Toronto Body Lift
Body lift surgery is a body contouring procedure designed for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and now are left with excess hanging skin around their waist. A body lift is more correctly referred to as a lower body lift. It 'lifts' the thighs and buttocks and flattens the abdomen.
Recovery After Body Lift Surgery
After Body Lift Surgery you will have a tight garment over your mid-region. You will have several drains which are usually removed after two weeks. Swelling and bruising will be most noticeable after the first day and will slowly subside after that over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. It will likely take 3 months for all the swelling to subside and for you to see the final results. You will be give specific instructions on what position you need to stay in and what physical restrictions you need to follow to ensure your wound heal ideal.
Who can benefit from a Body Lift?
Following significant weight loss, patients are often left with large amount of excess skin which is circumferential around their waist. If you have excess skin on your abdomen, sides, and buttocks, and if you have droopy thigh skin, you may benefit from this procedure.
Does OHIP cover Body Lifts?
OHIP covers only medically necessary procedures. Body contouring is not considered a medically necessary procedure and is therefore not covered. OHIP does, however, cover a procedure called "Panniculectomy" which is a surgical procedure that simply removes some of the excess skin. This procedure is not a cosmetic procedure and thus the outcome looks nothing like a real tummy tuck. To qualify for this, your plastic surgeon must request approval for funding. Only select patients qualify. To find out whether you qualify or not, you will need to be examined by Dr. Jugenburg who will then forward the physical examination findings to OHIP for considerations.
What are the risks of a Body Lift?
Bodylift is a surgical procedure. Like all surgical procedure, there are general risks that apply to any medical procedure. Please read our information page on potential risks. With regards to bodylifts, there are special considerations that need to be taken into account. These include bleeding, infection, and fluid collections which may lead to the opening of your wounds. In rare cases an injury to deep layers may occur. If this occurs, you may require additional surgery to correct it. Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism can also occur. If suspected, they need to be treated aggressively because if left untreated, can be potentially fatal.
