Welcome to Surgical Bliss
We will plan and coordinate your surgery as well as your recovery/holiday in Cape Town and the Western Cape offering packages including flights, accommodation, surgery and your holiday!
We at Surgical Bliss are extremely proud of the high standard of medical care available in South Africa. This, together with the amazing tourism opportunities that Cape Town and the Western Cape have to offer, have motivated us to share these benefits with people from all over the world.
We aim to offer a surgical experience that is of the highest quality in the world, coupled with a blissful holiday experience, all of this coordinated and personally overseen by ourselves. You will return home having had a wonderful trip and your quality of life will be improved due to your successful surgery.
All of this will not cost an excessive amount due to the reasonable medical tariffs in South Africa and the current exchange rate which favours the foreign visitor. Once you have visited Cape Town and experienced our warm hospitality you will most certainly want to come back again!
Bliss Surgical Services
Opthamology: Cataract Surgery, Lasik Surgery
Orthopeadics: Hip Surgery, Knee Surgery, Shoulder Surgery
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: Face Lift, Nose Surgery, Breast Surgery, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck
Cosmetic Treatments: Botox, Perlane and Restylane
Best Private Hospitals in South Africa
Private Hospitals in South Africa are all members of Private Hospital Groups, of which there are 3 major groups. Hospitals in these groups all meet international standards with regard to patient care and hospital management.
Top Medical Specialists in Cape Town
Surgical Bliss has chosen to work with specific medical specialists at specific Private Hospitals. These hospitals offer excellent pre- and post-operative care and have excellent operating theatre facilities.
Please click here to request additional information from Surgical Bliss in
Cape Town.
Center Details
Treatments & Prices
OPTHAMOLOGY
Cataract Surgery
- Consultation with the opthalmic surgeon the day before surgery
- Length of surgery--generally less than 15 minutesPost surgery requires wearing of patch and eye shield over your operated eye
- Most patients leave the clinic within an hour, and have clear vision within 2 days
- The first few days after cataract surgery, your eye may be red and sensitive
- Drops will be prescribed to help your eye heal
- You may wear protective eye wear, during the day, and an eye shield during the night when you sleep
- Follow up exam the day after surgery
- Air travel is not a problem after the surgery-it is recommended you wait at least 3 days before returning home.
Lasik Surgery
- LASIK stands for Laser Assisted Insitu Keratomileusis--or computer-controlled laser correction of the refractive error of the cornea
- You will have a pre-operative visit to the Opthalmic Surgeon (usually the day before surgery)
- The entire procedure takes less then 20 minutes for both eyes
- Most patients leave the clinic within an hour or two.
- You will be provided with clear plastic protective eye shields to wear, and antibiotic eye drops will be provided to prevent infection
- You may fly home soon after your surgery
Please note - not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. Factors including your age, the degree of your refractive problem and the thickness of your cornea, must all be taken into consideration before any decision can be made.
Corneal Grafts
What is DSAEK?
Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
DSAEK is a brand-new corneal graft transplant technique. Diseased or otherwise unhealthy portions from the posterior of the patient’s cornea are taken out, and replaced with otherwise healthier donor tissue that is taken from the eye bank. So, it is in contrast to standard corneal transplantation surgery (known and Penetrating Keratoplasty or PKP) and the DSAEK operation only employs a far smaller surgical incision, requiring fewer sutures on the cornea. The DSAEK patient will happily recover from the operation far more rapidly and will incur better visual acuity post-operatively.
Who is a candidate?
The ideal DSAEK patient is one who has been indicative of corneal pathology that is position on the posterior aspect of their cornea. It is known as the endothelial layer. Healthy endothelial cells function as a sort of a system that directs leaks via a tiny pump – this system ensures that nourishment is supplied to the cornea. From the perspective of the internal eye, nourishing fluids (aqueous humor) leak into the cornea. Once the corneal cells have been fully nourished, cells continue to pump the fluid out of the cornea. If for any reason, the endothelial pump is at risk, the cornea begins to over-hydrate, becoming cloudy. Patients who have sustained some sort of trauma to their endothelial layer at some stage in a complicated cataract surgery or inherited diseases such as Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy, Endothelial Rejection and Bullous Keratopathy are most likely to benefit from a DSAEK treatment and are excellent candidates.
