Modern Family star Ariel Winter has spoken out about why she underwent a breast reduction operation, explaining "I have felt more happy with myself than I ever have have."
Now 17, Ariel has starred in the Emmy-winning show since the age of 11 and told US Glamour magazine that she felt scrutinised for the way she dressed to accomodate her 32F size breasts prior to the operation.
“It was really hard,” she said of dressing for the red carpet. “There was so little that I could wear that was age-appropriate. I’d have to wear the dress that was super tight and form-fitted everywhere because if I didn’t, it didn’t look good. I didn’t really have an option other than to wear fitted clothes. Everyone would [say], ’Why is she dressing so mature? That’s so inappropriate for her age!’
"I understood what they were saying. It’s not like I wanted to pick out those inappropriate dresses, it’s just that I didn’t really have another choice, or I was going to get ridiculed.”
Ariel explains that she also had health problems as a result of her large bust before the reduction, which brought her down to a size 32D.
“I had a lot of back problems, I really couldn’t stand up straight for a long period of time. It started to hurt so bad that I couldn’t take the pain. My neck was hurting so bad and I actually had some problems with my spine. I had been discussing my chest with doctors for many years, but when I finally said, ’I’m thinking of doing this,’ he said, ’Your back is going to thank you so much.'”
Post surgery Ariel says her life has changed for the better. “It’s something that I did to better my life and better my health and I think that that can benefit a lot of young girls,” she said of her decision to be open about her surgery. “I have felt more happy with myself than I ever have.”
In May this year, the actress became officially emancipated from her mother after a three-year custody battle. She now lives with her sister and is attending therapy, she told the magazine.