Tummy tuck question...

I contacted a plastic surgeon in the city closest to me (Barr Plastic Surgery in Sudbury). They told me that OHIP only covers skin removal and not a tummy tuck, however I had heard of people getting tummy tucks covered by OHIP or that their plastic surgeon claimed to have done the skin removal but did the rest of the tummy tuck pro bono. Is there any truth to this? Barr is estimating a full tummy tuck to be between $8000-$10,000... YIKES!!! But, after losing 193lbs, it needs to be done!

HELP ME OUT :)

Hi Missme100,

I saw a plastic surgeon 2 weeks ago, and just to let you know your pricing is the same as mine. I will need a beltectomy (sp?) all away around, will lift my butt and outer thighs as well, plus the tummy tuck. My quote came to $10,400  My Surgeon is in Hamilton. Hope the money train comes LOL okay, I will be happy with a divorce settlement a big one!

I wish you well,

 

 

I heard of a surgeon in the Toronto area who would bill Ohip for the pani (skin removal) and then charge you the difference for the tuck. I think it was like an additional 2-4k still though.

If you get approval for the panni, some surgeons will do the full tummy tuck and just charge you the difference. So, if your tummy tuck is $8000, and OHIP approved the panni at $4000, you would only have to pay $4000 out of pocket to have a full tummy tuck done.

When I had my tt I contacted Barr and was told he no longer works with OHIP for any stomach work done. If you want to go to him then it will be self pay tummy tuck.

My next question would be which surgeon specifically will do the tummy tuck with OHIP approval and only bill me for the difference, then??

Most of us, who had full TT, did it self-paid. The portion, covered by OHIP is relatively insignificant, approximately $500 surgical fees  plus partially anesthesia and hospital stay overnight. The rest is out pocket. Another issue is that most of the plastic surgeons don't work with OHIP - period. I only know of one surgeon in Scarborough who does "piggyback" of TT on panni approval.

By the way 8K is not expensive. With taxes and hospital fees my TT bill came to 12K. Estimations on breast, arms, legs - around 5-6K each plus tax. Varies from surgeon to surgeon, my doc is in the middle of the range. Toronto is cheaper a little.

I know a few years ago one particular surgeon was claiming Panniculectomy but actually doing tummy tucks. My understanding is this is no longer the case.

Current pricing in Southern Ontario is about 7K for a tummy tuck and 12K for a belt lipectomy or circumferential lower body lift.

Personally I would not be comfortable with a surgeon who is trying to pull the wool over OHIPS eyes. It would usually be the Anaesthetist who would blow the whistle. A Panniculectomy requires a certain amount of OR time but a tummy tuck requires more time so the cost is different. I expect my healthcare professionals to be honest and ethical.

Linda

Hmmm... I don't recall that, Linda.  I do recall, however, one doctor doing a "little extra clean up", but not tightening the stomach muscles. Perhaps we're thinking of someone different.  Anyway. I would find it very hard to believe that any plastic surgeon would cheat himself out of money.  My own plastic surgeon told me straight out that he does not usually do a simple panniculectomy EVER.  It's not in his best interest, obviously. He is only doing mine because I think he felt sorry for me. LOL!

I tried to work with BARR Plastics, and did not like them,  there are a few out there that are realllllllllly money hungry.   Call and call and tell them you simply need to know if they will file for you with OHIP, and ask them how much is the extras...  They all love to have you in for a visit (usually costly), so just call and email or fax around, and say upfront what you need to know...let them know you will not dance from office to office...  This will save you time, and save your mind from madness.  It is frustrating... good luck