DSAEK Corneal Transplantation Procedure
Part one of the DSAEK procedure involves the removal of any compromised or otherwise unhealthy endothelial cells as well as attached Descemet's membrane. Part two of the procedure will replace the noxious tissue with healthy cells that are obtained from a donor cornea. Twenty to thirty minutes is all it takes for this intra-operative procedure to be performed. Thirty minutes before the DSAEK procedure, the patient is sedated, DSAEK is then performed under topical or local anaesthetic. A special operating microscope is utilised, as DSAEK is a microsurgical technique.
Thanks to the use of microkeratome, any preparation of the donor tissue has become far easier. Microkeratome has been in operation for decades in the field of refractive surgery, and these days it is commonly used to operate on the eye during LASIK surgery. Donor tissue for any corneal graft is cut by use of a machine, not by hand – this allows for a smooth surface and an enhancement to any visual acuity and recovery.
The completed procedure is followed by the closure of the small incision site – two to three sutures are used, this is far less than the ones required by Penetrating Keratoplasty procedures. The patient is returned home, to return the next day for post-operative appointment. Any post-operative recovery is wholly dependent on the degree of corneal cloudiness that occurs prior to surgery, yet it is still faster than Penetrating Keratoplasty procedures. Many patients will notice visual improvement during their first two weeks preceding the surgery; vision will continue to improve over a four to six week period. Penetrating Keratoplasty procedures would take up to twelve months for the patient to recover. DSAEK is the clear winner and a breakthrough in corneal transplants.
ORTHOPEADICS
Hip Surgery
- pre op evaluation by the Orthopaedic Surgeon
- pre op evaluation by a Specialist Physician may be necessary to assess your fitness for surgery and adjust any chronic medication that you are taking. The Physician will also be involved in your post-operative care should it be needed
- Pre op evaluation by your anaesthetist where the anaesthetic and post-operative pain control will be discussed with you
- Post op 1-2 days in High Care
- Another 4 to 7 days in a private room
- Daily physiotherapy
- Upon discharge from hospital: continued recovery at your guest house/hotel
- Continued physiotherapy or nursing care if needed
- Extended stay for an additional 4 weeks before flying home (total stay approx 8 weeks)
A Note on Hip Resurfacing Surgery:
Patients with good bone strength, who are younger and more active, are candidates for Hip Resurfacing Surgery. Your surgeon will discuss this option with you should you be an appropriate candidate. The surgery is different from a Total Hip Replacement in that the “ ball and socket” are resurfaced with metal components, and not replaced. These patients are able to return to high-demand physical activity once they have recovered. The surgery has been performed very successfully in South Africa for many years. The advantage of this procedure is that your post-operative recovery is faster and less restrictive.
If you are a candidate for resurfacing we will advise you on the length of time you need to stay in South Africa post-operatively.
Knee surgery
- Arrive in South Africa at least 10 days prior to your surgery
- Pre-operative medical evaluation upon arrival in South Africa
- evaluation by the Orthopaedic Surgeon
- evaluation by a Specialist Physician
- evaluation by your anaesthetist
- Post op 1 day in High Care
- Another 4 to 7 days in a private room
- Daily physiotherapy
- Upon discharge from hospital:continued recovery at your hotel/guest house
- Continued physiotherapy or nursing care if needed
- Extended stay for approximately another 3 weeks before flying home (total stay approximately 6 weeks)
- You will also receive daily drug treatment post-operatively to prevent the development of a DVT
Shoulder Surgery
Rotator Cuff Repair
- Initial consultation with an Orthopaedic Surgeon
- 1 day hospital stay after your surgery
- Required sling for up to 6 weeks. The sling is there to protect the repair and prevent active movement of the arm
- Post op ward visit by physiotherapist who will instruct you in the passive exercise program
- Can return home after your surgeon has performed a follow-up examination
- Continued rehabilitation with physiotherapy back home
- If you wish to stay on in Cape Town for a visit, a physiotherapist will be organised to treat you at your hotel.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
- Pre op evaluation prior to your operation
- Admitted to hospital the night before to give the anaesthetist time to evaluate your medical condition
- Post Op: your arm will be in a sling for a couple of days for pain relief
- Discharged within 2 days, probably not needing the sling
- Able to return to clerical type activities after about 4 weeks, and total recovery will take about 2-3 months
- Post-operative examination by surgeon
- After which you are free to return home
PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Prior to arrival in Cape Town consult with surgeon as to probable nature of procedure to be performed and cost estimate Pre-operative Consultation--requires complete and detailed medical enquiry form. We will advise you on the photographs that you will need to provide the surgeon.
