Supermodel Anok Yai is recovering after undergoing a life-saving medical procedure following complications from lung surgery, according to Page Six. The 28-year-old developed sepsis, a serious medical condition triggered by the body’s extreme response to infection, and was hospitalized earlier this month.
Yai, who has become one of fashion’s most recognizable runway figures in recent years, faced a medical emergency shortly after undergoing surgery to correct a congenital lung defect. Her representatives told Page Six that she is now stable and expected to make a full recovery.
Surgery Followed Diagnosis of Congenital Lung Defect
TMZ reported in December that Yai had been diagnosed with a congenital lung condition that went undetected for most of her life. The defect placed strain on her heart and lungs. It worsened over time as she continued working without realizing the underlying cause.
Doctors recommended surgical intervention after Yai began experiencing increasingly severe symptoms. TMZ reported that Yai underwent robotic lung surgery designed to correct the defect and prevent long-term organ damage. The procedure was described as medically necessary rather than elective.
While the surgery itself was successful, complications emerged during her recovery. Page Six later reported that Yai developed sepsis, and doctors admitted her to intensive care, where they performed a life-saving procedure. Medical sources cited by the outlet did not disclose the specific treatment but confirmed the severity of her condition.
Yai Shares Her Health Journey Publicly
Yai addressed her diagnosis publicly in a December Instagram post. In the post, Yai said the condition had been asymptomatic for most of her life before escalating into serious warning signs.
“What started as something asymptomatic for the majority of my life turned into chest pains, coughing up blood, and struggling to breathe,” Yai wrote. She added that she initially dismissed the symptoms and continued working at a demanding pace.
The Cut reported that Yai credited multiple medical teams, including doctors at NYU Langone Health, for identifying the condition and acting quickly. She thanked her family and friends for their support and said she is now focused on recovery.
Despite the setback, Yai struck an optimistic tone in her message to fans. She said she plans to return to work once she receives medical clearance and emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body.
Yai’s experience has drawn renewed attention to congenital conditions that remain undiagnosed until adulthood. For now, her focus remains on healing. As one of fashion’s most visible figures, Yai will draw close attention when she returns. But her recovery now stands as the most important milestone of her career.
