EXCLUSIVE: Linda Evangelista Speaks Out After Botched CoolSculpting Procedure Left Her “Brutally Disfigured”—Suing for $50 Million!

Linda Evangelista, one of the world’s most iconic supermodels, has shared her painful experience after undergoing a botched CoolSculpting procedure that left her body permanently disfigured. The 57-year-old model, known for her legendary career and contributions to the fashion industry, opened up about the trauma she has endured since the fat-freezing procedure she chose in 2015 went horribly wrong.

What was initially promised to be a simple, non-invasive way to eliminate stubborn fat transformed Evangelista’s life into a nightmare. The procedure, which involves freezing fat cells to remove them, caused a rare side effect called Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH), which led to the expansion of the very fat the treatment was supposed to eliminate.

Evangelista’s revelation about the extent of her physical and emotional suffering has shocked fans and the public alike, shedding light on the risks and potential dangers of popular cosmetic treatments that have long been marketed as safe and easy alternatives to surgery. Her decision to sue Zeltiq Aesthetics Inc., the parent company behind CoolSculpting, for $50 million is just one part of her ongoing battle to regain control of her life, both physically and mentally.

The CoolSculpting Procedure That Changed Everything

Linda Evangelista, once known for her flawless appearance and groundbreaking career, had been interested in enhancing her body after years of working in the fast-paced world of modeling. At the time, CoolSculpting was marketed as an FDA-approved, non-invasive way to reduce fat without the need for surgery. Evangelista opted for the treatment in 2015, hoping it would help her achieve a smoother, more sculpted figure.

The procedure was performed by a dermatologist and was part of a growing trend among celebrities and everyday people seeking an easier, less invasive alternative to traditional liposuction. The promise of a non-surgical procedure that could eliminate fat without the long recovery time was appealing, but for Evangelista, the consequences were far from what she expected.

After undergoing seven sessions of CoolSculpting between August 2015 and February 2016, Evangelista was devastated to learn that she had developed PAH, a condition that affects fewer than 1% of CoolSculpting patients. Instead of shrinking the fat cells, the treatment caused the fat to thicken and expand in certain areas of her body, including her abdomen, thighs, and under her armpits. This unexpected reaction left Evangelista “brutally disfigured,” as she described it in a heartfelt statement.

Emotional and Physical Toll

The aftermath of the botched procedure took a massive toll on Evangelista, both emotionally and physically. For years, she hid her body from the public eye, deeply embarrassed by the changes that had occurred. “I didn’t want to see myself because I didn’t love myself,” she confessed. The physical transformation she experienced left her struggling to come to terms with her appearance.

Evangelista has been candid about the emotional trauma she has faced in the years since the procedure. She openly admitted that the trauma was so severe that she sought therapy to help her cope with the emotional damage. “I have to go through therapy to like what I see when I look in the mirror, and I still don’t look in the mirror,” she revealed in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar. “I didn’t want to see myself because I didn’t love myself or like myself.”

The Lawsuit: Seeking Justice

In 2021, after years of suffering and hiding from the world, Evangelista filed a lawsuit against Zeltiq Aesthetics Inc., the company behind CoolSculpting, for $50 million in damages. Evangelista alleged that the company’s procedure had left her permanently disfigured and had caused her to lose her ability to work. In the lawsuit, she described the pain and emotional distress caused by the treatment, including how the physical side effects of PAH severely impacted her career, self-esteem, and personal life.

The lawsuit also called into question the safety and marketing of CoolSculpting, which had been heavily advertised as a risk-free procedure. Evangelista’s case brought attention to the potential dangers of non-surgical body treatments that are often marketed to the public without adequate warnings about the risks.

A Changing Perspective on Cosmetic Treatments

Evangelista’s experience with CoolSculpting has prompted a broader discussion about the potential risks of non-invasive cosmetic treatments. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for those considering similar procedures. While treatments like CoolSculpting have become widely popular, especially among celebrities and those seeking to avoid the risks and recovery times of traditional surgery, Evangelista’s story has raised critical questions about how such treatments are marketed and the need for more transparency about the potential side effects.

Despite her painful experience, Evangelista has made it clear that she remains resilient. “I will continue to advocate for the rights of all athletes to compete as their true selves,” she said in a statement following her lawsuit. Her determination to speak out about her experience has made her a prominent voice in the conversation about the safety and ethics of cosmetic treatments.

The Impact on Her Personal Life

Throughout her struggle with the consequences of CoolSculpting, Evangelista has received unwavering support from her family and loved ones. Her husband, Edwin Arroyave, has been a constant source of comfort, and the couple’s three children have helped her find strength in the most challenging of times. Evangelista has also shared her gratitude for the love and support she has received from her fans and from fellow public figures who have offered their encouragement.

As Evangelista continues her battle for justice, she remains committed to her advocacy work, ensuring that others are aware of the potential risks associated with cosmetic treatments. Her story has brought attention to an important issue and has sparked necessary conversations about consumer protection, transparency, and the safety of body-altering procedures.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cosmetic Procedures

Evangelista’s experience with CoolSculpting serves as a turning point in the conversation about cosmetic procedures and their potential side effects. As more individuals turn to non-invasive treatments to alter their bodies, it is crucial that companies provide more transparency about the risks involved. Evangelista’s brave decision to speak out about her traumatic experience is helping to reshape the narrative around these procedures, ensuring that others are better informed before making similar decisions.

Her fight for justice is far from over, but her story has already had a significant impact, raising awareness about the need for more regulation in the cosmetic treatment industry. As her case continues to unfold, it is clear that Linda Evangelista’s resilience and determination will inspire many for years to come.