FAQ’s
Have a question?
We understand that considering a surgical or non-surgical procedure often comes with many questions. Our aim is to provide clear, honest, and helpful information to guide you in making informed decisions about your care.
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding procedures, recovery, safety, and what to expect throughout your journey. If you require further information or personalised advice, we encourage you to contact our practice or schedule a consultation. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Will my medical aid/insurance pay for any of the surgeries listed?
No medical aids pay for surgery that they consider cosmetic of nature. Breast reduction surgery is partly covered by a limited number of medical aids, but only for candidates that meet their certain criteria. Please consult with your medical aid before the consultation with the doctor to determine what their policy is for your medical aid plan regarding any surgery.
Why does the doctor want me to stop smoking before surgery?
Smoking causes decreased blood flow in the smaller blood vessels and capillaries. This leads to decreased oxygen getting to operated tissue, resulting in delayed wound healing, skin necrosis and gangrene, wound infection and cellulitis. Most often, post-operative complications occur in patients who choose to continue smoking. It is therefore vital to stop smoking before considering having any kind of surgery.
Is it really necessary to stop vaping before planned surgery, as I have stopped smoking? Does vaping carry the same risks to wound healing as smoking does?
As vaping has only been developed and used within the last few years, there hasn’t been enough time for researching the short- and long-term effects of this on the human body. As it is used as an alternative to cigarette smoking and the ingredients and formulations are generally unknown, but often do include nicotine, medical experts still recommend that vaping be stopped before any kind of surgery.
How long after I have quit smoking completely, can I have surgery?
It is recommended that the minimum time for the human body to recover and thus counteract the negative effects of smoking on the lungs and circulatory system is at least 4 weeks. So, it is recommended that smoking be stopped 4 weeks prior to surgery and for 4 weeks after surgery for optimal wound healing and recovery.
How long after cosmetic surgery can I return to work and resume my daily household chores, like driving, cleaning, shopping?
The doctor will give you a sick note, booking you off work for 2 weeks after the procedure. We recommend 2 weeks before resuming daily physical chores and driving and 6 weeks before resuming physical exercising/gym/weight training. Your body needs time to rest and recover from the surgery and anaesthetic in order to optimise the healing process.
However, it is advisable to stay mobile, with gentle walking and stretching as soon as possible after surgery and as often as possible during the day. This will help prevent the formation of dangerous blood clots (DVT’s) and increase the blood flow to the surgery sites for healing. It is also important for the body to maintain it’s physical form and muscle tone.
How long after cosmetic surgery can I return to my exercise routine?
We recommend 6 weeks, before resuming full exercise routines and weight training. However, the areas of the body where the surgery was done, may need up to 3 months to feel fully comfortable with exercises targeting those areas.
Is there a recommended diet for before and after surgery to optimise wound healing and recovery?
The recommended diet to aid in wound healing and recovery of the body is still just a natural well-balanced diet, which is rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly greens, whole grains, low in healthy fats and high in protein. Avoid processed foods and limiting alcohol consumption before and after surgery is also recommended.
Must I stop my chronic medication before planned surgery?
Be sure to inform your surgeon of ALL chronic prescription medication you are taking before a procedure is planned. This includes over the counter medication and any supplements, vitamins and herbal remedies. He will advise on what medications to continue with or stop taking for a time before planned surgery.
Must I stop Vitamin and lifestyle supplements before planned surgery?
We advise patients to stop taking all vitamins and lifestyle supplements 1 week before surgery. Many supplements contain a combination of a multitude of ingredients, that we are unsure of the impact on the body. It has been documented that some vitamins and supplements decrease the body’s blood clotting ability, thus increasing the danger of excessive bleeding and bruising.
Will I have noticeable scarring after surgery?
Any surgical incision on the body will leave a mark on the skin. Factors influencing scarring are genetics, smoking, age influencing elasticity and recovery rate of tissue, post-operative complications, like wound infection, patient compliance to immobility, treatment and compression of wounds post-operatively. Surgical incisions are made on the existing contour lines of the body, where possible, so that scarring is disguised within the natural folds of the skin.
What can I do to minimise the scarring after surgery?
We advise patients to stop taking all vitamins and lifestyle supplements 1 week before surgery. Many supplements contain a combination of a multitude of ingredients, that we are unsure of the impact on the body. It has been documented that some vitamins and supplements decrease the body’s blood clotting ability, thus increasing the danger of excessive bleeding and bruising.
Can I undertake a long-haul / overseas flight before and / or after surgery?
It is advisable that no long-haul flights are undertaken 2 weeks before and after major surgery. The immobility, dehydration and altered sleeping patterns are all contributing factors to increased risk of very dangerous blood clots (DVT’s) forming. It is still advisable when taking long-haul flights after the advised waiting period to take precautions like wearing compression stockings, physiotherapy attendance for advice on mobilization, good hydration and limiting periods of immobility of the legs and body on the flight.
Can I have a cosmetic procedure done while I am menstruating?
It is preferable that you aren’t menstruating or within a few days either side of menstruation, as the body’s blood clotting mechanism is decreased with menstruation and can cause increased bleeding if surgery is undertaken. The body is also in a weakened state with the blood loss and wound healing may be compromised.
How long after my baby is born can I have cosmetic surgery?
It is recommended to wait for at least 6 months after giving birth before undertaking elective surgery. The body needs to recover after the 9 months of pregnancy and hormones need to return to a ‘normal’ state. Muscle and skin flexibility are also affected by pregnancy and hormonal changes.
Can I have a procedure done while I am still breast feeding
It is recommended to stop breastfeeding for at least 6 months before undergoing breast surgery. Elective surgery is not advised while breastfeeding, as the medications used for local and general anaesthetic will be present in the breast milk.
What are the risks involved with cosmetic surgery?
As with any major surgical procedure, the risk of Infection, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, heart and lung complications are associated with general anaesthesia. Please refer to the Patient’s Informed Consent document detailing the risks and complications of your specific procedure. Your doctor will also discuss these during your consultation.
How long after cosmetic surgery can I return to my exercise routine?
We recommend 6 weeks, before resuming full exercise routines and weight training. However, the areas of the body where the surgery was done, may need up to 3 months to feel fully comfortable with exercises targeting those areas.