Frequently asked questions

About the procedure

· Will I need to stay in a hospital?

Most procedures may require a one-night stay. Some procedures can be performed as an outpatient allowing you to go home the same day. Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you.

· What is General Anaesthetic?

This is a full anaesthetic, carried out in hospital under the care of a qualified anaesthetist. It enables the surgeon to carry out your operation without any discomfort to you, or knowledge that the operation is taking place. Operations carried out under general anaesthetic may be done as a day case or as an overnight stay in hospital.

· Is the surgery painful?

Most procedures will be accompanied by some degree of pain or discomfort, but this is often minimal and will be controlled with oral pain medication.

· What are the risks?

Any surgical procedure entails some risk. Each procedure has its own inherent risks or complications and these will be discussed with you in detail prior to surgery.

· How will I look?

Some swelling and bruising can be expected with any procedure. Swelling will usually begin to subside within several days, while bruising may take several weeks to completely fade. If the bruising is in a visible area, makeup may be used to cover any discoloration.

The scarring from most procedures is minimal and well hidden. Over time, scars tend to fade and become even more unnoticeable. When possible, incisions are concealed in natural skin creases or folds, lessening their appearance even more. If you are prone to scarring, be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

· How long do the results last?

It is not possible to accurately predict how long it might be before an individual would consider additional surgery. Although the results of most procedures are permanent, time continues to march onward for everyone. Thus, the effects of aging and gravity will continue and, after several years, some patients may desire additional procedures to maintain the desired result.

· How often will I be seen after my procedure?

You will have a follow up appointment 5 to 7 days after the operation and BodyContours Healthcare Group will be in contact with you once you get back home to make sure that all your needs were met.

General

· I have been through the site and I wish to book a procedure.
What must I do?

You fill out the GENERAL ENQUIRY FORM and THE MEDICAL QUESTIONAIRE and YOU READ AND FILL OUT THE DISCLAIMER then we do all the rest as quickly as possible. Firstly our medical staff will check if you are a suitable candidate for your chosen procedure and address any questions or concerns and then we will check on availability for the dates you have requested and any special needs you will have. We will check on your accommodation selection, or we will make a recommendation based on your circumstances and expected recovery time. We will check your tour and travel requests. We will then quote you an all inclusive package price valid for a specified time. If you accept our quote, we will require a deposit to secure your bookings and we will arrange for collection any medical documentation your surgeon requests.

You may pay the deposit by Bank Transfer. You will pay the balance of your quoted fee to us after the first consultation.

· Is it affordable?

The strength of your currency means a cost-effective experience in which no compromise is made in terms of medical expertise and quality of service. Cosmetic surgery is not usually covered by insurance plans. The cost consists of the surgeon's fees, fees for the facility and anesthesia and the cost of any implants if needed. Full payment is due after the first physical pre-operative consultation. Payment may be via electronic bank transfer, valid credit card or Travelers Cheque.

· Are the prices BodyContours Healthcare Group quotes me good for any length of time?

BodyContours Healthcare Group keep your detailed quote for three months. These detailed quotes contain:

1. Surgeon's fees.
2. The operating facility fees.
3. Anesthesia from a Board certified anesthesiologist whose only job is to keep you comfortable and safe.
4. Hospital accommodation in a private room for the quoted period.
5. All correspondence by email, fax, and telecom with the medical team.
6. Pre-operation consultation and follow up consultation by the medical team.
7. All transfers to and from Port Elizabeth Airport.
8. A BodyContours Healthcare Group medical coordinator or companion who will accompany you on all your medical appointments and oversee your entire stay in Port Elizabeth, ensuring privacy, comfort and peace of mind.
9. Accommodation as selected by yourself for the duration of your stay in South Africa.
10. A detailed itinerary for your stay in Port Elizabeth, stipulating all medical surgical and dental appointments.
11. Our telephone correspondence with you for your planned medical treatment and visit to South Africa.
12. BodyContours Healthcare Group quotes for fees and costs undertaken in normal surgery and is not responsible for any fees outside the parameters of the elected surgery and the normal costs associated therewith. Any and all extra costs for emergency, unexpected procedures, interventions etc., are for the patient's own account.

· Why is it so cheap? What’s the catch?

One must understand it is not cheap; rather it is absolute value for money. The strength of your currency means a cost-effective experience in which no compromise is made in terms of medical expertise and quality of service. For the average South African, Private medical care is very expensive. This is First World private medical care at its best and many of our private hospitals and clinics are of a standard you would never find in your home country.

· What happens in case of cancellation?

Your 25% deposit is non refundable. This down payment covers the common administration as soon as you pay it.

· Can I expect to be refunded in the case I decide to cancel my intervention after arriving in South Africa?

If your intervention is cancelled due to the surgeon’s advice, BodyContours Healthcare Group will refund seventy five percent (75%) of the surgery cost (the 25 % is cancellation fee for admission, administrative expenses, doctors, hospital fees.) If once arrived, you decide not to undergo the intervention for any reason other than the surgeon’s recommendations, BodyContours Healthcare Group will not refund any payment.

· What about the confidentiality and privacy of my medical forms?

We have our own dedicated servers and your medical information is never disclosed to any unauthorised party.

· Will I need an interpreter?

No. The consultations with your surgeon will be done in English like your interactions with the employees of the private clinic and your hotel of stay.

· Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?

No, you do not need a visa. You will need a Normal passport that is valid for 30 days.

According to your unique needs, BodyContours Healthcare Group will co-ordinate your entire experience, monitoring you every step of the way and ensuring your utmost well being. We understand that this is YOUR journey; YOUR choice.