Cat Burns has told fans how she cried tears of 'relief and happiness' after undergoing breast reduction surgery.
The Celebrity Traitors star, 25, took to social media to share a selfie from her hospital bed after undergoing the procedure earlier this week. In a post shared to her Instagram Story on Wednesday (7 January), she revealed that she had the major operation after years of 'struggling' with her chest.
Cat explained she had hesitated to share the news with her 1.1million followers, but decided to divulge some details as she knows she has 'built an understanding community of people'.
The 'Go' singer wrote: "I've just come out of my breast reduction surgery! Had a big fat cry once I saw mum sisty and Sarah. (Joyful tears btw, the amount of relief and happiness I feel is overwhelming).
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"I've always struggled with my boobies since they arrived on my chest at like 12, they caused me so much pain when exercising and I deeply hated the oversexualisation it brought.
"I tried so many different ways to work with my body and wear different bras etc but I thought while I'm young and healthy and by the universes grace am able to go this surgery I want to love my body going into the next part of my life! Today marks the start of my new life! Surgery went really well I did affirmations before and after and I'm feeling ok!"
Cat told her supporters she was going to catch up on the latest episodes of The Traitors while she recovers in hospital.
In the UK, women who meet a strict criteria can qualify for a breast reduction on the NHS - if you've exhausted every other option at your disposal, such as undergoing physio and wearing professionally fitted bras. To qualify, your ample bosom must be causing you back, shoulder or neck pain, skin irritation, grooves on the shoulders from bra straps, low self-esteem or depression and stopping you from exercising.
However, even if you tick all of these boxes, it still doesn't guarantee you a spot on the waiting list.
The NHS states: "The size of your breasts, your weight, your general health and if you smoke may also be considered. The exact criteria for having a breast reduction on the NHS depends on where you live.
"If you're thinking about breast reduction to change your appearance, rather than for health reasons, you'll need to pay for it privately."
Private breast reduction surgery usually costs several thousands in the UK.
Former BRIT School student Cat told Rolling Stone in 2022 how she decided to centre her wardrobe around menswear when she was a teenager. Saying that 'loafers, flat caps and all that kind of stuff' are staples for her, Cat explained how she redefined her formerly 'feminine' style.
"I think in my teens, because of being anxious and not being not wanting to be judged, I felt like I needed to dress really, really feminine, which I knew wasn’t me," the Streatham-born star said. "I’ve always been drawn to menswear."
During a previous interview with Polyesterzine, Cat also opened up about how her fashion choices helped her come to a realisation about her sexuality.
"I've always been interested in menswear and leaned towards more masculine clothing," she explained. "I love that kind of clean, minimalistic menswear vibe.
"That was one of my main indicators I was queer. When I was younger I thought I liked boys but it was more that I just liked how they dressed. I didn't actually want to be with them!
"When I was dating men, I just didn't like them. I was just forcing myself to, and I think a lot of queer women or lesbians can relate to that struggle."
Topics: Celebrity, Celebrity News, Health, UK News, Mental Health, NHS, LGBTQ
Olivia Burke