Face Lift
- Approximately 3 - 4 hours (usually performed under IV sedation or a general anaesthetic)
- Usually a “day case” although sometimes an overnight stay in hospital may be required
- First post op day the dressings will be debulked and the drain removed
- An elastic face band is then worn for a week or 2 to stabilise the neck contour and to minimise swelling
- The stitches will be removed 5-7 days post-op, and by the 2nd week the swelling should be considerably less
- Recommended post op stay of minimum of 10 days-2 weeks
Nose Surgery
- 2-4 hours procedure (Depending on the procedure to be performed)
- Usually a “day case”(occassional overnight in hospital)
- Required to wear a “splint” (which is placed over the nose) for 1-2 weeks depending on the procedure done
- Removal of external sutures after 5-7 days
- Please be aware it may take 12-18 months to appreciate the full effect of your surgery
Breast Surgery
Breast Augmentation
- Pre op consultation regarding your surgery
- Measurements and pre-operative photos will be taken
- Your surgery will usually be performed under general anaesthetic
- 1 night in hospital
- The operation generally takes 1-2 hours
- A post-operative stay in Cape Town of 10 days is advised
Breast Lift
- You will be required to fill in a detailed Medical Enquiry Form and submit it together with digital photos as required by the surgeon
- Pre-operative consultation
- Measurements and pre-operative photos will be taken
- Meet with the anaesthetist to discuss your anaesthetic options before surgery
- Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic
- 1 night hospital stay
- Generally your recovery will be relatively quick.
- Your surgeon will advise you as to post-operative activities.
- A post-operative stay in Cape Town of 10 days is advised.
Note: results are not always immediately visible. A complete recovery may take up to 12 months. Temporary loss of sensation is common and can also take up to a year to recover.
Breast Reduction
- You will be required to fill in a detailed Medical Enquiry Form and submit it together with digital photos as required by the surgeon
- Pre-operative consultation
- Measurements and pre-operative photos will be taken
- Surgery will usually be done under general anaesthesia
- 1 night in hospital
- The surgery itself will usually take 2-3 hours
- Your initial recovery will take 10 days to 2 weeks, and you are advised to remain in Cape Town during this recovery period
- Your surgeon will advise you on activities to avoid and the length of time until you can ease back into your normal work routine
Liposuction
- Pre-operative consultation
- Measurements and pre-operative photos will be taken
- anaesthetist to discuss your anaesthetic options before surgery
- Pre op visit an occupational therapist to have a customised pressure garment made for you to wear post-operatively
- Surgery is usually performed as a day case
- General anaesthetic, although local anaesthesia can also be used
- Surgical time may vary from 1-3 hours
- Post-operatively you will be wearing your pressure garment-you will wear this garment for 6 weeks – day and night for the first 3 weeks and day OR night for the next 3 weeks
- We advise patients to remain in Cape Town for a recovery period of 10 days.
Tummy Tuck
- You will be required to fill in a detailed Medical Enquiry Form and submit it together with digital photos as required by the surgeon
- Pre-operative consultation
- Mini Tummy-Tuck surgery will generally be done under spinal anaesthetic (with sedation) as a day case
- The procedure will take 2-3 hours
- A Full Tummy-tuck is major surgery-- It too is performed under spinal anaesthesia (with sedation), and you will be required to stay in hospital for 2-3 days
- Your dressings will be changed during the first week, and removed along with the stitches within 2 weeks of surgery
- It is advisable to remain in Cape Town for 10 days after a mini Tummy-tuck, and for 3 weeks after a full Tummy-tuck.
