Modern Family stars Sara Hyland and Ariel Winter's characters might might bump heads on the show, but in reality, they're more like sisters. Winter recently went public with her decision to get a breast reduction after suffering emotional and physical pain. Co-star Sara Hyland wasn't surprised by her decision to get the procedure and praised her for finding a way to remain "happy and healthy."
"It's something we've been talking about for a long time," said Hyland exclusively to Marc Malkin at the Teen Choice Awards. "I'm super proud of her. I'm super happy for her."
According to a recent interview with Glamour.com, 17-year-old Winter revealed her breast development happened somewhat overnight. One minute she was flat-chested, the next thing you know she was 15 with size F breasts. Winter revealed females in her family dealt with similar chest problems. She struggled to find clothes and bras in the right size and even standing up straight for hours at a time became a real battle. While Winter noted the choice to undergo the procedure was strictly for her own personal happiness, and not because of cyberbullies, they did get under her skin from time-to-time.
A photo posted by Ariel Winter (@arielwinter) on Aug 12, 2015 at 7:35pm PDT
"We live in a day and age where everything you do is ridiculed," said Winter to Glamour.com. "The Internet bullies are awful. I could post a photo where I feel good, and 500 people will comment about how fat I am and that I am disgusting. On [red carpets], I just said to myself, "You have to do your best to look confident and stand up tall, and make yourself look as good as you can in these photos," because everyone is going to see them. I definitely seemed confident; I'm an actress, that's what we do. But on the inside, I wasn't feeling so happy."
On June 4, she underwent the procedure to reduce her breasts from a size 32F to a 34D. Winter believed size D breasts would have less of a strain on her neck and back, but still allow her to enjoy the curvy figure she loves without looking disproportionate. Winter initially only told a few close friends and family about her personal decision, including her on-screen mom, Julie Bowen. Like Hyland, the rest of the cast has remained extremely supportive and are excited to see her filled with such joy.
⚫️⚪️ @therealsarahhyland #Paleyfest #ModernFamily @paleycenter A photo posted by Ariel Winter (@arielwinter) on Mar 14, 2015 at 11:46pm PDT
"She's a tiny girl," said Hyland. "We're practically the same size. I'm about a half of an inch or an inch taller than her and I can't imagine carrying that weight. She's happy and most of all, she is healthy. She's glowing. As long as she's healthy and happy, that's all that matters to me. She's always been a very happy little girl-oh, God, I will still her as an 11-year-old in my eyes. She's really like my little sister."
Ultimately, Winter admitted to Glamour.com that having the surgery makes her almost feel like a completely different person, "like this is how I was supposed to be." From recovery after the surgery to people's acceptance of the change, everything seems to have fallen into place for the young actress.
