A Brazilian model with the largest breasts in the world is experiencing complications following her latest breast surgery, according to Fox News in Houston.
Sheyla Hershey suffered her first complication after more than 30 plastic surgeries, when a severe staph infection reached both of her breasts following her recent breast augmentation procedure in Brazil. In 2009, she was a 38KKK and received the Brazilian equivalent of the Guinness Book of World Records award for her chest size.
Hershey, who lives in Houston, said her surgeon told her she should be concerned for her life because the infection could leak into her bloodstream. She has had to give herself infusions of intravenous antibiotics every twelve hours to fight the infection.
To avoid complications, Dr. Michael Will, a cosmetic surgeon near Washington D.C. and president of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, says that breast augmentation procedures should be preceded by a comprehensive consultation between the cosmetic surgeon and the patient, where the patient’s concerns and expectations are discussed in relation to the patient’s breast and chest wall anatomy.
“An effective evaluation and treatment plan should result in a post-operative outcome that reaches a balance between the patient’s expectations and the surgeon’s surgical and anatomical limitations to yield an esthetic and healthy outcome. When the surgical tissue tension and stress exceed the capacity for normal healing, wound breakdown and infection often develop,” he says.
However, according to Dr. Will, infections related to breast augmentation are rare; when the are encountered, “the implants frequently need to be removed and replaced at a later date.”
Recent 2024-2025 research confirms Dr. Will’s assessment, with infection rates averaging between 1-4% in primary breast augmentation when modern sterile techniques and appropriate antibiotics are used. These rates are significantly lower than those seen in revision surgeries or procedures performed in non-accredited facilities.
According to her website www.sheylahershey.net, an update on July 24 says that Hershey is “doing fine although she is still getting treatment.”
2024-2025 Safety Update: How Breast Augmentation Has Evolved
Since this 2010 case, breast augmentation safety has improved significantly. According to recent 2024-2025 meta-analyses, infection rates in modern breast augmentation now occur in approximately 1-4% of procedures when proper protocols are followed. The FDA implemented comprehensive safety updates in 2024, including mandatory patient decision checklists and enhanced warnings about rare complications like breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
Modern surgical techniques emphasize proper patient evaluation, sterile protocols, and realistic sizing to minimize complications like those experienced by Sheyla Hershey. Today’s surgeons use advanced screening to identify patients at high risk for complications, including those with autoimmune conditions or healing concerns. While no surgery is without risk, the combination of improved implant materials, refined surgical techniques, and comprehensive pre-operative assessments has made breast augmentation one of the most performed and safest cosmetic procedures when conducted by board-certified plastic surgeons in accredited facilities.
At Inland Cosmetic Surgery, patient safety remains our highest priority, with comprehensive consultations designed to assess candidacy, discuss realistic expectations, and create individualized surgical plans that prioritize both aesthetic goals and long-term health.
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