COSMETIC TREATMENTS
Botox
- The onset of action takes 3-7 days, and lasts for about 4-6 months, at which time it can be repeated if desired
- BOTOX® is administered to patients on an outpatient basis in the surgeon’s consulting rooms
Perlane and Restylane
- Restylane is used to fill out wrinkle lines - especially the eyelid, lips and nasal labial fold areas. The effects last anywhere from 3 –6 months.
- Perlane treatment lasts approximately a year and is used primarily for filling of the lips
This is an office based procedure, and takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.
Topical anaesthetic cream or local anaesthetic nerve blocks are used to numb the areas for injection.
Please click here to request additional information from Surgical Bliss in Cape Town.
Qualifications, Accreditations & Certifications
Denise Hoogervorst
Denise has been in the Medical Industry for more than 10 years and has travelled extensively for this purpose. She has been in close contact with many surgeons and has attended many surgeries in the process.
She was also a patient in 2006 and has a good idea what patients go through when in hospital and undergoing surgery. As the MD of an Orthopaedic company, and having worked in Opthalmics, she has been on the cutting edge of technology and will ensure that you will be treated by the SUPER SPECILAISTS in their field, specially hand picked, who will offer the most up to date options if they are right for you.
"I see so much potential in our country and have been wanting to share South Africa with people who have never been to Africa and Cape Town". She also noticed some of the frustratingly long backlogs in some countries and people having to wait for many months to have surgery.
"Our goal is to offer the great service of South Africa's Surgeons, Hospitals, Beauty Clinics and Hospitality at an affordable price not forgetting of course, fantastic personalised service throughout your journey. We can tailor make a package to suit you and your pocket".
Cathy Moll
Cathy initially trained as a Physiotherapist, and worked as such in the USA and South Africa for 6 years.
She then moved across to the commercial side of the medical industry, and for the past 9 years has worked in both Pharmaceuticals and Orthopeadics. Over the years she has been able to experience the many facets of patient care, both in South Africa and abroad.
"I made a choice to return to South Africa in 1996 as I believe in what this country has to offer. Our hospitals and surgeons are of the highest quality in the world, and patients here receive excellent care. Having been in operating theatres and hospitals in the USA and Europe, I would personally choose to undergo surgery right here in Cape Town."
It is important to Cathy that every patient visiting Cape Town with Surgical Bliss have a good experience. Hospitals and Surgeons are carefully chosen, follow-up care is provided and accommodation is of the highest quality. "I want every patient to feel that they are being looked after as well as I would want a member of my own family to be."
Cathy has a passion for Cape Town, its people and the diverse beauty of the city, the winelands and the coast. "I get excited every time I think of someone visiting Cape Town for the first time – it must be such an awesome experience to share in the beauty that we live with every day. You will want to return!"
Denise and Cathy are partners in Surgical Bliss and look forward to sharing the Cape with you!
Dr John May
- Specialist Knee Surgeon
- Operates at Cape Town Medi Clinic
- Specialises in Knee Arthroplasty (replacemenets) and Sports Injuries.
Dr Garth Grobler and Brendan Dower
- Specialist Hip and Knee Surgeons,
- Operates at Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Cape Town
- Specialises in Hip Arthroplasty (replacements) including hip resurfacing, Knee Arthroplasty, Hip Soft Tissue (scopes)
Dr Joe De Beer
- Specialist Shoulder Surgeon of International acclaim.
- Operates at Cape Town Medi Clinic
- Specialises in any Shoulder Pathology from Arthroplasty (replacements) to Sports Injuries.
- Dr De Beer is a member of the local association of shoulder and elbow surgery, South African Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (SASES) and has been awarded
Honorary Membership of the Arthroscopic Association of Northern America and the International Shoulder and Elbow Society.
