Experts Have Their Say

After gaining fame, the experts chipped in their opinions about wearing the brass rings as Sydney did. Southern California orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Nissanoff, cautioned against using the method to extend the neck as it could injure nerves in the neck. However, the Kayan women started very young, so there was room for growth.

In Sydney’s case, Dr. Jonathan said that she had started too late when her body was already mature. This meant that she was only stretching her skin and pulling down her collarbone and ribcage. These observations made her feel like her dream no longer served her, and she lost the will to continue risking her health for it.