All 3 Clinics that provide Liposuction in South Africa

Liposuction is a technique to remove stubborn fat that resists the effects of exercise and diet. Several techniques exist with the most common at present being the tumescent technique and ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL). When combined with ongoing exercise and correct diet effects can be long lasting.

Length

The procedure can take between one and three hours depending on the procedure used and the extent of the operation.

Procedure

Liposuction can be carried out either under general or local anaesthetic: It involves the insertion of a tube beneath the skin, which is used to suck up excess fat. A variety of techniques can be combined to make the targeted fat more easily removable; these include saline injection with adrenaline and anaesthetics to reduce blood loss and the use of ultrasound equipment.

Recovery

Normal activity can be resumed as early as a week after the procedure with more strenuous activity possible after three or four weeks. Initial discomfort should reduce rapidly but bruising, swelling can take anything up to six months to return to normal levels.

Risks

Cosmetic risks resulting from the operation are asymmetry of the resulting look and loose skin around areas where fat has been removed. The colour of the skin can also be affected by changes in pigmentation.

Procedures may, in rare cases, result in infection. Fat removal results in fluid-loss, which may result in shock: modern techniques have significantly reduced the fluid loss associated with liposuction and older techniques such as the wet technique should be avoided. Ultrasound techniques while reducing recovery time and fluid loss carry a small risk of causing thermal damage.

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 liposuction clinics in South Africa with Prices, Patient Reviews, Maps. Everything you need to find the best liposuction for you in South Africa.