Mum reveals why she is plastic and proud to go under the knife like Love Island’s Megan Barton-Hanson

EVERYONE gasped as I strutted into a friend’s birthday party.

They all wanted to know the secret to my new post-baby look – was it a new fad diet? Exercise? As I proudly announced it was down to liposuction, fillers, Botox and a facelift, their jaws dropped.

There’s always been a stigma attached to going under the knife. Once considered a luxury for the rich, these days most people can afford it. Hell, even Superdrug is offering Botox for just £99.

So why are so few of us – especially female celebs with their tell-tale frozen faces – willing to admit to having work done?

For me, having surgical enhancements was one of the best decisions of my life. Becoming a mum in 2010 was amazing, and I adore my daughter Stellar-Blue, but I felt rubbish about my stomach. I tried exercise, but with a baby there wasn’t much time.

As I applied my mascara one morning, I noticed how the late-night feeds and sleep deprivation had ransacked my looks, leaving me with heavy eyelids and sagging jowls.

I decided to take action and began researching plastic surgeons. My then-husband told me I didn’t need to change, but looking the way I did – a size 16-18 and almost 15st – made me feel bad about myself. I had the power to change, so why not?

After three months of interviewing potential surgeons, I booked into a Czech clinic for lipo on my stomach, back and under my chin, plus a silhouette facelift, fillers around my eyes and Botox. It would cost £2,000 in total, including flights and accommodation. I used some of my savings and was able to pay in instalments.

Having the op in March 2011, I can still remember how nervous I was. It took three hours, and afterwards I was squeezed into a corset, leggings and a face bandage. After a few days I was allowed to go home. It was almost three months before I could really see the results, but it was worth it – my face looked tighter and my stomach was slimmer than before I became a mum.

As I slipped into a size-10 dress for my friend’s party, I’d never felt better, and I loved all of the compliments. Of course, some called me crazy, vain and stupid, but I didn’t care. Plus, clearly I looked amazing, as a few friends even asked for my surgeon’snumber!

Not for one second have I regretted it. Surgery allowed me to take control of my looks, which is why I refuse to lie about it and why I feel we really need to start discussing the topic honestly. When Cheryl released her new single Love Made Me Do It last week, fans were quick to express their alarm at her changed face, which she said was down to having a baby. Really Cheryl?

The same goes for the Kardashian clan – are they really going to pretend that those chiselled cheekbones and cumbersome behinds are all theirs? In a world where releasing a sex tape instantly quadruples Instagram followers, I’m shocked that admitting to a little plastic surgery is still so taboo.

It’s about time the stars followed the lead of comedian Katherine Ryan, who admitted earlier this year that she’d had filler in her lips, jawline and chin. “If everyone was transparent [about surgery] there would be a lot less fuss,” she said.

And of course there’s Love Island’s Megan Barton-Hanson, who admitted she’d spent £25,000 on surgery, including boob and nose jobs, as well as fillers. “People get their hair done because it makes them feel nice. I get my lips done because I feel better. It doesn’t have to be a massive deal,” said the reality star.

Now, I splash out £100 on Botox and fillers once or twice a year. When my daughter grows up and asks if I’ve had work, I’ll be honest. It’s my body and my choice. And to those celebs constantly refuting plastic-surgery rumours – stop living in denial. It’ll only give you wrinkles…