Supermodel’s Cosmetic Surgery Goes Wrong

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Linda Evangelista, a popular 90’s supermodel, who was ubiquitous on fashion runways and music videos in the 1990s, recently went public with her experiences with a popular fat reducing cosmetic surgery called CoolSculpting.  Coolsculpting problems can include a condition called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia.

 

Coolsculpting Problems

According to the supermodel, between 2015 and 2016 she underwent several CoolSculpting procedures to remove fat on her abdomen, trunk, thighs and under her chin.  Ms. Evangelista said that a few months after undergoing the procedures, she developed “hard, bulging, painful masses under her skin in those areas, ” a condition called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH).  Ms. Evangelista described the procedures as having ruined her career and body, and said that she was permanently disfigured and developed depression and fear of going outside as a result of the CoolSculpting treatment.

 

 

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a treatment for visible fat bulges, commonly performed under the chin and jawline, thighs, abdomen and flanks.  CoolSculpting uses a technology called cryolipolysis, where cold temperatures are used to break down fat cells. CoolSculpting is non-invasive (involves no cutting) and is an in-office procedure.  It is one of the most popular non-invasive treatments for unwanted fat.

 

 

What Is Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia?

Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) is said to be a rare side effect of Coolsculpting in which instead of reducing fat cells, the fat cells swell and grow larger, leading to large, firm bulging of the skin.  PAH typically occurs between 2-5 months after the CoolSculpting procedure.  Ms. Evangelista claims to suffer from PAH as a direct result of receiving the CoolSculpting procedures.  Unfortunately, PAH requires surgical intervention to treat.

 

 

Ms. Evangelista filed a lawsuit against Zeltiq Aesthetics, the maker of CoolSculpting in September 2021, claiming that she was not adequately warned of the risks of the CoolSculpting procedure, specifically the risk of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, the side effect that she claims to be suffering from.

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