
Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgeon

In my practice I focus on an honest opinion, surgical expertise and compassionate care, ensuring an safe and optimal experience for every patient.
I am a triple Board certified plastic surgeon, practicing as a staff surgeon since 2004.
Frequently asked questions
All surgical procedures carry risks. Some potential risks include: prolonged swelling, asymmetry, scarring, irregularities, nerve and vessel damage, infection, bleeding, blindness (eyelid surgery), delayed healing, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications and delayed healing, so it is crucial to stop smoking before any elective surgery. Anesthesia-related complications should be discussed with your anesthesiologist.
Scars form as the skin repairs itself after an injury, surgery, or burn. They go through a maturation process that can take many months to over a year. Here are the stages: Early Healing (Weeks 0–6): The wound closes and new tissue forms. The scar may look red, raised, or firm and may feel tight or itchy. Remodelling Phase (Months 2–6): Collagen is reorganized. The scar starts to soften, flatten, and the color begins to resemble your skin color. Mature Scar (6–18 Months): The scar becomes softer, more like your skin color, and less noticeable. Some scars may remain slightly raised or darker. Skin color affects how scars look and behave. Healing is similar in all skin types, but pigmentation and thickness may differ. You can support good healing with proper care: Protect the scar from sunlight: Use SPF 30–50 daily for at least 12 months to prevent darkening or color changes. Keep the skin moisturized: Use non-perfumed moisturizer or silicone gel once healed, and massage gently to soften the scar. Massage: Begin after stitches are removed and the wound has healed. Massage twice daily for 5–10 minutes. Silicone treatments: Use silicone sheets or gels daily for several months to reduce redness and thickness. Pressure garments: Used for larger or burn scars, worn for 6–12 months under guidance. Only for hypertrophic or keloid scars. Steroid injections: Can help reduce keloid/hypertrophic scars. Laser or light therapy: Improves color or texture after the scar matures. Contact your doctor if your scar becomes very itchy, painful, thick, or grows beyond the wound edges, or if you notice dark or uneven color changes. Every scar is different. It takes time and care for scars to reach their best appearance. Good daily care, sun protection, and moisturizing can make a big difference. If you’re worried about how your scar is healing, speak to your doctor.
A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the thighs by removing excess skin and fat. This surgery is often performed after significant weight loss or to address age-related skin laxity. The goal is to create smoother, firmer, and more contoured thighs.
Indications for Surgery
- Loose or sagging skin on the thighs
- Excess fat deposits in the thigh area
- Discomfort or hygiene issues due to skin folds
- Poor skin elasticity that does not respond to diet and exercise
The Procedure
- Anaesthesia: The surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia.
- Technique: Incisions are made in the groin area and or the buttock creases, and in some cases, may extend down the inner thigh. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened. It all depends on how much skin needs to be removed.
- Duration: The procedure usually takes 2–3 hours.
Benefits
- Improved contour and firmness of the thighs
- Reduction in skin irritation caused by folds
- Enhanced appearance in clothing
- Boost in self-confidence
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, thigh lift carries risks:
Common Risks:
- Swelling and bruising
- Pain or discomfort
- Scarring
- Temporary numbness
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
Uncommon/Rare Risks:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Poor wound healing
- Asymmetry
- Blood clots (DVT)
- Need for revision surgery
Aftercare
- You may need to wear a compression garment to support the area and reduce swelling.
- Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least 4–6 weeks.
- Keep the incision sites clean and dry.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding wound care and medications.
Recovery Timeline
- Week 1–2: Initial swelling and bruising; gradual return to light activity.
- Week 4–6: Resume normal activities and non-strenuous exercise.
- 3–6 Months: Final results become more apparent as swelling subsides.
- 12 Months: Scars begin to fade.
When to Seek Help
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
- Fever or signs of infection
- Increased redness, swelling, or discharge
- Severe pain not relieved by medication
- Sudden swelling or pain in the legs
Outcomes
Most patients are satisfied with the results of their thigh lift. The improvement in contour is typically long-lasting, especially when combined with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Scars are permanent but usually fade over time.
The recovery process after an arm lift typically involves some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities for several weeks and to wear a compression garment to support the healing process. Full recovery can take several months.
As with any surgical procedure, an arm lift carries potential risks and complications, including infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, and changes in skin sensation. It is important to discuss these risks with your surgeon and follow all pre- and post-operative instructions to minimize complications.
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms. This surgery is often performed to improve the appearance of the arms after significant weight loss or due to aging. The goal is to create a more toned and contoured appearance of the arms.
To prepare for an arm lift surgery, you should follow your surgeon's instructions, which may include stopping smoking, avoiding certain medications, and arranging for someone to help you during the initial recovery period. It is also important to maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle to achieve the best results.
1. To improve vision (functional)
As we age, the eyelid skin stretches and droops (dermatochalasis). In some people it becomes so heavy that it:
Hangs over the eyelashes
Blocks the upper and outer part of the visual field
Makes reading, driving, and computer work difficult
Causes brow fatigue and headaches from constantly lifting the brows
This is a medical indication and is often covered by insurance if visual field testing confirms obstruction.
2. To look less tired or heavy-eyed (cosmetic)
Even without vision loss, excess upper-lid skin can make people look:
Tired
Sad
Angry
Older than they feel
Upper blepharoplasty restores a clean eyelid crease and a brighter, more open eye without changing your identity.
3. To help makeup and glasses
Heavy lids can:
Make eyeshadow smear
Push lashes down
Make glasses sit awkwardly
Irritate the skin
What the operation involves
1. Pre-op marking
With you sitting upright, the surgeon marks:
The natural eyelid crease
How much skin can be safely removed The goal is to never make the eye look hollow or unable to close.
2. Anaesthetic
Usually done under:
Local anaesthetic (numbing injections)
Sometimes with light oral or IV sedation
You are awake but comfortable.
3. The incision
A fine incision is made in the natural eyelid crease so the scar is hidden when your eyes are open.
4. What is removed
Depending on your anatomy:
Excess skin
A thin strip of muscle
Sometimes small bulges of fat
Nothing essential to blinking is removed.
5. Closure
The incision is closed with:
Very fine sutures or
Skin glue
The whole procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes.
Recovery
First week
Swelling and bruising (often looks worse days 2–4)
Eyes may feel tight or dry
Ice packs help
Stitches out at 5–7 days (if used)
2–3 weeks
Most bruising gone
You can usually return to social activities
6–12 weeks
Final shape and scars settle
Scars fade into the crease and are usually barely visible
Risks (uncommon in expert hands)
Bruising or bleeding
Infection
Temporary dry eyes
Asymmetry
Very rarely: difficulty closing the eye (usually temporary)
Serious complications like vision loss are extremely rare.
The result
A good upper blepharoplasty:
Makes the eyes look more open and rested
Improves peripheral vision if it was blocked
Keeps you looking like yourself, just less tired
If you’d like, you can tell me:
Is this for vision, appearance, or both?
Are you noticing brow droop as well?
That helps determine whether you would benefit from just eyelids or also a brow lift.
Consultations are available at:
203-1919 Riverside Drive, Ottawa
Queensway Carleton Hospital
Tel: 613 416 0004
Fax: 613 416 0044
Email: info@barbara.jemec.com
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SERVICES
- Service Information
- Covered by OHIP
Covered by OHIP
- 150 Canadian dollars
$150
- Covered by OHIP
Covered by OHIP
Meet Dr Jemec
A little information about Dr Jemec

