Platic Surgery Question

Does anybody get tummy tucks covered by OHIP anymore?
Is there a way??

My understanding is that with documented rashes and or other physical problems that OHIP will pay for a panni removal only not the full tuck.

OHIP will not pay for a tummy tuck. On some occasions OHIP will pay for a Panniculectomy.

Linda

Pardon my lack of knowledge, but what is the difference between a tuck and a panni?  Also, would you be able to get OHIP to pay for the panni (if eligible) and personally pay for the upgrade to a tuck?

Yes, if you get panni covered by OHIP you can upgrade to a tuck.  I am doing that this Tuesday and many others have done the same.

to get OHIP approval for panni removal - talk to plastic surgeon, there are some criteria needed but a good doc will help.  It has to measure a certain length/drop, documented rashes/sores/creams/prescriptions etc.  Panni removal is simply takig that "apron" of skin that hangs and cutting off, sometime with no belly button replacement....so that needs to be asked.

when upgradig to a tummy tuck, again there are choices:  either a fleur de lis (which is an anchor type incision) or strictly tummy tuck - hip to hip and there is full tummy tucks whi*****lude muscle repair...which is very common to need, I hear and you get your belly button back :)

Could you please give me a price range for the upgrade - I know it depends what kind you are getting.  I haven't even got a date for my WLS yet, but I want to get an idea of how much I need to save up.

Ok, couple of questions for you.........if you don't mind.
And GOOD LUCK on Tuesday - you must be so excited (and maybe a little nervous?)
1) are you in the GTA? where is your surgeon? Would you want to share his name?
2) was it costly to upgrade to the tuck?
3) was it hard to qualify for the panni?
4) since you are about the same time out from surgery as me - how are you doing at keeping your weight stable? (I am stable - but it is work -- more so now than the first 18 months!!)

I am not the original poster, but perhaps I can answer some of your questions since I am going through this process right now too...

1)  I live in Barrie and am seeing the Dr. below...many here on the boards have used him.  He is one of the most kind, compassionate Dr.'s I have ever met.  He has a real "soft spot" for bariatric patients and is wonderful at getting OHIP approvals.  He seems to go above and beyond what is required...even when you are not paying to upgrade (example...he said if I only got covered for the panni and was not able to pay extra, he would never leave me with no navel...with a panni, he doesn't have to do the extra work to give you a navel, but he always does).  Timelines...my referral went in March 03 and I saw him July 14.

Dr Nandagopal
3030 Lawrence Ave E
#312
416-439-5775

2)  He charges $3000 (plus HST) to upgrade to a full Fleur-de-Lis TT (muscle repair and tightening as well) once you have panni approval.

3)  My panni doesn't look very big, but I have documentation from my Dr. of rashes etc...and he was pretty certain it would be approved.  I went to my Family Dr. 3 times with rashes (navel and under the panni fold get infected).  Apparently very few people get approved on size of panni alone, so get your Dr. to start documenting your rashes now if you haven't already.

4)  I am not as far out as you, but my weight has been totally stable for almost 5 months and I am at goal (BMI of 22).  If you plan to lose more, he really prefers that you are totally stable because once the surgery is done, a loss of 10 or 20 pounds can really change the result.

Hope that helps...if you have any questions, let me know!

I have heard many people use that Plastic Surgeon.  I saw one the other day closer to where I live who is very notiable.  I WILL NOT qualify for Panni, but need a hernia and can piggy back that surgery somewhat. 

Has anyone used Dr. Nandagopal and NOT qualified for Panni?  If so, what was the cost for a full tummy tuck?  I am edging toward a LBL anyway, as this will include all those problem area's.  Then to safe for a BOOB Job...lol.

Any information people have is appreciated. 

No offence, but I really think people need to stop posting on a public message board, for anyone including OHIP employees, to read about how this PS "goes above and beyond" what is being covered. It could certainly put his practice under question. Just my $0.02.