Sharna Burgess Opens Up About Her Emotional Journey and Transformative Self-Acceptance

Sharna Burgess. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Sharna Burgess openly discussed her ongoing struggles with body image and revealed that she once contemplated getting cosmetic surgery. The 38-year-old dancer shared on a recent episode of the podcast "Oldish," which she hosts with her fiancé Brian Austin Green, that she had considered getting breast augmentation in her 20s. However, after seeing someone with a similar physique undergo the procedure and ending up with a bodybuilder-like appearance, Burgess decided against it. She admitted that she had previously felt pressure to have larger breasts in order to conform to societal standards of femininity and attractiveness.

Burgess, a former contestant on Dancing With the Stars, opened up about how her mother's self-deprecating language regarding her own body had a lasting impact on Burgess as she was growing up. She clarified that while her mother is an amazing woman, she constantly expressed insecurities and spoke critically about herself, which had a profound effect on Burgess. This consistent negativity and self-criticism surrounding body image became ingrained in her mindset.

Burgess noted that she debated getting liposuction to “have the gap between my legs like other people have.”

Sharna Burgess expressed that her physique does not conform to societal standards, even before the rise of social media. She talked about how her mother influenced her perception of body image during that period.

Burgess concluded the episode by emphasizing the significance of displaying positive body language in the presence of children. Along with their 16-month-old son Zane, Burgess and Green, 50, are parents to son Kassius, 21, from his previous relationship with Vanessa Marcil, and Noah, 10, Bodhi, 9, and Journey, 7, from his past marriage to Megan Fox.

She expressed, “It is crucial for us to prioritize the language we use when looking in the mirror, as well as the language we use when discussing our bodies in front of our children. We should seek out aspects of our bodies that we find beautiful and adjust our language accordingly, even as we work internally on accepting the changes and formations of our bodies."

Burgess has previously been candid about her postpartum body.

In an Instagram Story one month after giving birth to her son Zane in June 2022, Burgess shared a mirror photo of herself holding her son while wearing a robe over her postpartum underwear. She expressed that her body has undergone significant changes and humorously mentioned that every ounce of water seemed to have gone to her vagina. Burgess acknowledged the seriousness of the postpartum period and the slow process of recovery, but also expressed admiration for the incredible strength and resilience of women's bodies. She emphasized the importance of practicing patience during this transformative time and concluded that it is all worth it.

In the same month, the professional dancer revealed that she was not placing any expectations on herself regarding her postpartum physique. "To be honest, I expected to feel pressure, especially considering my background as an athlete where my body played a significant role in my career. It's not just about appearances, but also about how strong my core feels in order to perform and dance. However, I'm actually not putting any pressure on myself." Burgess shared exclusively with We.