Main featured image: People magazine February 28, 2022 edition via @LindaEvangelista.

In September 2021, the 1990s supermodel Linda Evangelista shared her experience of CoolSculpting on Instagram. This week, in an exclusive interview, People magazine in the US released the first images of the model post-treatment.

Also known as cryolipolysis, it’s a body contouring cosmetic treatment to remove areas of body fat, and works by freezing the fat cells from specific parts of the body. As a non-invasive treatment, the procedure does not require surgery or an anaesthetic and takes around an hour, with no recovery time required. Some people experience soreness but are happy with the results – a decrease in fatty deposits – though not necessarily a longterm cure. There are few side effects or complications – one per cent of those who try CoolSculpting might have an adverse reaction such as swelling, bruising, skin redness and pain.

Unfortunately for Evangelista she is in the latter category and says CoolSculpting has left her “brutally disfigured”, “unrecognisable” and as a result a “recluse”. She has tried two corrective procedures which have failed, and explained that her low profile in recent years is as a direct result of this experience and her subsequent depression.

Certainly the 56-year-old model has had several trying personal circumstances to endure over the last few decades. She had a son with billionaire François-Henri Pinault, CEO of Kering (now married to Salma Hayek) and took him to court over maintenance payments, which they eventually settled.

Prior to that she was married to Elite model agency boss Gérald Marie for six years and had an acrimonious divorce. He has recently been accused of sexual misconduct and rape by a growing number of women, whom Evangelista has praised for their “courage and strength” for coming forward. She admits she knew nothing of the sexual allegations against him while she was married to Marie between 1987 and 1993.

Since her Instagram announcement on Thursday, Evangelista has had an outpouring of support for her honesty from the fashion community – from designers and other supermodels including Valentino, Jeremy Scott, Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell and Carolyn Murphy. Evangelista will, however, need the qualities of courage and strength to come to terms with her disfigurement. She is not the first woman in the public eye to discuss their botched plastic surgery. Who can forget Lisa Marie Presley who claimed she unknowingly had industrial low-grade silicone (similar to that used by mechanics to grease car parts) injected into her face? Presley took her surgeon Dr Daniel Serrano to court, where it was discovered he didn’t have a licence to practice medicine in the US and was deported to Argentina where he served 18 months in prison.

Evangelista has floated the idea of a lawsuit in her Instagram and the desire to be compensated for loss of earnings. I asked Sarah McAuley, a Dublin-based solicitor with Anthony Joyce and Co, who specialise in medical negligence, about the route from complaint to potential compensation.

In your experience how frequent are errors such as those experienced by Linda Evangelista?

Adverse reactions and side effects from cosmetic surgery are rare but not uncommon. Cosmetic surgery continues to increase in popularity and with this increase in demand, there is concern about the rise in the number of people who are administering cosmetic treatment without suitable qualifications or experience. A large portion of the cosmetic surgery industry, in particular the area around the administration of lip and dermal fillers is unregulated. The risk of undergoing treatment from an inexperienced or unqualified practitioner cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, patients can be left in a situation where they suffer unforeseen and often distressing side effects and will need to attend a second practitioner to receive proper care.

What are some of the “disfigurements” for which you have had to provide advice?

Our firm has received a number of queries from individuals following substandard cosmetic treatment. These include injuries arising from Botox and fillers, burns or scars arising from laser hair removal treatment, hair loss from the use of hair care products and cases involving women affected by the worldwide recall of Allergan BIOCELL breast implants.

What do you recommend women do if they believe they have received substandard care. Can you explain the legal route from complaint to compensation? 

If you find yourself in a situation where you have undergone a cosmetic procedure and you believe you may be entitled to compensation, the first step is to speak with an experienced solicitor who will be able to advise you of the steps involved in your case.

While every case is unique and the outcome will depend on its own facts, cases involving the provision of medical or cosmetic procedure may give rise to a case in medical negligence.

Your solicitor will firstly take a detailed note of all the facts and events in your case. After this, the next step will be to obtain your medical records and gather as much medical evidence as we can. After that, an expert report will be required which establishes a finding of negligence in your care or treatment. Once this is obtained, Court proceedings can then be issued. The litigation process will involve further medical reports and appointments but your solicitor will be able to discuss this in full with you and keep you fully advised. Your case may conclude at trial or by way of a pre-trial settlement if this is appropriate in your case. 

Prevention is obviously a priority, what is your advice before having any treatments at clinics or salons?

Before deciding to undergo any type of cosmetic treatment, it is very important to research the procedure and the medical practitioner who will be administering treatment to you. Information is key in deciding to undergo any form of treatment. As with any medical procedure, it is important that your treating doctor is qualified and experienced and will be able to assist you in the event of any complications which may arise after your procedure.

The Irish Medical Council maintain a list of qualified cosmetic and plastic surgeons, as do the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons. It is a good idea to consult these registers before undergoing treatment to determine whether a practitioner is qualified and experienced in the area. Your GP may also be in a position to refer you to a suitably qualified surgeon for treatment.

When you attend for a consultation, ensure that you take the time to prepare a list of questions that you would like answered before your procedure. Research the clinic you are attending to look at their experience and any client testimonials they may display.

The decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is entirely down to each individual. Regardless of the motivations to undergo treatment, medical negligence should not be a concern for any patient. Therefore, it is crucial that patients are fully advised before undergoing any procedure and that they arm themselves with as much information as possible.

For further help visit; www.irishmedicalcouncil.ie, www.plasticsurgery.ie, www.anthonyjoyce.ie