Have you heard about Sheyla Hershey’s giant breast implants? More to the point, have you seen them? There’s no substitute for a photo when you’re imagining what size 38KKK breasts look like. Google her name and hold your lower jaw closed.

If you’re like most people, the first thought that comes to mind when you see these balloons is, “Why?” What possible motive could a woman have to do this to herself?

Attention is one obvious answer. Ms. Hershey is receiving her share from the media and from men who offer clever feedback on her Web site like, “Keep up the awesomeness!”

Another objective is money. Think of the possibilities: magazine shoots, television appearances, videos — I’m sure her 18th round of plastic surgery is already paid for. And Ms. Hershey may just be one of those who don’t know when enough is enough. Actually, you CAN be too thin, too tan, too top heavy. . .

One sad aspect of all this is what her body is enduring. This is not a case that makes you think the patient MAY have future physical problems; she WILL have problems. In fact, women less than half the size of Ms. Hershey often undergo breast reduction to ease back, shoulder and neck pain. Our frames aren’t up to the challenge of huge, heavy breasts.

Then there are rashes that occur when skin rubs against skin. If you believe they’re minor problems, think again. Rashes that don’t heal cause constant pain and can bring about infection, to the point where some people resort to “wearing” paper towels in strategic locations.

I’ve read that Ms. Hershey doesn’t plan to keep her implants forever. Good thing, because she very likely won’t be able to. If they don’t rupture, which is a distinct possibility, her breasts will sag as her skin is unable to withstand the laws of gravity. With the extra weight, the inevitable migration south is already happening. The problem is, her skin will not magically bounce back to its old shape if she has the implants removed (posing yet another challenge for her surgeon).

When will she start shrinking? Perhaps when she’s achieved some of her professional goals. Her Web site reports her career is just starting to take off and will soon climb to “majestic proportions.” Some of us might say she’s already there.