Karen Elson recently disclosed alarming outcomes from undergoing cosmetic treatments, sharing a similar experience to Linda Evangelista who was affected by a procedure leaving her with undesirable changes.
The renowned British model, aged 46, shared her experience of appearing emaciated and hollow following treatments with CoolSculpting and RF micrneedling.
While the CoolSculpting process, which is a type of cryolipolysis, is intended to reduce fat cells, it’s important to note that not everyone may achieve the expected results.
In the closing years of the 1990s, Karen became a household name, joining forces with Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell as some of the most prominent figures of their generation in the fashion world.
Now, she’s confessed that she’s experienced persistent and uncomfortable aftereffects due to widely used cosmetic procedures.
She shared on Substack that after her RF microneedling experience, she’s learned to exercise caution when considering each new aesthetic trend, stating, ‘I won’t be trying RF microneedling again.’
In simpler terms, Microneedling involves pricking the skin with fine needles to stimulate the release of elastin and collagen for skin rejuvenation. Radio Frequency (RF) or radiofrequency microneedling goes a step further by delivering radio waves into these tiny wounds, causing extra damage to intensify the benefits typical of standard microneedling treatments.
She remarked, “There are times when something appears excessively wonderful, it might just not be real.” Later, the consequences were shocking: I had shed an enormous amount of facial fat, leaving me looking gaunt and hollow.
The pain was as intense as childbirth! After scheduling three appointments, I found myself weeping and pleading for relief by the second one.
The model hailing from Manchester admitted to experimenting with CoolSculpting, a contentious fat-reduction treatment, which reportedly prompted another supermodel to file a lawsuit against its makers due to allegations of permanent disfigurement following the procedure.
Karen shared that, unfortunately, her attempt at reducing fat actually seemed to make it more noticeable instead.
She stated that after trying CoolSculpting a decade ago for a small area of stubborn belly fat that resisted diet and exercise, her opinion remains the same – it’s not worth the effort.
Initially, CoolSculpt appeared to amplify it instead of reducing it, making it more noticeable. Later on, I needed to have it eliminated.
The woman who has two kids, previously married to Jack White from The White Stripes, mentioned that she resorted to cosmetic treatments as a means of handling the stresses associated with ageing in an industry highly preoccupied with maintaining youthfulness.
She expressed that we reside in a society overly focused on age, a phenomenon she is not exempt from or superior to. She candidly admitted that she often yearns for her 30-year-old appearance, physique, vision, energy levels, and more agile mind. It’s challenging to accept the process of aging in an industry such as hers.
I certainly strive for healthy aging, aiming to avoid the commonly seen appearance often referred to as the ‘excessively made-up, wrinkled face.’ It’s all too easy to end up that way.
Elson shared that she experimented with Botox for the first time on her 40th birthday, and although she commended the positive effects when used judiciously, she also spoke about some botched procedures which temporarily prevented her from smiling.
One time, my friend suggested I visit a well-known plastic surgeon’s practice in Nashville, and that’s where I ended up,” she explained.
Warning signs were there on the nurse’s overly filled, apparently frozen face. In a state of panic, I asked her to administer just half of her usual Botox dose, emphasizing my preference for a minimal treatment.
She deliberately avoided interacting with me while administering several injections into my facial area. The outcome was quite disturbing, as she accidentally hit the wrong muscle, causing my smile to droop significantly and giving the impression that I had suffered a stroke.
‘She put so much Botox in my forehead it physically hurt to close my eyes for weeks. Hideous.’
After going through various unsuccessful cosmetic procedures throughout her life, Linda admitted that she continues to require therapy to help her accept her reflection when looking in the mirror.
As a devoted admirer speaking here, I can share that Linda recounted her experience from 2021, revealing she was unfortunately left with long-lasting alterations following her CoolSculpting procedure. The results weren’t what she had hoped for, and she now carries those changes with her.
In May 2025, the renowned model graced the cover of Harper’s Bazaar’s Beauty issue. During an interview with the magazine, she opened up about modifying her self-image after undergoing a double mastectomy in 2018.
After the fat-freezing treatment in 2016, Linda confessed that she hasn’t looked at herself in the mirror since then, as the procedure resulted in lasting changes to her appearance that she finds unpleasing.
She shared that she needs therapy to develop a positive self-image, but despite this, she avoids looking at herself in the mirror because she doesn’t yet love or appreciate herself.
Overwhelmed by emotion, she remarked: “To me, true beauty is something that is rightfully earned. When I picture my grandmothers’ faces and consider the impact of the war they endured, the scars it left on them… it seems to me that they wore their hardships like badges.
‘They wore it, and they were so gorgeous. It had nothing to do with perfection or youth.’
In 2021, it was disclosed by Evangelista that due to a rare complication arising from a cosmetic treatment she underwent in 2016, she chose to step back from the limelight.
She mentioned that the treatment caused her cells to grow larger, leading to noticeable bumps appearing on various parts of her body, causing her concern that she might be experiencing some sort of mental disturbance.
In a post, she explained to her followers curious about her absence and the progression of her peers’ careers, she had been sidelined due to a painful and disfiguring experience with Zeltiq’s CoolSculpting treatment that ended up having the opposite effect it was intended to.
As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t help but share my harrowing experience – one that has forever altered my physique and recognition in the world. Unfortunately, after going through two excruciating, fruitless corrective procedures, my fat cells expanded, not shrank, leading to a permanent transformation that left me unrecognizable, as the media so aptly put it.
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Linda openly shared that she has come to terms with her looks now, following her decision to undergo a double mastectomy privately after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018.
She mentioned that she’s comfortable with her double mastectomy as she opted for small implants to replace what was removed, in terms of cubic centimeters.
I’ve undergone numerous lung surgeries, each one leaving behind scars on my chest and a C-section mark as well. It seems like I’ve been through quite an ordeal, but I’ve managed to come out stronger. I accept these marks as badges of survival. I’m still here, having triumphed over the challenges.
In the aftermath of her difficult experience, she shared that she finds comfort in the idea of growing older, stating: ‘I don’t mind how I grow old. Just let me grow old. It doesn’t need to be elegant. I truly, deeply, deeply wish not to perish.’
As a dedicated enthusiast, I can’t help but feel invigorated by the wealth of possibilities before me. After navigating my personal journey towards self-acceptance and understanding, I find myself yearning to indulge in this newfound sense of ease. It’s time for me to savor every moment!
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2025-08-30 01:34