The cosmetic procedure that disfigured Linda Evangelista

Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Elle MacPherson... This list of 1990s supermodels wouldn't be complete without Linda Evangelista. With her beauty, she transformed the fashion world, but a few years ago, she had to step away from public life.

Back in the day, the Canadian model worked with the biggest designers, graced the covers of countless magazines, and her face became known worldwide. However, from mid-2015, Evangelista nearly disappeared from the scene.

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Six years later, Linda Evangelista finally revealed the reason for her sudden disappearance: a botched cosmetic procedure. "I was brutally disfigured," she said.

Although the details of her harrowing experience were published in People magazine, she explained, "I can't live like this anymore, in hiding and shame. I just couldn't live in this pain any longer. I'm willing to finally speak."

Photo: Instagram/lindaevangelista

The model shared her story in a long, detailed post on Instagram too. As she said, it was a big step in overcoming the damage suffered.

Photo: Instagram/lindaevangelista

She underwent a procedure called "Zeltiq CoolSculpting," which did not yield the results she expected. Instead of reducing them, it increased her fat cells permanently.

Despite much trying, it was impossible to fix the damage. After two painful corrective surgeries, she became, as the press described, "unrecognizable,” she said.

The procedure that disfigured her is based on cryolipolysis, which involves applying freezing temperatures to the neck and face to eliminate fat cells. Essentially, it removes fat like liposuction but without invasive surgery.

For Evangelista, the tragedy wasn’t just aesthetic. She also developed two conditions as a result. The first, "paradoxical adipose hyperplasia," was a risk she said she wasn’t warned about before the procedure.

“"has not only destroyed my livelihood, it has sent me into a cycle of deep depression,” she said, referring to the side effects from the cosmetic mishap.

The model spoke of "profound sadness and the lowest depths of self-loathing." Overtime, she said she became a "recluse."

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Linda Evangelista has taken legal action, suing CoolSculpting's parent company, Zeltiq Aesthetics Inc., for $50 million in damages, according to People.

According to CNN, the case was settled in 2022. Although she did not reveal the terms at the time, Linda Evangelista announced on Instagram that she was satisfied with the outcome and looking foward to moving on with her life.

The model’s honesty had a huge impact on the cultural landscape. Comments on her Instagram post were like a trip back in time, with many of the 20th century’s top supermodels coming together.

Helena Christensen praised her friend and colleague, saying, "It would've taken immense courage and strength to write these words. I can honestly say that I broke down in tears reading this."

Christy Turlington publicly declared her love for her friend: “You are loved."

"I applaud you for your Courage and strength to Share your experience and not be held hostage by it anymore .. You know I love you . We love you ., and here for you always Right by your side," added Naomi Campbell.

Karen Elson also added: "I can only imagine the pain and trauma you experienced because of this. Especially as our identity as women has been defined by how we look. We've been praised and vilified for it. It's so confusing."

"Linda—your strength and true essence are forever recognizable and iconic! Bravo!" Cindy Crawford commented.

In addition to the supermodels, many well-known faces in the fashion world, like Marc Jacobs, Amber Valletta, Jeremy Scott, Carine Roitfeld, and January Jones, also took to Instagram to support Linda Evangelista.

Even Gigi Hadid made sure to show her respect and support, talking about how much her work continues to inspire new generations of models.

In 2022, after the settlement, Linda celebrated her return to the fashion world with a major campaign for the renowned brand Fendi. She also participated in the brand's Spring/Summer fashion show in September 2022 (photo).

One of Linda Evangelista’s most recent public appearances was at the 2024 MET Gala. The massive support was crucial for the model’s resurgence, and despite everything, she continues to shine in the fashion world.

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