Generally they will be changing and growing over a short space of time and are usually dark in colour. These will spread to other organs and can be very dangerous and require early treatment.

A visit to ASI with your mole will involve a thorough consultation with your Plastic Surgeon who can advise you if your mole needs removal. In many cases moles are benign but because of their location and size may need to be removed. Surgery is generally performed under local anaesthetic as a day case procedure in an approved hospital or clinic. It is usually quite straightforward but you will have a scar where the mole was. Scars mature and fade over 12-18 months and facial scars in particular usually settle down well but never disappear completely. 

 The tummy tuck procedure is designed to remove excess skin from the abdomen and at the same time if required, tighten the abdominal muscles. The procedure can also make caesarian section scars neater. Whilst this is an effective operation in order to aesthetically enhance the appearance of the post-baby abdomen, a number of points should be considered before going down this road.

There tends to be swelling and changes that take place in the body for the first 6-12 weeks after birth. Thus, it is not recommended that surgery is considered prior to this settling period. Obesity not only can prevent an optimal aesthetic outcome, but also greatly increases the risk of complications during surgery. It is suggested that a stable weight is maintained for 9-12 months prior to surgery. Also this operation would not be done if you were still breast feeding.

It is advisable that you first discuss this procedure with your General Practitioner (GP), who may then refer you to the Consultant Plastic Surgeon of your choice. Sharing your expectations with your GP and surgeon is the best way to increase the possibility of achieving your desired outcomes and to assess if you have any medical conditions prohibiting elective surgery of this nature.

If you feel your tummy has been affected by your pregnancy, we at Aesthetic Surgery Ireland would be happy to see and advise you if a tummy-tuck would help.

The cost is for fat transfer surgery is similar to breast implant surgery, as the cost of the Brava bra in addition to the procedure must be taken into account. The woman must also be very motivated and committed to participate in the pre- and post-operative regime. There is no link to breast cancer, and fat transfer is not thought to interfere with mammogram assessment. While fat transfer is an exciting new development, it is not suitable for all women, should be carefully compared to breast implant surgery. As with all breast augmentation, patients should check their  plastic surgeon is on the Specialist Register of the Irish Medical Council.