Linda Evansworth Shares Her Struggles with Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia—What Is It?

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In a recent Instagram update, Linda Evansworth, a prominent supermodel from the 1990s, disclosed her battle with a rare side effect of CoolSculpting. She expressed feeling “unrecognizable” and “permanently deformed” after undergoing two painful corrective surgeries that yielded no results. Linda explained, “To my supporters who have questioned my absence from work while my peers thrive, the truth is that I was severely disfigured by Zeltiq’s CoolSculpting treatment, which had the opposite effect of what it promised.”

In her lawsuit against the company, she stated that several months after receiving treatments on her abdomen, back, thighs, flanks, and chin, she developed painful, bulging masses in those areas. She was diagnosed with Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) in June 2016.

While over 8 million people in the U.S. had undergone CoolSculpting by 2019, many remain unaware of its workings or potential adverse effects, as in Linda’s case.

What Is CoolSculpting and What Does It Offer?

CoolSculpting employs a technique known as cryolipolysis, utilizing cold temperatures to eliminate fat cells. Treatments are typically about an hour long, and the number of sessions may vary based on the targeted area. After treatment, the body naturally expels the frozen fat cells over the following weeks. According to Dr. Nathan Greene, a certified plastic surgeon in New York, “The fat cells die and are processed by the body.” Most individuals see full effects within three months.

Research conducted in 2009 indicated that cryolipolysis could lead to significant fat reduction within two months, with a decrease of around 25% in the treated area after six months. Dr. Emily Carter, a dermatologist based in New York, noted that patients often undergo multiple treatments to achieve up to a 50% reduction in fat.

It’s important to note that CoolSculpting is not designed for weight loss; it targets stubborn fat pockets resistant to diet and exercise in individuals at their ideal weight, according to Dr. Kevin Mendez, a Houston dermatologist and director of the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center. CoolSculpting is FDA-approved, non-invasive, and not typically covered by health insurance, with treatment costs ranging from $600 to $3,000, as stated by Dr. Carter.

When CoolSculpting Goes Awry

Patients may experience various side effects shortly after treatment or even weeks later, including redness, bruising, tingling, stinging, and numbness that can linger for weeks. More uncommon side effects may include hernias, dizziness, hyperpigmentation, frostbite, or ongoing pain.

The side effect Linda experienced, PAH, refers to the gradual enlargement of tissue in the treatment area two to five months post-procedure. Instead of shrinking, the targeted area expands, and the company acknowledges that PAH does not resolve on its own, often requiring surgical intervention like liposuction for correction. Unfortunately, surgery does not guarantee improvement, as seen in Linda’s case, where her surgeries left her with scarring.

Zeltiq, the company behind CoolSculpting, reports that PAH occurs in one out of every 4,000 treatments. However, some studies indicate the risk may be much higher, with occurrences estimated at one in every 666 patients. In her lawsuit, Linda asserts that she was not informed of the PAH risk, stating, “PAH has not only ruined my career but has plunged me into deep depression and self-loathing.”

Dr. Mark Thompson, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C., noted that he has seen PAH in his practice “several times.” He cautions potential CoolSculpting patients to remember that “non-invasive doesn’t mean risk-free” and that “if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”

It’s crucial to recognize that even celebrities grapple with insecurities and societal pressures. They deserve the right to make choices about their bodies. Experiencing a dramatically negative outcome from a procedure can be emotionally taxing. Linda expressed her fatigue from living with her condition, stating, “I wish to walk out with my head held high, even though I no longer look like myself.” By sharing her story, Linda aims to take steps toward reclaiming her confidence.

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Summary

Linda Evansworth has opened up about her experience with Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia following CoolSculpting treatments, which resulted in severe physical and emotional distress. While CoolSculpting is designed to eliminate stubborn fat, it can have unexpected and life-altering side effects. As awareness grows about these risks, it is crucial for individuals considering such procedures to be fully informed.

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