Has Anyone Had a Tummy Tuck?

Thanks Tracy!

Unfortunately, OHIP does not cover a tummy tuck.  They will, however, cover a panniculectomy which is removal of the loose skin (the "apron") if it hangs to a certain length/causes rashes, infections, etc.

grr I already get the rashes under there and under my boobs. grrr

Okay panniculectomy is what I meant. My FD is referring me to a surgeon that works with OHIP. What about the skin that hangs over your navel? Do they just leave that?? Hope is now fading... lol.

Panniculectomy is what OHIP will cover. It involves only the removal (amputation basically) of the apron or overhang of skin on the lower abdomen. There is no muscle repair or moving of the belly button.
A full tummy tuck if you are self pay will run in the 6-10K range depending on the surgeon.

I opted to self pay for a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck.

Linda

Fleur de Lis? Please tell me what this is!

Fleur de Lis or sometimes called an anchor cut tummy tuck involves both a horizontal and a vertical incision. I had a large muffin top and a large hernia that was repaired at the same time as my tummy tuck. The vertical incision lets the surgeon remove a lot of the excess skin I had above my belly button. I had about 10 pounds of skin removed. Once the fat is gone the skin does not weigh much.
Do your research and ask lots of questions. Google the different surgeries there are lots of pictures out there.

Linda

I used Dr. Nanda.  Pics are on my profile.  I got OHIP approval for a panni - he removed 4lbs of skin.  I had quite the "hangover" - don't be too disappointed if it isn't as much skin as you think.  Depends a lot on how much "fat" still hangs in the tissue.  I had a pretty low BMI - so mine was pretty much JUST skin.

I self-paid for the fleur de lis TT portion.  I also got my arms (bat wings) done.  All together it was just over $5k.  I think his costs have gone up about $1k in the last year though.

There is a London dr. that also works well with OHIP - I think his name is Dr. Mantic?  Something like that.  According to him and Dr. N - the ONLY thing you need is a documented history of rashes.  The amount of "hang" isn't an issue.  Make sure your dr. sends information to that effect on your referral.

It took about a month to hear back from Dr. N's office.  About 8 weeks for OHIP approval.  Another 8 weeks or so to get a surgery time.  If you are referred this week - I'd bet you'd be looking at late spring for surgery.  Depending - Dr. N goes away in the winter to teach in Pakistan or something...

I tried to look at your pics but your profile is set to private.

I just had a fleur de lis tummy tuck and brachioplasty on Nov 8th with Dr. Nanda in Scarborough.  I paid $6K.  He does a fantastic job and does many formerly obese people.  I have pics on my profile - go have a look.  He took 12lbs off of my stomach.  I still have a good deal of fat in that area.