There isn’t a name more synonymous with ‘90s glamour than Linda Evangelista. One of the original supermodels, who many deem the greatest of all time, Evangelista has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry, from her iconic catwalk moments to her unforgettable one-liners. But while her contemporaries, like Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford have stayed in the spotlight, Evangelista has been noticeably absent—and now she’s bravely opening up about why.
Last night, Evangelista took to Instagram to reveal that she is “permanently disformed” after having an adverse reaction to the fat-freezing procedure Coolsculpting, saying it “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.”
The rare complication Evangelista experienced is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, which is an extremely rare side effect of cryolipolysis, the technical term for Coolsculpting. According to Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai, during a cryolipolysis treatment, cold temperatures are used to permanently destroy fat cells in the treated areas, allowing for the body to be sculpted. It is estimated that 1 in 20,000 patients that get the procedure develop growth of fat in the treated area. When it occurs, it develops two months or so after getting the treatments. “It is unclear why it happens, and we cannot predict who it will happen to,” explains Zeichner. “The current theory is that the leftover fat cells are stimulated to grow by an unclear mechanism.”
Evangelista says she was not warned about this risk—and that she’s “brutally disfigured,” even after undergoing two different corrective surgeries. In terms of treating the effects of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, Zeichner adds that the best route is another fat reduction procedure like liposuction.
After five years of suffering, Evangelista is not only breaking her silence, but taking matters to court. “With this lawsuit, I am moving forward to rid myself of my shame, and going public with my story. 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.”
As non-invasive cosmetic procedures grow in popularity, so does awareness around the rare side effects that can occur—especially when someone in the public eye comes forward with candor and transparency. “I think it’s great celebrities are coming forward to discuss what they have done, to share both the good and the bad so we can further educate the public on what they can do to treat cosmetic concerns and what the real risks are associated with getting those treatments,” explains Zeichner.
Since Evangelista has shared her story, the industry has come out in droves to support her. “Thank you for your courage and strength,” said Marc Jacobs, who has been radically transparent about his own cosmetic treatments. “Love that you’re reclaiming your story,” wrote January Jones, who perhaps best summed up the power in Evangelista’s revelation, adding: “This strength and bravery supersedes any superficial outward appearance. An icon is an icon is an icon. Always.”
For all the latest fasion News Click Here
