In a new interview with Glamour, Ariel, who plays Alex Dunphy on the hit show, revealed she had a breast reduction surgery on June 4 this year.
The 17-year-old actress went from a 32F to a 34D and said she now feels “happier” with herself, after having struggled with both physical and emotional challenges as a result of her chest size. In sharing her story publicly, Ariel said she hoped to send a positive message to other young women.
“It’s something that I did to better my life and better my health, and I think that can benefit a lot of young girls,” she told the publication.
“I have felt happier with myself than I ever have.”
Ariel says she feels like ” a new person” after the surgery. Photo: Instagram
Due to her breast size, Ariel revealed she suffered back problems and had difficulty standing up straight for extended periods of time. Even worse was the media’s reaction to her figure – especially when it came to red carpet photos.
“Every article that has to do with me on a red carpet had to do with ‘Ariel Winter’s crazy cleavage!’ or ‘Ariel Winter show huge boobs at an event!’” she said.
“That’s all people would recognise me by – not, ‘oh, she does great work on Modern Family.’”
The young star has faced a tumultuous few years in the spotlight since gaining fame on the award-winning sitcom. In 2012, she moved out of her mother Crystal Workman’s home after allegations of abuse and in May this year, she finally won legal emancipation from her after a hard-fought legal battle.
Now, Ariel remains close to her older sister and legal guardian Shanelle Gray and says her mother will find out about the surgery with everyone else – by reading about it.
Meanwhile, Ariel says her on-screen family have been “super supportive” of her decision, although she says she only told Julie Bowen (Claire Dunphy) directly about undergoing the surgery.
“They understand I’ve been struggling with this for so many years,” she said.
