In 2016, Linda Evangelista halted her modelling career after a fat-reduction procedure caused her to develop Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH). The condition is a rare reaction to cryolipolysis, which causes thick, firm masses to form under the skin.
Having been one of the most famous models in the industry during the ‘90s, working with brands such as Chanel, Valentino and Ralph Lauren, acquiring a visible difference left her unsure of her future.
In an Instagram statement, Linda stated that “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.” As a result, she became a recluse, worried about being in the public eye.
When you’re adjusting to seeing someone different in the mirror, stares and comments can throw your confidence.
Acquiring a visible difference can be incredibly challenging, with many people no longer recognising themselves in the mirror. Linda explained in an interview that she felt her identity as “Linda Evangelista, supermodel” was gone, and this loss of identity is something that can be difficult to come to terms with.
Our campaigner, Sophie, who has scars on her forehead and through her eyebrow following a car accident talks about the challenges she’s faced while learning to accept her visible difference:
“Comments from other people have been the most difficult thing to deal with. As my scars are on my face, people are naturally curious about them, leading to them asking inappropriate questions, or feeling as though they have the right to point them out. It has made me feel like I’m in a zoo at times.
“When you’re adjusting to seeing someone different in the mirror, stares and comments can throw your confidence, and it’s hard to move past them.”
Sophie believes we need more people like Linda in the media
According to recent media reports, with the support of friends and family, for the first time since developing PAH, Linda has taken her first steps back into the spotlight, with a photoshoot for fashion brand, Fendi.
Sophie commends Linda for being open about her worries and sharing her concerns about the changes to her appearance and the impact on her career.
“It is inspiring to see Linda’s return to modelling. I hope her regained confidence will show other people that there is no need to shy away after acquiring a visible difference. Life doesn’t have to stop; you can still pursue your dreams. It might take some work to feel confident enough to deal with other people’s reactions, so having the right support to help you with this is key.
“It’s amazing to see Fendi supporting Linda. The modelling industry is often very strict and exclusive, so it’s a brilliant step forward for people with a visible difference. While it should be the norm to see a diverse range of models, it isn’t, and these small wins should be celebrated.”
Accepting the “new you” takes time, and varies from person to person, but you will get there.
Visible differences can create challenges for anyone that has one. For some, acquiring a visible difference in later life, and the loss of identity that can come with that can be a difficult journey. Sophie gives her advice:
“It can be incredibly hard to process having a visible difference. Accepting the “new you” takes time, and varies from person to person, but you will get there. We need more people like Linda in the media to demonstrate this. If you need support, don’t be afraid to seek it out, because there are some amazing services out there, such as those offered by Changing Faces.”
Changing Faces’ Wellbeing team is here to support anyone with a visible difference, no matter when or how it was acquired.
“We’re here for everyone affected by a visible difference – it doesn’t matter how severe it is or not or where it is on your body or face. If your visible difference is impacting your life in any way, that’s what matters, and we’re here to help.”
From counselling services to our Peer Group Chat, Changing Faces can help you throughout your journey.
