Travel Advice

  • 16 Apr 2020
  • Stuart Geldenhuys
  • Preparation,

You should plan to arrive in Cape Town at least 2 days prior to your intended surgery. To facilitate adequate recuperation and a comfortable return journey I recommend you remain in Cape Town between 1-3 weeks after surgery (see below).

Suggested duration of stay: This should be confirmed prior to making you flight reservations.

  • Eyelids  7-10 days
  • Breast Surgery 10-14 days
  • Facelift – 2 weeks
  • Abdominoplasty 2- 3 weeks

TRANSPORT

Cape Town International Airport is ideally situated just 22km (15.5 miles) from the CBD, which takes no more than 20 minutes (outside of peak traffic, which can take up to one hour) Unfortunately there are no direct train routes from the airport, therefore the only option is to either hire a car, take a taxi or one of the many shuttle services that operate from the airport.

CAR HIRE

All the reputable car hire companies operate from the airport, and will give you a detailed map as to how to get to your destination from the airport. These companies have counters in both International and Domestic Arrivals.

1. Avis: +27 (21) 934 0330

2. Budget: +27 (21) 934 3180

3. Europcar: +27 (21) 934 4750

4. Hertz: +27 (21) 934 3913

5. Imperial: +27 (21) 934 8600

6. National Alamo: +27 (21) 934 7499

7. Tempest: +27 (21) 934 8650

8. Dollar Thrifty: +27 (21) 934 0266

SHUTTLE SERVICE:

This is generally the most affordable and efficient, door-door option.

You may pre-book a shuttle services for both your arrival and return trip, to and from the airport. If you do not pre-book a shuttle, there are several kiosks at the arrivals halls (both Domestic and International), from which you can simply order a shuttle directly.

Operating from the International Terminal:

  • Randy’s Tours – +27 (0) 21 934 8367
  • Anwar’s Tourist Services – +27 (0) 21 936 2064

Operating from the Domestic Terminal:

TAXI:

You may also hire a taxi on arrival – Touch Down Taxis (+27 (21) 919 4659 are the only officially authorised taxi company operating from the airport.

MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS

If you have any medical conditions make sure you have informed me well in advance prior to your departure.

Please ensure that you have informed me of any medications or supplements you may be taking prior to your confirmation of surgery.

In certain instances you may be requested to consult your general practitioner or have blood tests prior to your departure.

Certain medications should be avoided for at least 2 weeks before surgery: aspirin or aspirin containing medications, (common in cold and flu medications) Anti Inflammatories, (Voltaren, Brufen, Vioxx, Norflex) arnica and some homeopathic or herbal remedies. These may thin your blood and predispose to bleeding. Garlic and red wine should be avoided for 2 days before surgery. In the event that you develop a bacterial or viral infection (respiratory, skin etc.) your surgery may be postponed.

At your pre-operative consultation ensure that all your questions are answered and that you are confident that you understand your procedure, the risks and the likely post-operative medicinal courses.

The better prepared you are, the easier it will be.

SMOKING

Please note that some procedures (e.g. facelift, abdominoplasty) may not be performed at all in smokers.

In these cases a month’s abstinence prior to and after surgery is mandatory

Posted by Stuart Geldenhuys

My philosophy centres on personal care. Compassion for my patients and the value of attentive communication have been an integral part of my approach from my first days of internship at Groote Schuur and Red Cross Children's Hospitals in Cape Town. It is my belief that effective communication is the basis for a successful outcome. I make it a priority to keep abreast of trends and advances in my field by regularly attending local and international conferences. I employ conventional techniques that deliver predictable, natural results. I believe it is the subtle modifications of each technique, particular to each individual, which optimise the outcome.