‘Modern Family’ Actress Ariel Winter Defends Exposing Breast Reduction Scars At SAG Awards

Modern Family actress Ariel Winter has had to endure both physical and social challenges in relation to the problems caused by her breasts. To begin with, Ariel says her breasts were so large that they caused her to experience excruciating pain, compelling her to seek out breast reduction surgery to alleviate the agony, which would only have grown worse as she aged. The new, lighter weight of her breasts gave her a more hopeful outlook on life, only to be quashed by the body shaming she encountered on social media immediately following the procedure. Now, just as her life seems to have returned to a state of normalcy, Winter found herself once again on the receiving end of brutal criticism, this time for exposing her scars at the SAG Awards.

Modern Family‘s Ariel Winter Is Proud Of Her Battle Scars

The Modern Family actress showed up at the SAG Awards dressed in a strapless, black Romona Keve?a gown. Ariel said that choosing whether or not to wear the dress was even more stressful than picking out her senior prom gown; but, in the end, she decided to go with her instincts. She chose the gown because, in the past, she could never have worn such outfits, because they would have increased her discomfort, due to the lack of breast support. Now that she’s physically able to wear strapless dresses, Winter says she won’t be intimidated by online harassment.

“Guys there is a reason I didn’t make an effort to cover up my scars! They are part of me and I’m not ashamed of them at all,” 18-year-old Winter tweeted to her followers.

Winter received more support for her courage and pride in herself than criticism. The actress thanked those who openly supported her and helped to make the weeks following the procedure less stressful.

“Thank you all so much for the support, kind words, and happy birthdays!” Winter added in her Twitter posts.

For Ariel, Breast Reduction Wasn’t A Choice, It Was A Necessity

It was just last summer that Winter made the big decision to go for the breast reduction surgery. At the time, she said that she couldn’t admit going in for any other kind of cosmetic surgery and that this was a case of necessity for her health and well being. Ariel also felt strongly about not trying to conceal her plans, because she believes the stigma surrounding similar kinds of procedures prevents many girls for seeking out the help they need.

“When I made the decision to get the surgery, I had some people that I talked to that were like, ‘are you going to tell anyone or are you going to keep it a secret?'” Winter said, describing reactions to her decision to have her breasts reduced.

“I kind of was confused by that question because to me it was not something to hide. I don’t think anyone should have to hide anything in general for fear of being scrutinized.”

It seems unlikely that Ariel could have concealed her breast reduction, even if she’d wanted to, simply because she’s a public figure and any drastic physical changes would be noticed right away. Winter may have a smattering of online bullies trying to bring her down, but that won’t compare with the relief she feels, as she lives life with a better physical condition and a brighter outlook.

“I’m extremely happy with the decision I made,” Winter said. “It’s important to talk about it because there are young girls suffering like I did, but there shouldn’t be a stigma about it.”

Season 7 of Modern Family returns on Wednesday, February 10 on ABC.

[Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Turner]