Alyssa Milano says she removed breast implants to reclaim her authentic self
The 52-year-old actress says the implants were part of a body that was sexualized and abused and says she hopes to shield her daughter from similar pressures.
Alyssa Milano says she removed her breast implants to let go of a body she describes as having been sexualized and abused. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, the 52-year-old Charmed actress said she is releasing the false narratives that accompanied that body and choosing her authentic self, sharing a photo from the hospital in the process.
Milano writes that the implants were not necessary for her to be attractive, loved, or successful and that she hopes the decision helps her 11-year-old daughter, Elizabella “Bella” Bugliari, avoid forming the same unhealthy demands. She is a mother to Milo, 14, and wife to David Bugliari. In the post, Milano emphasizes that her worth and identity are not defined by implants.
What is a false narrative for me may be the exact right thing for them, the actress writes, making clear that implant choices are personal and that freedom and beauty can take different forms for different people. “Today I’m releasing those false narratives, the parts of me that were never actually parts of me,” she adds. She also stresses that she will still be all of those things—loved, feminine, attractive, and successful—without relying on implants. “Today, I’m my authentic self. Today, I’m free.”
Update: I’m cozy in my bed eating the food my mama made me. Thank you for all the kind words. I appreciate the support, Milano later wrote, offering a small glimpse into her post-surgery recovery.
The post comes as Milano has long discussed how she was sexualized in Hollywood. In a 2021 interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, she recalled that in the 1990s she was often offered roles that required her to be fully clothed, noting that the industry’s standards of that era frequently reduced female characters to sexualized appearances. She referenced her youth on Who’s the Boss, where the character Samantha Miceli led to opportunities that she felt came with a heavy emphasis on appearance. The comments echoed a broader public conversation about body image, autonomy and personal choices in entertainment.
Reaction to the posts was swift and mixed among fans and fellow celebrities. Nicole Scherzinger praised Milano’s decision, writing, “Love you! Your liberation will inspire and liberate others!” Others, including Michelle Visage and Lisa Ann Walter, offered messages of support, signaling broad empathy for Milano’s experience and her stated aim of aligning her outward appearance with her inner identity. Milano’s team did not provide additional comment beyond what she shared on Instagram.
The new disclosure adds to a years-long conversation about how public figures navigate pressure to conform to idealized bodies. Milano’s decision underscores a nuanced view of body autonomy, highlighting that personal choices about appearance can be empowering even when they run counter to what some fans or industry norms might expect. While she has received encouragement, she also acknowledged that what she describes as a false narrative for her may be liberating for others who choose to keep or alter implants for their own reasons.
As Milano continues her public life alongside her family, the posts serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between artistry, image, and personal wellbeing in Culture & Entertainment. The discussion surrounding body image, agency, and the lasting impact of early-career experiences remains a topic of interest for fans, commentators, and fellow performers alike, as performers increasingly share personal decisions that influence both their public personas and private lives.
