Perhaps known to many as one of the most recognisable faces of 90's fashion, Canadian supermodel Linda Evangelista has come forward on social media to reveal her battle with paradoxical adipose hyperplasia or PAH.
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'I was brutally disfigured'
The now 56-year-old fashion icon has filed a lawsuit against Zeltiq's CoolSculpting procedure after the body contouring technique left her 'permanently deformed.' She explains:
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.
Adding:
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.'
CoolSculpting is the brand name for cryolipolysis—a fat-freezing non-invasive procedure that involves using cold temperature to reduce fat deposits in certain areas of the body. The side effect that the model was left with, PAH, affects mostly male patients, and it is not yet understood why it occurs in the first place.
Out pour of support
She goes on to share in the emotional post that she has since been battling with severe mental health issues that have forced her to alienate herself and become a 'recluse.' The muse to many was quick to receive an out pour of support for her vulnerability, resilience and courage. Fellow supermodel Helena Christensen commented:
It would’ve taken immense courage and strength to write these words. I can honestly say that I broke down in tears reading this. It is so important and beautiful when someone steps out of the shadow and are brutally honest and real. Thank you for being beautiful inside and out.
While actress January Jones wrote:
Love that you’re reclaiming your story. This strength and bravery supersedes any superficial outward appearance. An icon is an icon is an icon. Always.
