Sheyla Hershey, known for the lady with the world’s largest breast implants has had them removed due to complications.  The full story can be read at http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/health/100909-sheyla-hershey-breast-implants-removed

The entire story is a shame.  Wanting larger and larger breast implants, Ms. Hershey went to Brazil to have massive breast implants placed.  Some websites note that they were size “M”   Why did she go to Brazil?   Texas laws restricted any larger implants from being placed and she could not find a surgeon anywhere in the United States willing to place larger implants?

Why did this happen?  A very simplified answer is that the larger the implant, the more tissue thinning that occurs.  This lady had at least 8 or 9 breast augmentations with continuous thinning and tissue destruction.

After the most recent surgery she developed an infection.  While cultures were indetermined it was likely a Staph or a Strep infection.  While I have no first hand knowledge of her care, likely the incision could not heal due to thinning of the skin, lack of bloodflow in the incision, and ultimate breakdown of the incision.   The implants ultimately had to removed not only to treat the infection but also to save her life.

At this point this unfortunate lady has lost all of her volume and much of her own breast tissue.  Wound care is being performed on the large open wounds on her chest wall.  While she can have a reconstruction at a later date, she will never have the type of result that she desired.  When I look at pictures of her previously already massive implants on the internet I can only imagine the psychological distress that she will endure.

There are lessons to be learned here.  First of all, listen to common sense.  Larger implants on smaller frames are going to inevitably cause problems.  Most patients are not going to want “Massive” breast implants.  Still, even a “DD” breast on a tiny frame can cause stretching and tissue thinning.  Over time this can lead to a droopier than ideal appearance, palpability of the implants, rippling, and other problems.  Patients need to make educated decisions in order to have long lasting, aesthetic, safe results.

I wish good luck and hope for a quick recovery to Ms. Hershey.  Hopefully other ladies can learn from her tragic story.

Best regards,

Evan Sorokin MD