Dr Roeland Berry
- Opthalmologist
- Operates at Cape Eye Hospital.
- Specialises in Lasik and Cataract removal.
Please click here to request additional information from Surgical Bliss in Cape Town.
Testimonials
Hi Kim
Its been long since we wrote to you. We are fine and the pregnancy is progressing well and the baby is due in mid July. The scan that we did indicated that it is a singleton. We just want to express our heart felt gratitude especially to you for the support and care we recieved whilst in cape town. You are such a good and warm person and please continue with your kindness and may God bless you most abundantly in all your endevous.
Pass our greetings to phillipo, the twins, Denise and staff of at the clinic.
By Chris and Cathy
From Zambia
Bernadette and I found Surgical Bliss through an internet search on Plastic surgeons, Capetown.Denise responded directly by telephone and quickly had our trip organized using only outline directions from ourselves. All aspects of the trip exceeded our expectations including the quality of Surgeon’s and nurses at the Clinic, the accommodation and all the transport arrangements.
I would recommend anyone who is considering medical care in Capetown to use Denise at Surgical Bliss who really took care of all the details and made our whole visit, which we combined with a holiday, thoroughly enjoyable.
Thankyou Denise,
Colin ( UK)
I had a my nose fixed in Cape Town with Surgical BLiss and the experience was really blissful, I had no inconvieniences with getting anywhere, I am quite a stressful person when things are not done exactly right, but they were, and the experience was wonderful. I can barely remember pain or having to worry about anything. If yo're gonna get surgery, it might as well be the Sugical Bliss way!
Thank you Denise for making the trip and surgery a piece of cake, and being with me every step of the way XOXO Luv u
Aamena - Malawi
Hi Denise,
A short note of thanks re' the professional conduct of Surgical Bliss. I was and remain impressed with the services offered by your team.
Your web site was my first point of contact with your team, providing me with all the information that I required, as I did not have the time to independently investigate the medical services offered in South Africa.
I was further impressed by your prompt response to my enquiry and referral to a suitable doctor. The high standard of preoperative and follow up care that my mother received was superb, allowing me to leave the country reassured that she would be well cared for, and attended to, in my absence.
I remain grateful that my mother was never informed of the cost involved (as the surgery was a gift), and that she received such close monitoring throughout the process. I will definitely refer others to Surgical Bliss.
Many thanks
Liza Brown- Waterson
Australia
Cosmetic Surgery
Apt.7, 27 Morskaya St.
Petropavlosk-Kamchatskiy
Russia, 683000
With the present letter we are pleased to show our appreciation and gratitude towards Ms.Denise Hoogervorst the director with Surgical Bliss.
We have been advised of Surgical Bliss by Lalena Mitchley of Cape Hip and Knee Clinic and not for a second we regretted the decision to apply to Surgical Bliss.
Upon our inquiry we received immediate reply from Ms. Hoogervorst and she proved to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable in capacity of both a travel agent and an invaluable medical consultant.
Being foreigners her expertise, professional and friendly attitude eased our dealings with respected medical departments and helped to organize pre- and post operational leisure time.
Denise shows great dedication to the needs of the clients and keeps their best interests at heart. We felt cared and treasured during our stay and believe that without Denise’s impact our trip would be complicated and dull.
To the interested individuals we would like to recommend to use the services of both Ms. Denise Hoogervorst and Surgical Bliss to their full capacity and to experience great African holiday prior to dealing with surgical matters. You can totally relay on Denise as she is able to sort any arising situation or emergency.
Dear Denise, we greatly appreciate all you help and attention during our stay in South Africa and we sincerely wish you good luck and continues growth of business.
With great respect and pleasure,
Irina Nekrashevich and Marina Anischenko
"Now I fell like I am healing on purpose. I wish I had this before my last procedure (a mastectomy) to control the pain and my emotions."
Stress Management Program
Dear Denise & Kim,
Thank you so much for making our trip so wonderful. We appreciate the way Kim has been with me all along through the procedure and after care. Your professionalism coupled with personal care and emotional support while going through the procedure was truely appreciated.
Thank you so much for everything.
