All 3 Clinics that provide Facelift in South Africa

Wrinkles, dropping jowls, and slackening of skin are all results of aging and exposure to the sun. Facelift is most effective for removing sag from under the chin and wrinkles from the cheeks.

The procedure is most successful for healthy individuals with good remaining skin elasticity, though improvements can be made in most people. A facelift can erase signs of aging from the face creating a tighter, firmer and more youthful look.

Procedure

Usually it's performed under a local anaesthetic. Incisions start at the temples and run down the hairline, in front of the ear, continuing backwards into the lower scalp. These incisions allow the surgeon access to the skin of the face and neck, which is lifted from the underlying tissue. Fat is removed and muscles and tendons strengthened depending on the patient and the desired result. The skin is resettled over the adjusted fat and muscle and excess skin removed at the incision edges.

Length

The procedure varies depending on the individual and the work that is required: a standard length for the operation is from 2 to 3 hours.

Recovery

Facelifts are often extensive operations. Following the procedure there may be considerable discomfort and swelling for a few days, with tubes being left in place to aid drainage from the areas operated upon. Bandages may remain in place for 1 week, during this time the head should be kept elevated, as much as possible, to reduce inflammation and swelling. Stitches are usually removed at the end of the first week. Most swelling and discomfort will have subsided after 2 weeks to a month. Full recovery to normal feeling may take up to 6 months.

Risks

After surgery blood may gather in areas operated upon though these can be drained subsequently. There is a danger of damage to the nerves of the face causing loss of feeling: such damage is usually only temporary. Infection is a risk as it is with all invasive surgery.

Organizations

The South African Ministry of Health holds overall responsibility for health directives and policy. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is a politically independant body that organizes and regulates South Africa's professions, including its medical ones. A full register of Physicans qualified to practice in South Africa is maintained by the HPCSA.

The Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of South Africa represents over 98% of registered plastic surgeons in South Africa. It has an address book to locate members. Many plastic surgeons are also registered with the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic surgeons and again details can be verified online.

Education

The basic medical degree takes 6 years. After this a doctor may become a Registrar within one of the specialties recognised by the HPCSA. Specialty training in Plastic Surgery takes a minimum of 4 addtional years of training as a Registrar.

There is an ethical and statutory obligation to engage in continuing education - referred to as Continuing Professional Development. The HPCSA monitors courses that award continuing education units (CEUs), a plastic surgeon has to maintain a balance of 60 CEUs in a 24 month period. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of the licence to practice.

In addition to these mandatory requirements the professional associations organize lectures and courses to enable their members to further enhance their surgical skills.

Complaints

An ombudsman deals with complaints regarding the medical profession. Findings of the ombudsman may be passed to disiplinary committees organized by the HPCSA. The committees have the power to censure, fine or suspend the right to practice.

Civil proceedings may also be persued and if diciplinary proceeding find behaviour that is criminal in nature they will pass the case to the civil courts.

Storage and Access to Medical Records

The HPCSA publishes guidelines for the storage of medical records - these reflect statutory requirements and the ethical values of the medical profession.

Medical records are generally stored for a minimum of 6 years though some conditions may require the indefinite storage of information. The National Health Act states that all patients have a right to confidentiality - It is the responsibility of the physican to ensure the safety of their patients records.

Additionally the Health Act and the ethical responsiblities of the physican guarrantee a patients access to their medical records and copies of scans, x-rays etc... at a resonable cost.

Resources

Medical Schools directory on iime.org:
http://www.iime.org/database/africa/southafrica.htm

Ministry of Health website:
http://www.doh.gov.za/

The Health Professions Council of South Africa website:
http://www.hpcsa.co.za/

Documents on ethical and professional conduct can be found here.

Recognized qualifications for the practice of Plastic and Reconstructive can be found on the HPCSA's sight here.

Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of South Africa website:
http://www.plasticsurgeons.co.za/

The biggest choice of facelift clinics in South Africa with Prices, Patient Reviews, Maps. Everything you need to find the best facelift for you in South Africa.