An influencer from Belfast has spoken about her recent plastic surgery in a bid to show others they don’t need to be ashamed of cosmetic procedures.
Shannon Mitchell (28) has more than 364,200 followers across multiple platforms and hosts a successful podcast with fellow local influencer Caithair Curran (Kegs).
She began using social media as a means to track her attempt to lose weight.
She explained: “I was a size 20 and it was actually my boyfriend’s (Kieran McKay) idea to start posting… so I did, and I’ve been able to lose the weight and bring everyone on that journey with me.”
After shedding the pounds Shannon struggled with loose skin, and over time decided to go down the surgical route.
She added: “I’ve always, always had really big boobs that I was very self-conscious about.
“When I lost all of the weight they stuck, but they also got really, really saggy, like basically down to my belly button, and I just didn’t like them.
“It was something I wanted for a long, long time, but it feels like I’ve finished the circle.
“I lost the weight and then I had to deal with all the sagging, and now I feel like I have just got what I wanted.”
Shannon Mitchell with boyfriend Kieran McKay
It was important to share her surgery experience with her followers.
She added: “I’ve been very lucky in the sense that I’ve always just been transparent with my social media, so I have never felt the need to hide anything.
“I understand some women might feel like they have to hide it, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of, and I think by being transparent about my experience I can show people that.”
Describing the recovery process following the procedure, she said: “I didn’t know how I was going to heal.
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“At times it’s been sore but I’ve been healing really well, and I think it’s important to be transparent about that aspect of everything too.” She would encourage anyone considering going down the same route to do their homework.
She said: “Everyone has to do their own research and just really think if it’s what you want.
“I wanted this for a long, long time and I’m so happy with the way they have turned out — but everyone needs to make that decision for themselves.”
She travelled to Turkey for the surgery, and was aware of the experiences of some women who went to the country, only to regret it after their operations went wrong.
She added: “You do hear lots of horror stories from people going to Turkey.
“But I think that’s why it is so important to do your research and research the clinic you are going to, because you can get a botched surgery anywhere.
“So you need to really look into it yourself to make sure it’s the safest option for you.”