A mum who felt “ashamed” over her post-birth body has revealed the “life-changing” surgery she went under abroad – and says it’s made her look like she’s in her 20s.
After giving birth to her son, Annie Valencia thought the idea of being happy in her own skin again was “impossible”.
The 35-year-old, from Essex, longed to get back to her bikini-wearing days.
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She lost 3st 5lbs using the 1:1 diet, though she was left with “sagging boobs, belly overhang and feeling frumpy”.
Annie then spotted mummy makeovers when watching an episode of E!’s Botched – and became intrigued.
She spent £6,200 and flew over to Lithuania to go under the knife; and now, the mum no longer feels “embarrassed” about her body.
“I hated my reflection,” Annie, the nail artist, told Need To Know.
“My boobs became enormous and I felt like an absolute shell of myself.
“Obviously, I was in a baby bubble, but whenever I caught sight of myself, it was painful.
“Since having surgery, I can honestly say I’m a better person.
“This may seem shallow to some, but to be comfortable in my own skin and play with my son without feeling embarrassed or ashamed has been incredible.
“I’m a happier and more present mum for him now.
“I no longer hide away or don’t join in with him – I’m finally like the other mums.”
Annie, whose son [not named for privacy reasons] is now five, hated her post-birth body.
She did her research and spoke with a friend who visited the Nordesthetics Clinic for a “mummy makeover” – and had great results.
Annie worked overtime and saved every penny she earned to afford the procedure, which included a tummy tuck, breast reduction and post-pregnancy muscle repair.
She said: “I had nerves, which I knew were normal.
“But as soon as I entered the clinic, all of that went away.
“It was like an incredible, well-oiled machine.
“I didn’t question or worry about a single thing.
“I was taken to a room and had the medication explained to me.
“After being marked up, I felt amazing knowing all this saggy skin I hated was going to go for good.
“I woke up feeling groggy, but then I noticed the perfect size and shape of my new boobs.
“They looked the same as they did when I was 24.
“It brought a feeling of elation that I can’t describe.”
Annie stayed at the hospital for 10 days before returning home, where recovery was a “breeze”.
After five months, she started to see the final result.
In February 2025, one year after her ‘mummy makeover’, she returned to undergo an armpit lift costing £3,000.
Now, she’s urging any other mums self-conscious about their bodies to go under the knife, as it’s been “life-changing”.
She added: “Just do it.
“Life is too short to spend it hating ourselves.
“It does make you a happier and more present parent.
“It’s the best money I’ve ever spent.
“I have less anxiety about going out or worrying about what people may think of me.
“I’m all-round a better person for it.”
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