Best Regards,
Rubaba Pasha
Canada
Please click here to request additional information from Surgical Bliss in Cape Town.
Awards & Media Coverage
Local Attractions
‘WHALE SEASON STARTS IN JULY!!!! COME TO CAPE TOWN AD VIEW THE WHALES FROM THE SHORES. THESE GIANTS ARE SURE TO SOOTHE YOUR SOUL AND YOUR RECOVERING BODY ONCE YOU HAVE HAD SURGERY UNDER THE CARE OF SURGICAL BLISS'
Cape Town is on the tip of Africa and is one of the most unique and splendid destinations in South Africa.
Cape Town offers the most fantastic scenery, from sweeping seascapes, to mountains as far as the eye can see, to the majestic winelands that offer some of the best wines in the world.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is synonymous with Cape Town and is our most famous landmark. It takes pride of place as it reigns over the City and “belongs” to each and every Capetonian. A tablecloth (in the form of a beautiful white cloud) often billows over the mountain, and is a sight to behold.
No visit to Cape Town is complete without a trip up the mountain in the new, sophisticated cable car! For the more adventurous there are also various hiking trials to the top. From the top you will be able to see for miles in every direction – Robben Island, the mountains of the winelands, the Cape Peninsula stretching south towards Cape Point, the city and harbour, Table Bay and False Bay, and the magnificent white beaches of the Atlantic Seaboard. It’s worthwhile to visit at sunset - every sunset is unique and beautiful. A lasting memory to take home with you….
The Table Mountain National Park stretches from the mountain itself all the way to Cape Point. The Peninsula is recognised internationally for its incredible plant diversity – with more than 2000 species of plants! Contained within the park are innumerable hiking trails to enjoy, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and the Cape Point Nature Reserve (where you may see penguins, antelope, zebra, ostrich and baboons to name a few!)
Whales
In late winter and early spring (July to October) Cape Town is one of the best land-based whalewatching sites in the world. We are honoured that the Southern Right Whale chooses to visit our waters to calve and nurture offspring. Whale sightings are common occurrence from most parts of the Cape Peninsula during this time – you are almost guaranteed to spot a whale if you take a drive along the coast! What an amazing site to see a whale (and her offspring) up close to the waters-edge – and if you are lucky you might see them breaching (jumping out of the water).
An hour and a half drive along the coast in a south-easterly direction is the beautiful coastal town of Hermanus – famous for its annual Whale Festival in September. Well worth the experience!!
Dining & Shopping
Whether you consider yourself a shopper, or not, Cape Town will entice you into buying things! You will be spoilt for choice with the astonishing selection of goods, both created and manufactured, on offer. The fact that we have such a vast array of shopping opportunities makes Cape Town one of the top shopping destinations. From our enormous, sophisticated shopping malls such as the V&A Waterfront (for high-tech designer products) to outdoor markets such as Greenmarket Square (for innovative indigenous arts and crafts), you will be able to find that special something that you have been dreaming of.
Cape Town offers more than just world-class restaurants – it offers unique dining experiences! Given the availability of fresh ingredients (especially seafood), spellbinding settings and award-winning chefs, dining has become a favourite pastime of Capetonians. And given that we are in the heart of a major winegrowing area, why not do some ‘wining’ with your ‘dining’! Culinary experiences for every kind of palate are on offer – Cape Malay, African and Xhosa, traditional South African, and Fine Dining on a par with the top restaurants of the World!
Beaches & Wineland
Cape Town offers an abundance of beaches to choose from – whether you are wanting to spend a day sunbathing at Clifton, surfing the waves at Kommetjie, or strolling along the wide, firm sands at the Strand. We pride ourselves on having the most spectacular and clean beaches anywhere in South Africa. All of the popular bathing beaches have well-trained lifeguards on duty for your safety.
It truly is a unique experience to spend a day soaking up the sun, listening to the waves and seagulls, and being entertained by our funny local vendors who will keep you cool with an “ice lolly for your dolly”!! You have to experience it.
Please click here to request additional information from Surgical Bliss in Cape Town.
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