Dr. Frank Ryan Remembered For Turning Heidi Montag Into Barbie Doll?

I was shocked and saddened by the news that brilliant celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Frank Ryan lost his life on Monday when his 1995 Jeep Wrangler went off the side of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) near Malibu and landed on its roof.

(Image of the late Dr. Frank Ryan - DC Media - All Rights Reserved)

Although only 50 years old, Dr. Ryan was recently a media darling for his work transforming reality TV star Heidi Montag into a plastic surgery style Barbie Doll with more than 10 surgeries during one long operation.  Although many did not like the results of the surgery, Dr. Ryan approached the situation with kindness and professionalism.

The operations were big news because of the controversy they caused including angering Heidi's own mother for her shocking transformation which included over sized balloon style breasts which dwarfed her tiny figure.

Shortly after the news broke about Heidi's surgeries and images of her frozen face, huge breasts and other body changes were broadcast around the world, talk show hostess Bonnie Hunt had Dr. Ryan on her now defunct talk show.  I am very sad Bonnie's show was canceled since I watched religiously every day.

Bonnie was outspoken about the fact that she was personally horrified that such a young girl as Heidi would alter her body in such a shocking and dramatic way in order to get news.

When Dr. Ryan appeared on Bonnie's show he was very soft spoken, professional, thoughtful and charming.  He explained his position with regard to Heidi's surgical goals and noted that he did not undertake her surgeries lightly.  I was honestly impressed with his comments about his work with Heidi. At the time I thought it was sad that he was making a name because of Heidi.

The good doctor also spoke out against the rumors that Heidi's life was ever in danger during her procedures.  Finally, Dr. Ryan was adamant that he would not do any more breast enlargement surgeries on Heidi and if she wanted more it would have to be with some other plastic surgeon.

Besides Montag, Ryan's celebrity clientele included musician Vince Neil, actor Lorenzo Lamas, reality stars Lisa Gastineau, Adrianne Curry, several models and beauty queens.  He was very well-respected for his work prior to Heidi and sadly was widely criticized for agreeing to transform the young pretty blonde into a plastic image of Barbie.

Heidi's Tweets For Dr. Ryan

The 23 year old Heidi tweeted about Dr. Ryan's death saying "I am devastated. He was the most amazing person I have ever known. He was an angel and changed my life and the lives of everyone he met. He was the most brilliant talented surgeon who will ever exist. Dr. Frank Ryan changed the world."

At this point no cause of death has been established by The Ventura County medical examiner's office.  An autopsy is scheduled.

Supermodel Janice Dickinson Was Long Time Friend And Patient

Supermodel Janice Dickinson who appeared with Heidi on the reality show I'm A Celebrity Get Me Outta Here, was a long time friend and client of Dr. Ryan.  Her publicist, Brad Taylor, released a statement which said Janice was "deeply, deeply anguished" after hearing of the doctor's death.

Taylor said "She is stunned and wants the world to know what a genius Dr. Ryan was.  Her love goes out to his mother and the rest of the family."

Reality star Adrianne Curry said in a statement Tuesday she and Ryan had shared "in-depth conversations about him wanting to start a family of his own, now that he had a very successful career."  Dr, Ryan operated on her twice,  and she  "considered him a friend."

His Charitable Foundation

Although many will remember Dr. Frank Ryan for his association with Heidi Montag, he was a very charitable man.  He established a namesake charitable foundation in 1994, the same year he opened his private practice.  His foundation provides  free removal of gang-related tattoos and hosts day and overnight camps for children at Malibu's Bony Pony Ranch.

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