I got a mummy makeover in Mexico to save £19k & had a tummy tuck, lipo & butt lift in one trip to banish my saggy tum

The Irish Sun

3 days ago

Find out the risks of getting surgery abroad
MUMMY MAKEOVER I got a mummy makeover in Mexico to save £19k & had a tummy tuck, lipo & butt lift in one trip to banish my saggy tum
A WOMAN had her 'mummy makeover' in Mexico in a desperate attempt to banish her saggy tum.
Maleny Rapalo, who struggled with her body after having two children, has shared how she flew to another country for a bargain 'mummy makeover' despite warnings from loved ones.
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A mum of two got her dream mummy makeover
Credit: Jam press
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Maleny Rapalo struggled with body confidence after having kids
Credit: Jam press
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Maleny flew to Mexico for her bargain weight loss surgery
Credit: Jam press
The mum had spent years putting her family first and pushing her own insecurities to the side.
After giving birth to her son Max, 11, and daughter Mila, six, she found herself battling low confidence due to loose skin, a 'mummy pouch' and a lack of shape – despite managing to lose over 20lbs through regular workouts.
When gym sessions didn't give her the results she was hoping for, Maleny, who lives in Orange Country, California, began looking into surgical options in the US – only to be hit with shocking price tags of up to £25,000.
Unable to justify the cost, the 32-year-old turned her attention abroad and explored medical tourism – eventually booking a consultation in Tijuana, Mexico.
'After having kids, I struggled with how my body looked, especially my tummy area,' Maleny told NeedToKnow.
'I had loose skin, a square shape and no matter how much I worked out, it just didn't bounce back.
'It made me feel really self-conscious.
'I would avoid taking photos from the front and always wear oversized shirts to hide everything.
'It affected how I showed up in everyday life.
Woman left with 'turkey neck' after losing three stone on weight loss jabs gets £10,000 'mummy makeover' abroad
'I avoided tight clothes; bikinis were out of the question.
'I just didn't feel confident and I stopped feeling like 'me' – the woman I was before kids.'
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Her stomach previously made her feel self-conscious
Credit: Jam press
The transformation included an extended tummy tuck, Lipo 360, arm and inner thigh liposuction, a Brazilian bum lift and muscle repair – all for $7,800 (£6,200) with an additional $1,000 (£740) for a week-long recovery stay.
Despite initial concerns from friends and family, Maleny was confident in her decision.
She did thorough research and spoke to a friend who had also undergone surgery in Mexico.
Maleny, who is a content creator and full-time corporate employee, said: 'I was definitely nervous.
'It's a big decision and I didn't take it lightly.
'The thought of going abroad added to that at first, but once I did my research and found a surgeon I trusted, I felt at peace.
'The clinic was professional, the staff was amazing, and I felt very cared for throughout the entire process.
'[The reaction from people in my life] was mixed at first.
'Some were supportive right away, others had concerns – especially about travelling.
'But once they saw how well I was being taken care of and how happy I was with the results, their perspective shifted.
'Now, they're so proud of me for doing something for myself.'
Maleny had the surgery in April 2025.
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Maleny said working out wouldn't cut it for her
During recovery, she experienced some discomfort, particularly from the muscle repair when sneezing or coughing – but overall found the pain manageable.
Now, three months post-op, she feels like a whole new person.
She said, 'It was emotional when I first looked at myself in the mirror.
'Even though I was swollen, I could see curves, a waistline and the flat stomach I hadn't seen in years.
'I cried, not out of vanity, but because I finally saw myself again.
'It was like I got a piece of myself back.'
The journey has not only changed her physically but emotionally too – giving her back the sense of self she lost after motherhood.
Her family and online followers have been hugely supportive.
Maleny has even shared her experience on TikTok, where she's been overwhelmed by the response – especially from other mums.
She added: 'It's changed everything.
'I show up more confidently, whether it's getting dressed, being on camera, or just playing with my kids.
'I'm no longer hiding under baggy clothes or cropping myself out of photos.
'It's not just physical; it gave me a new sense of self-worth.
'I feel like the best version of myself, and that energy spills into everything I do, including motherhood.
What are the risks of getting surgery abroad?
IT'S important to do your research if you're thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad.
It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks.
Safety standards in different countries may not be as high.
No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad.
If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment.
Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK.
Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems.
Source: NHS
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The process included a butt lift, tummy tuck and lipo
Credit: Jam press
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She says she no longer has to hide under baggy clothes
Credit: Jam press