All 2 Clinics that provide Tummy Tuck in South Africa

The tummy tuck is a procedure to reduce the size of the abdomen by removing excess fat and tightening stomach muscles. Ideal candidates for the procedure are healthy individuals who want to tackle areas of fat or muscle that are not responding to exercise.

Combined with diet and exercise the effects of the procedure can be long lasting.

Length

A full abdominoplasty lasts between two and five hours with a partial abdominoplasty taking one to two hours.

Procedure

The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. In a full abdominoplasty an incision is made following a semi-circle from hip to hip, just above the pubic area, a second incision frees the navel. Excess fat is removed and muscles are tightened by the use of stitches. A partial abdominoplasty involves a smaller initial incision with work being carried out between the incision and the navel.

Recovery

Recovery periods are different for each patient and can be affected by a number of factors such as a patient’s general physical condition and postoperative exercise. All stitches should be removed within two to three weeks at which stage some patients will be able to return to normal activity, others taking a few weeks longer. Temporary bruising and swelling as well as discomfort can all be part of the recovery process and again vary from patient to patient. Scarring will result from the incisions, the appearance of which may grow more noticeable in the first few months before fading over time.

Risks

Procedures may, in rare cases, result in abnormal clotting or infection. Scarring resulting from the procedure can require an additional operation to meet the desired appearance.

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