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Robin T.W. Yuan, MD answers: Is Sheyla Hershey, biggest breast implants in the world, in danger?

Our blog reported on model Sheyla Hershey's latest breast implants surgery to go to the extremely large size 38KKK. Because safety standards actually exist in the US and no doctor would do the surgery, she went to Brazil. What kind of risks is Ms. Hershey taking by pushing the limits of her breast implant size?


Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
9 months ago

There are a multitude of risk factors with extremely large implants. In the battle between a biological tissue and a synthetic implant, the implant always wins. The biological tissue will always atrophy, thin out while the synthetic material will persists. That is why some implants will erode through the skin that becomes progressively thin or even wear down the underlying ribs.  As much as the skin is being pushed forward by her large implants, the same force or pressure is being exerted on her chest wall and ribs (Newton's law). She mentioned that she does not expect to have the implants forever so when they are explanted and the breasts lifted or shaped, there is a risk that she could lose the nipples due to reduced blood flow. When undergoing augmentation, it is always better to go smaller rather than larger.

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A: Sheyla Hershey and the World's Largest Breast Implants - Plastic Surgery Dangers

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
6 months ago

Sheyla Hershey underwent repeat Breast implantation to acheive a record for breast implant volume.  Naturally, the size of these implants and the indications for surgery do not conform to the professional and ethical standards defined by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or other professional societies. 

The goal of breast augmentation is volume enhancement of the female breasts. 

Extremely large breast implants may cause loss of tissue perfusion and risk extrusion or infection.  Further, the overlying skin envelope may become loose and stretched, thus resulting in a permanent deformity.

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