COSMETIC PROCEDURES AND TREATMENTS
RECONSTRUCTIVE
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Frequently asked Questions
QUESTIONS ABOUT
COSMETIC SURGERY
Am I too old or too young for cosmetic surgery?
A patient is seldom too old or too young for cosmetic surgery, although for children and teenagers it’s advisable to have cosmetic procedures only if necessary. Some children have surgery to ‘pin back’ prominent ears, but other cosmetic procedures are seldom necessary.
As far as cosmetic surgery in later life is concerned, it all depends on your well-being and your mindset. If you’re in your sixties or seventies and you’d like a face-lift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or breast augmentation, there’s no reason why your age alone should exclude you from having the procedure. You should discuss the pros and cons with your surgeon, as well as your expectations.
Is cosmetic surgery safer than it used to be?
Are South African surgeons using the most advanced techniques, in line with those in the rest of the world?
They certainly are. Most cosmetic surgeons, including ours, attend at least one international congress a year, in order to keep up to date with new techniques and advancements around the world and to share knowledge with their fellow cosmetic surgeons.
They also attend national congresses in South Africa at which there are guest speakers from around the world.
What cosmetic surgical procedures have changed the most in recent years?
How has technology helped improve cosmetic surgery?
Cosmetic surgeons now also use digital imaging software, which can help you visualise more accurately the result you want to achieve – especially in facial cosmetic surgery. With this software, you have a better idea of what the result will look like and you can make a more informed decision.
Recovery time – has that improved well?
Yes, it’s improved greatly, thanks to more sophisticated technology and advances in surgical techniques. Abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty and facelift recovery time can be about two weeks and breast augmentation four to six weeks. Many procedures do not require an overnight stay, and while swelling, redness and bruising are normal, most patients return to normal activities sooner than they expected.
Will my procedure be performed under a local or a general anaesthetic?
Breast augmentation is usually carried out under general anaesthetic – but it can be performed under a local anaesthetic (with sedation) when an implant is placed between the breast tissue and the muscle. Abdominoplasty and facelifts can also be performed under general or local anaesthesia (with sedation.)
More complex rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia, but simpler procedures can be done under a local anaesthetic. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is performed under local anaesthetic.
QUESTIONS ABOUT
THE COSMETIC
SURGERY INSTITUTE
How long will I stay in the clinic after surgery?
How does the Cosmetic Surgery Institute compare to a regular hospital in its ability deal with emergencies? (i.e. if anything goes wrong during surgery?)
At the Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we’re as well equipped as any general hospital to deal with emergencies that may arise. The only difference is that at the Cosmetic Surgery Institute our smaller size means we’re able to run more smoothly and efficiently than a busy, bigger, general hospital.
Is the Cosmetic Surgery Institute as safe as a regular hospital?
In our operating theatre you’re as safe as than you’d be in the best private general hospital. There are fewer patients in our wards, and virtually no diseases since none of our patients are ill. They’re all healthy people having elective surgery in a clean and sterile environment.