A mum 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.
Maleny Rapalo 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, 6, she found herself battling low confidence due to loose skin, a ‘mommy pouch’ and a lack of shape – despite managing to lose over 20lbs through regular workouts.
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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.
“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.”
The transformation included an extended tummy tuck, Lipo 360, arm and inner thigh liposuction, a Brazilian butt 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.
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.”