Dr Barbara Jemec
MD, PhD, FRCS(Plast), FEBOPRAS, FRCSC
Dr. Jemec is a triple Board certified Plastic Surgeon.
She is a Staff Plastic Surgeon working at the Queensway Carleton Hospital. Most recently she came from Toronto, where she worked at the Toronto Western Hospital.
Originally, she is a British-trained Staff Plastic Surgeon with now 22 years’ experience as a senior clinician in Hand and Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Jemec obtained the FRCSC in 2019, the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada 2021 and holds an independent license with the CPSO.
Jemec furthermore holds the Intercollegiate Examination in Plastic Surgery from the UK (FRCS(Plast)) and the European Board of Plastic Surgery (EBOPRAS).
She has a higher graduate research degree in Hand Surgery (Dupuytren’s Disease) from the University of London, MD(Res), which has been recognised by the University of Toronto as a PhD, and continue to publish in clinical research.
Dr. Jemec has extensive experience in Global Surgery, and is the founder of the Board of the British Foundation of International Reconstructive Surgery and Training (BFIRST), which is the official charity of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, and aims to train local surgeons in resource poor countries in relevant reconstructive surgery to an independent level. She has worked in Ghana, Mali, Bolivia, Sierra Leone, Zambia and Bangladesh, and currently heads up a project in Breast Cancer MultiDisciplinary Tumour Boards in Nigeria and Ghana with local clinicians.
She was elected to serve on Council for the British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH), the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM), where she served as the president for the Plastic Surgery section.
Dr. Jemec now sits on the Board for the Canadian Society for Surgery of the Hand (CSSH)
FAQ
Transformative Hand-Focused Plastic Surgery: Restoring Function and Confidence
The Importance of Dressings in Wound Care
Crucial Post-Surgery Care Tips




EXPERIENCE EXPERT SURGICAL CARE

My Commitment
I specialize in hand surgery, skin cancer treatment, and aesthetic surgery. I have over 20 years of experience as a staff surgeon. My practice emphasizes comprehensive patient education and quality care. I provide detailed information about each surgical procedure, ensuring that my patients are informed and comfortable throughout their journey.
