Modern Family Actor Objectified: Has Breast Reduction

Ariel Winter was tired of simply being known for the size of her breasts. The Modern Family star may only be 17, but since puberty she claims her bra size -- 32F -- was such a source of misery, it compelled her to undergo breast reduction (BR) surgery.

Not only did she suffer from back and neck pain, she endured the media's constant focus on her chest instead of her work. She put out a confident image on the red carpet, but admits she was still acting.

"It made me feel really uncomfortable, because as women in the industry, we are totally oversexualized and treated like objects," she said in an interview with Glamour. "Every article that has to do with me on a red carpet had to do with 'Ariel Winter's Crazy Cleavage!' or 'Ariel Winter Shows Huge Boobs at an Event!' That's all people would recognize me by – not, 'Oh, she does great work on Modern Family.' "

Winter is such a relatable figure. Even teenage girls who aren't in the public eye have to put up with bullying and unwanted attention. But in the age of the internet, people are particularly cruel.

"I could post a photo where I feel good," Winter said, "and 500 people will comment about how fat I am and that I am disgusting."

Rather than leave the tabloids to speculate about her transformation, Winter bravely volunteered her story, and it's an inspiration to young women like her.

"[BR] is something that I did to better my life and better my health, and I think that can benefit a lot of young girls. I have felt happier with myself than I ever have."

I have friends who've had BR surgery and others who have simply come over time to accept their breasts - big and small - as part of who they are. Certainly many of us outgrow certain bodily insecurities that we obsess over as teens.

Surgery is a highly individual decision, yet where there is physical pain it seems like an obvious move. It took my grandmother until she was in her 50s to have the procedure done, out of medical necessity rather than vanity. It was a weight lifted in every sense, and she was giddy showing me her new bras!

Winter's first public appearance will be the Emmys and Winter is stoked about finally getting to wear what she wants, not what will fit her body. She's now a 34D in case you were wondering.

"I'm excited to finally actually feel confident and not just appear confident."

Would you let your teen have reduction surgery, or make her wait until she's an adult?

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