A woman fed up of friends and strangers constantly staring at her chest has gone viral online after getting a breast reduction – and finally feels free of her “big boob girl” label.
Maddi Andrews, 21, a small business owner from Australia, recalls being an “early bloomer” with her breasts reaching a 10E (32E) cup size when she was just 18 years old.
Initially, she loved her “larger” breasts and the attention they brought – but the constant leering from strangers soon became too much to take, while the physical pain kept her up at night.
She struggled with keeping her posture straight and couldn’t do basic physical activities like exercising or dancing – with her neck and chest sore constantly sore, while her bras “dug” into her back.
Alongside the physical pain, Maddi began feeling insecure and began hiding away in baggy clothes to avoid the comments and stares.
“Nothing fit or looked good on my body,” she told Jam Press.
“Meanwhile my friends could just wear a bralette or walk into any store and buy a bra so easily.
“[At first], I loved the attention but that grew old once my breasts reached their full size, as they became my focal point.
“I was the ‘friend with big boobs’ who people would come up and grope or claim their envy of them.
“I would smile and laugh it off but on the inside I asked myself: ‘Is this all people see of me? Am I only attractive because of my breasts?'”
Feeling self-conscious about her shape, Maddi would avoid wearing low-cut tops that others might deem as “sleazy” for fears of how she would be perceived.
The mental distress eventually got so bad that she would only take her top layers off around her boyfriend.
Earlier this year, Maddi had enough and decided to take matters into her own hands, getting a referral for a breast reduction.
In February 2022, she went under the knife, paying over $6,000 AUD (£3,375) after medical rebates to go to a 10C (32C) cup size – and the 21-year-old has no regrets.
She said: “[I’m now] pain free – absolutely no pain anymore on my neck, shoulders or back.
“I feel an unconditional love for myself now too.
“It was a week until I could lift my arms over my head, three until I could comfortably sleep on my side and six until my tape came off, but it was an instant feeling.
“I literally don’t think twice now about what I wear in my day-to-day life and when I go to the shops it’s such a peaceful experience.
“I feel so much more like myself – in proportion and confidence.”
Maddi recently uploaded her results on TikTok, where she herself would often watch others’ experiences and relate to their struggles.
In a bid to make others feel less alone, she showed her transformation, which has since racked up 679,500 views and over 59,000 likes.
In the clip, Maddi begins by showing her breasts while wearing a crop top and looking displeased, before cutting to a shot of her prior to surgery.
In a final clip, she pulls up her top to reveal her new, smaller breasts while sporting a smile on her face.
Despite some users being supportive, others have been quick to judge.
“What a loss,” one viewer commented.
Another person added: “I pray for this generation.”
“WHYYYY,” someone else wrote.
While others said: “THE BACK MUST FEEL BETTER RIGHT?” to which Maddi replied: “SO MUCH BETTER U HAVE NO IDEA.” [sic]
“Pls I need,” another person added. [sic]
One viewer said: “You must so so much happier I’m so happy for you welcome to the itty bitty club,” followed by a dancing emoji.
As for the negative comments, Maddi pays them no mind.
She added: “Don’t let fear stop something that is so incredibly positive.
“Take control of that uncertainty and turn it into excitement, as you should think about how you will feel, look and act afterward.
“There’s a small amount of discomfort post surgery for a new life full of positivity, confidence and comfort.”
