Supermodel Linda Evangelista who was one of the biggest names in the fashion world alongside Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss in the 1980s and 90s featuring on over 700 magazine covers in her career has made the startling revelation that she has been “brutally disfigured” due to a cosmetic treatment gone horribly wrong.
In a statement shared on social media, Linda Evangelista said that she has been “permanently deformed” after the cosmetic treatment done five years ago. The 56-year-old alleged that the fat-freezing procedure “did the opposite of what it promised.”
Acknowledging her absence from projects, Linda Evangelista said, “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.”
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical body-shaping technique that involves the application of cold temperature to reduce fat deposits in certain body parts.
Shedding light on what went wrong, she added, “It increased, not decreased, my fat cells and left me permanently deformed.” Linda Evangelista said that she has been left “permanently deformed even after undergoing two painful, unsuccessful, corrective surgeries.”
The supermodel explained that she had developed Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia(PAH), and alleged that PAH was not a risk she was made aware of before the procedures.
Linda said, “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."
After five years of suffering silently, the Canadian model has decided to file a lawsuit, which would help her to “rid myself of my shame.”
“I am tired of living this way,” she said. “I would like to walk out my door with my head held high, despite not looking like myself any longer.”
Deeply touched by the tragedy, the fashion fraternity came out with heartfelt support for Linda.
Fellow supermodel Naomi Campbell said, “I applaud you for your courage and strength to share your experience and not be held hostage by it anymore. I can't imagine the pain you have gone through mentally these past 5 years.” Model-actress Cindy Crawford said, “Linda—your strength and true essence are forever recognisable and iconic. Bravo.”
