Board-Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon, Who is Relocating to Austin, Completes Transformation of "The Biggest Loser"

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon, Jennifer Walden, M.D., F.A.C.S., recently removed several pounds of excess skin via a tummy tuck and performed a breast lift to reconstruct the appearance of NBC's "The Biggest Loser," Olivia Ward, completing her physical transformation. Ward dropped 129 pounds through diet and exercise on Season 11 of "The Biggest Loser." As a result of her massive weight loss, Ward had overhanging, excess skin. Her transformation procedures were recently featured on Access Hollywood.

"The procedure was successful and will certainly serve as a relevant chapter in Olivia's successful journey to a slimmer, healthier figure," Dr. Walden said. "Results from post-weight loss tummy tucks and lifts can be significant because they are transformative procedures for these hard-working patients who have changed their destinies by their strong will and determination."

Post-massive weight loss surgeries, such as tummy tucks and breast lifts, are common procedures that are frequently performed by Dr. Walden when treating post-weight loss patients. During these procedures, she removes excess skin and fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Depending on the needs of the patient, Dr. Walden may also perform liposuction, arm lifts or thigh lifts.

"No amount of diet and exercise can remove the stretched out skin that hangs from the body after someone has lost more than a hundred pounds," Dr. Walden said. "That can only be achieved surgically, with body contouring procedures such as the one I performed on Olivia."

Dr. Walden likens the excess skin to the extra "tummy skin" women have after pregnancy.

"A similar but usually not as extreme situation arises for women after pregnancy and childbearing," Dr. Walden said. "The abdominal skin and muscles are stretched out and the breasts are deflated, so new moms come to me for the same procedure that Olivia underwent—or for breast augmentation with implants to restore volume to the breasts after breastfeeding."

Dr. Walden has performed hundreds of body-contouring procedures, and believes that while they offer significant benefits, prospective patients should be mindful of the commitment these procedures require.

"Olivia was an excellent candidate for surgery because she has not only kept the weight off, but she has also made some dramatic changes to her lifestyle and habits," Dr. Walden said. "Although abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, can have a major impact on a patient's appearance, it is ultimately up to the patient to stay in shape to ensure successful results."

Dr. Walden says abdominoplasty is not vanity surgery. Rather, it is reconstructive surgery to restore a shapely form that can fit into clothes without a lot of irritation or discomfort from drooping skin. She believes this procedure will help Olivia have the body shape that will reflect her hard work.

Dr. Walden specializes in aesthetic surgery of the face, breast and body. She will be relocating from New York City to Austin in December 2011 and will treat patients at 300 Beardsley Lane, Bldg. C, Suite 101, Austin, Texas 78746. Call (512) 328-4100, or visit DrJenniferWalden.com for more information.

Jennifer Walden, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Jennifer Walden, M.D., F.A.C.S., is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is formally fellowship-trained in cosmetic surgery. She is an Attending in Plastic Surgery at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat and Lenox Hill Hospitals, with the academic appointment of Clinical Instructor of Surgery (Plastic Surgery) at New York University Langone Medical Center. She is a member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Media Contacts:
Erin Ochoa or Kristin Marcum
Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations
512.472.9599

SOURCE Dr. Jennifer Walden