Why Did Linda Evangelista Sue CoolSculpting?

The CoolSculpting world was in for a shock when in September 2021, Fendi supermodel Linda Evangelista sued Zeltiq Aesthetics, the creators of the treatment. She cites that her CoolSculpting treatment from 2015 to 2016 had left her disfigured, leaving her in a deep depression as she could not work in her condition. In July 2022, the 50$ lawsuit ended in a settlement between the two parties with Evangelista returning to her modeling career.

So why did she sue CoolSculpting? Linda Evangelista has been diagnosed with paradoxical adipose hyperplasia—a very rare side effect where fat cells grow instead of shrink from the CoolSculpting treatment. Her reason for suing was she wasn’t properly informed of the side effects but Zeltiq’s legal team defended that she signed the paperwork acknowledging the risk. As of writing, the CoolSculpting case resulted in a settlement of undisclosed amounts. 

An Overview of the Case

Linda Evangelista received CoolSculpting treatments from August 2015 to February 2016 to do some body contouring in her chin, abdomen, back, bra area, flanks, and thighs. Instead of fat reduction, the procedure gave her hard bulges in the treated area. She tried corrective liposuction surgery twice in 2016 and than in 2017 with minimal success. 

She began her hiatus in the modeling industry in 2016. She would later reveal she suffered a “cycle of deep depression”, profound sadness, and severe emotional distress due to the body disfigurement that the treatment gave her. This eventually began her CoolSculpting lawsuit as sued Zeltiq Aesthetics in September 2021 for damages to her body and her career. 

Rolling Stone reported on the details of the case stating that Linda Evangelista and her legal team sued for damages due to the company’s inability to properly warn her of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia—the rare side effect that disrupted her life. Financial documents state that the company was aware of its existence since 2013 but fail to indicate its possibility. 

In their defense, Zeltiq Aesthetics presented documents and paperwork Ms. Evangelista signed that showed they did their responsibility to inform her of the risk of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. They also refused her claim that the marketing material for the CoolSculpting procedure and their incapacity to mention paradoxical adipose hyperplasia is adequate material for a lawsuit. They filed for dismissal of the CoolSculpting lawsuit in December.

Eventually, on July 20, 2022, Linda Evangelista posted on her Instagram that she had settled the CoolSculpting case. She was able to join the runway on Fendi’s 25th anniversary of the Fendi Baguette in New York City, nearly one year since she sued the CoolSculpting company.

The Results of Linda Evangelista’s CoolSculpting Treatments

The model reported that her numerous CoolSculpting treatments left her “brutally disfigured” across the various treated areas. While the treatment was supposed to slim down fatty tissue, the cosmetic procedure resulted in thick bulges that left her unable to model comfortably in the catwalk. Her attempts at corrective liposuction were unable to fully treat the lasting effects of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia.

What is Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia? 

This rare side effect is the opposite of the promised benefits of CoolSculpting. The procedure uses fat-freezing technology to damage fat cells in the target area without harming the skin or other parts of the body. If the patient has paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, it means that their fat cells grew instead of shrinking from the cold.

A 2014 study from JAMA Dermatol reported on paradoxical adipose hyperplasia has an incidence rate of 0.0051% from over 650,00 treatments. According to data from the manufacturer from 2020, the side effect was listed to occur in 1 in about 20,000 treated patients with a 0.025 incidence rate. Though it may be rising, there is more research being done to prevent this side effect and treat it with more precise liposuction.  

Pre-procedure Steps to Prevent CoolSculpting Complications 

This CoolSculpting lawsuit is one of many that have been reported. Though there are certain cases, the procedure is still considered safe and effective by many satisfied customers. Take note of these steps to have a smooth and comfortable fat-freezing procedure.

1) Ensure You Are A Good Candidate

CoolSculpting is not a weight loss option but a fat reduction for stubborn fat in the body. Ideal CoolSculpting patients should be in the range of their ideal BMI, have one inch of pinchable subcutaneous fat, and be in good physical shape.

2) Don’t Damage Your Skin

Though CoolSculpting is safe on the skin, it's best to take care of it before it undergoes the procedure. Avoid tanning, extensive exposure to the sun, and other skin-damaging practices well within a week before the CoolSculpting treatment. 

3) Eat a Balanced Diet 

Foods that can help the body’s lymphatic system digest the frozen fat cells and not impede like leafy green vegetables, and fruits, and are high in Omega-3s. Though the fat reduction benefits of CoolSculpting are permanent, the fat in the treated area may be regained with an improper diet.

Trustworthy CoolSculpting Expertise at NJ Center for CoolSculpting 

Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia can be a life-changing side effect but recent innovations in CoolSculpting technology and updated medical expertise has considerably lowered its likelihood. When looking into the wonders of the CoolSculpting treatment, always ensure that your medical provider is completely knowledgeable about the treatment and can assess any risk factors specific to you.

At the NJ Center for CoolSculpting, we have the know-how to circumvent and prevent any adverse events that come with this low-risk procedure. Our team of experts is ready to help you every step of the way. Get that sculpted body you’ve always wanted and book an appointment with us online today.