Supermodel Anok Yai reveals congenital defect behind major lung surgery

Anok Yai revealed a congenital defect that strained her heart and lungs, leading to worsening symptoms and surgery

Supermodel Anok Yai has revealed that she recently underwent lung surgery after doctors discovered a congenital defect that had been affecting her heart and lungs.

In an Instagram post shared on December 19, Yai said she had been dealing with a “silent” health battle for more than a year. According to the model, the condition initially showed no symptoms for most of her life but later progressed into serious complications.

 

 

 

 

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Yai explained that the defect caused her heart to overwork while gradually damaging her lungs. What began as a persistent cough eventually developed into chest pain, episodes of coughing up blood, and difficulty breathing. Despite the worsening symptoms, she continued working while seeking the right medical care.

“I quickly realized there was never going to be a ‘right time,’” Yai wrote, adding that her condition would have continued to deteriorate without intervention.

The 28-year-old model confirmed that she recently underwent successful robotic lung surgery. She credited Dr. Robert Cerfolio and his medical team for the procedure, saying she is now in recovery. Yai also thanked Dr. Harmik Soukiasian and staff at Beverly Hills Concierge Health and NYU Langone for identifying and treating her condition.

Yai, who won Model of the Year at the 2025 Fashion Awards earlier this month, shared photos and videos from her hospital stay, showing family members by her side. She expressed gratitude for the support she received from loved ones during her recovery.

Born in Egypt to Sudanese refugee parents and raised in the United States, Yai is widely regarded as one of the fashion industry’s leading models. She concluded her message by saying she is focused on healing and plans to return to work when she is ready.

Several celebrities, including Naomi Campbell and WNBA star Angel Reese, publicly sent messages of support following her announcement.