Linda Evangelista says cosmetic procedure left her ‘brutally disfigured’

Linda Evangelista has resurfaced, and she’s ready to take on the industry that made her want to hide out in the first place. The Canadian supermodel revealed that she’s been left “brutally disfigured” following a cosmetic procedure five years ago, and now she’s ready to fight back.

The 56-year-old shared a passionate update on social media this week, where she explained why she’s been reclusive the past few years and what happened to her when she went for a CoolScupting procedure to reduce fat cells.  

“Today I took a big step towards righting a wrong that I have suffered and have kept to myself over five years,” she wrote. “To my followers who have wondered why I have not been working while my peers’ careers have been thriving. The reason is that I was brutally disfigured by Zeltiq’s CoolSculpting procedure which did the opposite of what it promised,” she continued.

“It increased, not decreased, my fat cells and left me permanently deformed even after undergoing two painful, unsuccessful, corrective surgeries. I have been left, as the media has described, ‘unrecognizable.’”

For those who have seen the Instagram ads and wondered about CoolSculpting, the trademarked procedure is described on the official website as a non-surgical fat-reduction treatment “that can help you meet your body goals.” It is supposed to target and crystalize fat cells under the skin, which your body then processes and eliminates.

While the site promises that the procedure is safe, it can lead to some side effects including late-onset pain, freeze burn, vasovagal symptoms, subcutaneous induration, hyperpigmentation, hernia and something called paradoxical hyperplasia, which Evangelista unfortunately now has experienced herself.

“I have developed Paradoxical Adipose Hyperlasia or PAH, a risk of which I was not made aware before I had the procedures,” she reveals. “PAH has not only destroyed my livelihood, it has sent me into a cycle of deep depression, profound sadness, and the lowest depths of self-loathing. In the process, I have become a recluse.”

The former model then addressed the $50 million lawsuit she filed in New York earlier this week against Zeltiq, citing negligence, misleading advertising and alleging that the company failed to warn consumers against possible side effects.

According to the suit, obtained by CNN, Evangelista had multiple procedures between 2015-16 to reduce fat on her thighs, abdomen, back, flanks and chin. Now, she’s seeking damages for lost income and emotional distress, saying she hasn’t been able to earn anything from modelling since 2016.

“With this lawsuit, I am moving forward to rid myself of my shame, and going public with my story,” she continued in her Instagram post. “I’m so tired of living this way. I would like to walk out my door with my head held high, despite not looking like myself any longer.”

When Evangelista is ready to walk out that door, at least she knows her supermodel friends will be by her side. Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Gigi Hadid, Helena Christensen and many more commented on her post, writing their own words of love and encouragement.

“Proud of you, love you,” wrote Schiffer. “Linda—your strength and true essence are forever recognizable and iconic! Bravo!” added Crawford.

“Your life’s work continues to inspire generations of models & contribute to the fashion world, regardless of if you are on the runways or in the campaigns in 2021,” wrote Hadid. “A living icon with courage that will now inspire and protect many, and beauty that cannot be taken away. Thank you. Sending you strength, love, and light!”

Online many other fans and followers also responded, sending love and well wishes. They also called into question impossible beauty standards and thanked her for speaking out.

Others didn’t understand why Evangelista is so upset, and had a hard time empathizing over what they simply see as “weight gain.”

Evangelista was one of the most in-demand models in the 1990s, gracing more than 700 magazine covers and walking runways in all the major shows. She’s widely considered one of the most influential models, up there with the likes of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

So far at time of press, Zeltiq—which claims to have performed more than 7 million CoolSculpting treatments worldwide—has not responded to the personality’s lawsuit. 

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