Supermodel Linda Evangelista doesn’t even recognize herself anymore. In an emotional post on Instagram, she used the media’s words to describe herself as “unrecognizable.” In her own words, she described herself as “permanently deformed.”

Evangelista used to be a top supermodel back in the 1990s. Now, she is 56 years old, and some of her followers have wondered why she isn’t still working. Evangelista blames Zeltiqu’s CoolSculpting procedure.

In her Instagram post, she wrote, “I have developed Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia or PAH, a risk at which I was not made aware before I had the procedures. PAH has not only destroyed my livelihood, it has sent me into a cycle of deep depression, profound sadness, and the lowest depth of self-loathing. In the process, I have become a recluse.”

Evangelista posted her story on Instagram as a big step forward. She announced that she has filed a lawsuit and is sharing her story “as a big step towards righting a wrong that I have suffered and kept to myself for over five years.”

She has had two procedures to try to reverse the damage done by the CoolSculpting procedures, but nothing has worked. Instead, she is left with the opposite of what CoolSculpting promises. Instead of reducing the number of fat cells in her body, it increased the number of fat cells.

Watch the video below to learn more about Evangelista’s story and the CoolSculpting procedure.

In the comments on Evangelista’s post, many of her followers, including celebrities, have written kind words. For example, Cindy Crawford wrote, “Linda—your strength and true essence are forever recognizable and iconic! Bravo!” 

Meanwhile, designer Jeremy Scott wrote, “You are and always will be a supermodel, now adding super role model of courage to your glorious resume.”

Do you know anyone who has had CoolSculpting done? Do you think more people will be hesitant to undergo CoolSculpting after hearing Evangelista’s story?