Raven-Symoné Reveals Her Dad 'Strongly' Urged Her To Get A Breast Reduction At A Young Age
By Favour Adegoke on August 9, 2023 at 9:30 PM EDT
Former Disney child star, Raven-Symoné, opened up about undergoing cosmetic procedures, including liposuction and breast reduction, due to body shaming.
Speaking on her podcast, she recounted her father's suggestion for breast reduction and the challenges of undergoing surgeries at a young age.
The actress credited her wife for helping her overcome sugar addiction, resulting in a 40-pound weight loss. While reflecting on her youth, she acknowledged enduring body shaming as a child actor.
Keep on reading to learn more.
Raven-Symoné Had Cosmetic Surgeries Before She Was 18
Nickelodeon child star Raven-Symoné recently divulged to undergoing cosmetic procedures, including liposuction and two breast reduction surgeries, as a response to body shaming during her childhood as a star.
The 37-year-old actress shared her experiences on The Best Podcast Ever with Raven and Miranda. Reflecting on the decisions, she revealed her father, Christopher B. Pearman, had "strongly" suggested breast reduction.
According to the Daily Mail, she recalled discussing the options with her father, and he was like, "So you don't feel bad, is there anything that you want?" In response, she said, "Yeah, if I get lipo, will people stop calling me fat?"
Symoné emphasized the challenging experience of undergoing these procedures at a young age, adding, "So I got a twofer... It was just a mess, just being that young and the pain of it all."
Raven-Symoné Recounts Her Post-Op Experience
After her breast reduction, the "Raven's Home" star revealed she had a seizure. She described waking up from the surgery, recalling, "I remember waking up and seeing everything … and then I just started to have this dry mouth and couldn't breathe and went back under."
Despite this ordeal, she felt her breasts were still too large and underwent another procedure due to weight gain. The Emmy nominee admitted having little memory of what may have caused the seizure, which still "freaks her out a bit."
Nonetheless, she expressed gratitude for her choice, believing it prevented her breasts from sagging to her "ankles." Reflecting on the experience, she mentioned her breasts grew back "not to that big of a size."
Raven-Symoné Credits Wife For Helping Her 'Kick Sugar'
Last year, Symoné attributed a 40-pound weight loss to her wife, Miranda Pearman-Maday. During an appearance on "The View," she acknowledged Pearman-Maday's support, guidance, and culinary skills for aiding her in overcoming her addiction to sugar, which she referred to as an "addictive drug."
"With [my wife's] help, and guidance, and love, and fantastic cooking skills — which everyone here knows — she helped me kick sugar," she stated. "I say kick sugar because it is an addictive drug. I was addicted to it in wheat form, in regular form, and it's out of my system," she added.
Over the years, Symoné has been transparent about her weight loss journey. In an Instagram Live session with Miranda in May 2021, she proudly announced being 28 pounds lighter.
Raven-Symoné Recalls Being Body Shamed As A Child Star
In 2017, Symoné candidly discussed the body shaming she encountered during her early years as a child actor. Comparing how different it is in today's world, she told People magazine, "I wish I was living now as a younger person, I probably wouldn't have so many mental issues."
Recounting her past, she remembered instances where people criticized her weight despite her achievements, commenting on her size in relation to her performances. "[They said] I was too big to be doing an hour and a half concert. 'I don't know how she can dance that big.' And I was like, 'I still did it!'" she recalled, per Daily Mail.
Highlighting that talent and performance transcend body size, the "That's So Raven" star added, "I was on tour forever because it's not about your size, it's about what you have to say if you can sing or dance, and perform. It's not about your size."
She further acknowledged the evolving perspective on beauty and diversity in today's society, embracing the inclusivity of various appearances, identities, and orientations. "We didn't have it enough last time and I guess that's what the past is for — to make sure the present is what it needs to be," she added.