[imagesource: SplashNews]

Supermodel Linda Evangelista (above) posted a heartfelt message to Instagram last week, explaining to her one million followers why she has been out of the public eye for so many years.

The 56-year-old revealed that five years ago she experienced a rare cosmetic side effect from a fat reduction procedure, which actually increased her fat cells, reports the BBC.

She claims that she has been left “permanently deformed” since developing paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), the condition that creates an enlarged and firm mass under the skin.

She wrote on Instagram that PAH not only made her a recluse by destroying her livelihood, but it also sent her into a “cycle of deep depression, profound sadness, and the lowest depths of self-loathing”:

 

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A post shared by Linda Evangelista (@lindaevangelista)

In the 1990s, Evangelista was classed as one of the world’s six supermodels, alongside Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and Kate Moss.

She was famous for her comment in a 1990 Vogue interview, per The Daily Mail, in which she said: “We have this saying, Christy [Turlington] and I… we don’t wake up for less than $10 000 a day.”

The comment became a bit of a meme (not that anybody knew what that was back then), with people misquoting her with something along the lines of “I never get out of bed for less than $10 000 a day.”

Here’s Evangelista posing for photographers on the red carpet at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival:

Linda’s post elicited an outpouring of sympathy and support from admirers and friends in the fashion industry.

Long-time pal and fellow model Paulina Porizkova posted a heartfelt message of support on Instagram:

 

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A post shared by Paulina Porizkova (@paulinaporizkov)

Per Page Six, she also commented on Evangelista’s post:

“I’m so sorry for what you’ve had to endure,” she wrote.

“Coming out of the shadow is so strong and courageous. I applaud you and welcome back in the light where you belong!”

Naomi Campbell was also there with words of support:

“Elos I applaud you for your Courage and strength to Share your experience and not be held hostage by it anymore .. You know I love you . We love you ., and here for you always Right by your side .. I can’t imagine the pain you gone through mentally these past 5 years ., your 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 .. ❤️❤️”

As well as Crawford, who commented:

“Linda — your strength and true essence are forever recognizable and iconic! Bravo!”

Evangelista said she wanted to tell her story to the world so that she could find the strength to move on with her life.

She also stated that she is suing the company that made her hide for so many years, Zeltiq and CoolSculpting, for “grievous injuries”.

[sources:pagesix&thedailymail&bbc]