will OHIP cover a panniculectomy?

Hey,

I'm 14 years old. I lost over 91lbs on my own. However now I have a lot of excess skin, causing me so much pain in my lower back, and it feels like I'm being pulled to the ground every time I'm doing basic exercises. On top of the fact its affecting me when I am running, doing jumping jacks, really just the basics. Sometimes it turns a brownish yellow underneath the hang. I went to the doctor, and he said the other way to fix it is to have surgery…and that its not something that will be fixed on its own. I worked so hard thinking if I lose this weight I won't have the stomach hang. That was my main focus the entire time.. and now i can't even get it off :/ It's so discouraging… to have your doctor tell you, you permanently damaged your body. I just don't know what to do, we can't afford the surgery… my family has bad credit so we couldn't even borrow the money if we wanted too.. my question is, will OHIP cover it? I just dont know how much longer I can deal with the pain I'm being put in every time Im exercising. 

Panni surgery is often considered cosmetic surgery, and per the OHIP site (yay google!), "OHIP covers a wide range of health services; however, it does not pay for services that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery."

I know that some people in the US are able to get coverage for the surgery if their panni causes skin rashes and they can submit proof (i.e. photos) to their insurance company to prove that it is "medically necessary." I have no idea if that's how it works in Canada, but apparently you can call the OHIP helpline at 1-866-532-3161 and they can provide you with more information.

Way to go on taking control of your health and losing weight!! :-D

You would be better to ask this on the Ontario site. Panniculectomy is comvered under certain criteria. It must hang fairly low and you should document rashes with your docotor. Many pay the extra to up-grade to a tummy tuck.

At 14, they may not want to do it.  Often they say they prefer not to do any wor****il we are done having kids.  It can be covered by OHIP but you need to find a plastic surgeon that is willing to work with OHIP.  They have to submit the claim to OHIP to see if they approve it.  I am not sure if there is an age minimum but a plastic surgeon who works with OHIP would know that.  As Pat said, you can get more info on the Ontario board.  Many have had the panni portion approved and can likely give you names of surgeons in your area that will work with OHIP.