In an emotional Instagram post, top 90s supermodel Linda Evangelista revealed that she is filing a lawsuit against cosmetics company Zeltiq Aesthetics after becoming “brutally disfigured” by its non-surgical CoolSculpting procedure.

“To my followers who have wondered why I have not been working while my peers’ careers have been thriving, the reason is that I was brutally disfigured by Zeltiq’s CoolSculpting procedure which did the opposite of what it promised,” said Evangelista. “It increased, not decreased my fat cells and left me permanently deformed even after undergoing two painful, unsuccessful, corrective surgeries. I have been left, as the media has described, ‘unrecognisable’.”

According to the CoolSculpting website, the procedure uses a science called cryolipolysis, which works to freeze and reduce fat cells under the skin without affecting the skin itself, and the use of needles or a long recovery time. Common side effects are said to include redness, swelling, tingling, stinging, skin sensitivity, and numbness. However, they also warn of paradoxical hyperplasia – a serious side effect which causes gradual enlargement of the treatment area which affected Evangelista post-surgery.

“I have developed Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia, a risk of which I was not made aware (of) before I had the procedures,” she explained. “PAH has not only destroyed my livelihood, it has sent me into a cycle of deep depression, profound sadness, and the lowest depths of self-loathing.”

She continued: “With this lawsuit I am moving forward to rid myself of my shame, and going public with my story. I’m so tired of living this way. I would like to walk out this door with my head held high, despite not looking like myself any longer.”

In the comments of the post, Evangelista’s friends and fans have joined together to show support. “Linda — your strength and true essence are forever recognizable and iconic! Bravo!” commented fellow supermodel Cindy Crawford. “You are loved,” wrote Christy Turlington. 

Meanwhile, Naomi Campbell wrote: “I can’t imagine the pain you gone through mentally these past five years…  you're free of it now... remember who you are, and what you have achieved and your influence and all the lives of people you have touched and still doing so to this very day by sharing your story. Proud of you , and support you every step of the way.”

Others who sent encouraging messages include designer Marc Jacobs, photographer Nick Knight, Edward Enninful, and Jeremy Scott.