Although many fans assumed Serene Russell had birthmarks or scars on her rib cage, her recent “storytime” post explained that it is actually a result of a genetic mutation.
While viewers have been seeing Serene’s beach body on this season of Bachelor in Paradise, a recent social media shot had fans chiming in and asking about the marks on her midsection.
To clear up any speculation, she uploaded a separate series of photos with a lengthy caption to explain that she actually has supernumerary, or extra, nipples.
She revealed that both her mother and oldest brother have them as well and continued to describe the uncommon occurrence of what happens in utero for babies to obtain them.
Serene continued to talk about what life was like for her as a child by saying the “extra nips” were difficult for her to address.
“In my adolescence of course it was annoying / uncomfortable to address if people asked – I found normalcy in looking up celebs that were rumored to have had them only to be sad when I saw they had had them removed,” she wrote.
Serene Russell clears up speculation after fans address her ‘scars’
Serene explained that doctors gave her the option to get the nipples removed as a child, but she opted not to since doing so would leave scars instead.
She opened up even further by writing, “I struggled with this a lot (as I model and lots of photogs have photoshopped them out in the past) and ultimately decided to keep them unless they pose a health risk in the future (which I don’t think they will- mine don’t seem to have breast tissue in them and my mom has never had an issue with hers).”
Serene finished her post by recognizing that as long as someone is comfortable with who they are, there is no need to normalize the idea of being “perfect.”
Get Serene’s look with a cow-print bikini
We love Serene’s openness when she explained about her condition, but to be honest, we were too distracted by her gorgeous cow-print bikini to notice!
Of all the animal prints, cow may be a little more unexpected, however, it’s just as wearable as leopard or zebra print.
We found a bargain bikini like Serene’s so you can copy her look! This Emmiol set is super-cute and has gold chain straps for extra detail. Add more gold jewelry when you’re sitting poolside for a luxe vibe, or dress down with denim.
This one will get you noticed on your next vacation!