Ex-‘SI Swim’ Model Opens Up About Body Changes at 59

Former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Paulina Porizkova reflected on the changing nature of her body at 59 after decades in the public eye. “My body feels at the height of its sexiness, [and] desirability,” she said.

The 59-year-old model posted a statement to Instagram on Jan. 8 detailing her ups and downs following her “gnarly” bilateral hip replacement surgery early last year. Porizkova gained 15 pounds in the aftermath of the procedure, but the upsides to the operation were so significant that the former model didn’t mind. 

"The funny thing is, I was so happy with my life,” she captioned several photos of herself and her boyfriend Jeff Greenstein. She was so elated by “the end of chronic pain, building a life with my love, traveling with friends, and working on new writing projects” that she “had no idea I had gained all this weight."

But when she traveled to Paris in September for a modeling gig, Porizkova "was excruciatingly aware of every extra pound. I didn't fit the clothes," she admitted. "Which of course WAS and IS my job. To fit the clothes!" By the end of the shoot, she felt “awful” about herself. Porizkova began a period of dieting and exercise in a bid to shed the weight, but those efforts were unsuccessful. However, she’s grown to love her new body.

"Two months later, I'm exactly the same weight,” she revealed. “My butt feels firmer, but otherwise most of my clothing is too small, a good indication I haven't shrunk. And yet, I don’t exactly mind this new, fuller body,” the model shared. “Compared to a year ago when I was 15 pounds less but in constant pain, my new softness feels soothing. And thanks to my love @sjeffgreenstein my body also feels at the height of its sexiness, desirability and, I’ll say it—prowess."

You can check out Porizkova’s photos and full statement below.