Many of us know and love Rachel Recchia for her positive attitude and good vibes throughout her time as The Bachelorette. But what many of us didn’t know until recently was how much the T.V. personality has struggled with body image issues on account of her breasts throughout her life. In a personal essay for TODAY, Recchia opened up about everything that led her to finally undergoing a breast reduction just last month.
“I made my first appointment to find out more about breast reduction surgery when I was 17 years old. Ten years and a ‘Bachelorette’ starring role later, at the age of 27, I finally did it,” the now 27-year-old began. “I never heard anyone talk about this procedure, and I felt so defeated by my body.” Recchia went on to explain how, from a very young age, she felt the need to hide her breasts in order to be sexualized. “From the start, I could tell my triple Ds weren’t fitting my frame or lifestyle, and it never got better.”
After finally deciding to undergo the breast reduction procedure, Recchia recounts being immediately relieved and renewed post-op, explaining that “the moment I opened my eyes and got off the table, I knew my life had changed—for the better. My body felt different. Lighter. For the first time in over a decade, I didn’t have back pain (and I haven’t since).” In an Instagram post shared yesterday, The Bachelorette went on to emphasize how she “never saw anyone talking about the insane hoops you have to jump through to get medical care,” but regardless of the difficulties along the way, “being a part of this community has truly been one of the best experiences of [her] life.”
Despite the overwhelming joy she felt as a result of the procedure, Recchia also notes that she was nervous to share her experience online, but the support and positivity she’s received has been overwhelming. “I’ve always been transparent about the other cosmetic work I’ve done, like fillers and Botox. This is no different,” she explains. “I’m supportive of women who want to change something to make themselves happy, even if it is only aesthetic. If it improves your life and well-being and happiness, I’m 100% behind that.”
