Let’s start this story off with a rather embarrassing admission on my part. I adore Cindy Crawford to the point where I still do the arms segment from her first “Shape Your Body” workout video five times per week (although it’s now common knowledge that the legs segment should be avoided at all costs). Not that I actually watch the video — I’ve long since had that sh-t memorized. What I’m trying to say is that I’ve got a lot of goodwill and residual warmth for Cindy, who has always been a different breed of supermodel in that she has maintained a much more normal, toned body type that stands in stark contrast to the anorexic norm that is the modeling industry.

For the most part, Cindy’s approach to aging has been realistic as well, and she seems to generally aim for a more dignified, less tweaked look. However and as you can see though from the above comparison, something has gone amiss, and Cindy seems to have indulged in a bit too much filler treatment before a recent public appearance. Her makeup is much different than her usual softer look as well, so that may account for part of the difference we’re seeing, but In Touch has spoken to an “expert” who claims to know what’s going on:

At the Cliche Rum launch in LA on March 1, supermodel Cindy Crawford’s eye sockets looked a bit hollowed out. “Aggressive Botox injections or too much fat removal during lower eyelid surgery may responsible for her sunken appearance,” says Dr. Matthew Schulman. Whatever you do, Cindy, don’t get rid of that famous mole!

[From In Touch, print edition, March 19, 2012]

Cindy is 46 years old now, and she’s always made her living off her looks, so aging in the public eye must be extraordinarily difficult to manage. She must feel enormous pressure to look young, but like CB stated this morning, botox and fillers often have the unintended effect of making one look older, so it’s quite the tricky little paradox. I really do think that Cindy’s eye makeup is doing her no favors in these 2012 photos though, and one thing cannot be denied — her body still looks spectacular.

Back in 2009, Cindy looked much more like herself. That bod never quits, does it?

Here’s 2012 Cindy again. With any luck, these are only temporary fillers and botox that will wear off. Cindy has already demonstrated that she’s capable of aging gracefully, and I’d like to see a grand return to a more natural look for her.

Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet