

DR VAN DER VELDE
Specialist Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillofacial Surgeon
M.B.Ch.B (UCT), M.Med (Plast), FCS (SA)
He has been in private practice since 2005, and also works as Consultant Plastic Surgeon at The Congenital Hands Clinic at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town.

ABOUT
DR VAN DER VELDE
A TEAM APPROACH
Dr Van der Velde will only offer surgery to patients who he feels are fit for a surgical procedure and have realistic expectations. “I will only operate if I believe that a procedure is appropriate,” he adds. “If not, I will give advice on a more appropriate course of action.”
THE IMPORTANCE OF HONEST COMMUNICATION
“I am wary of the ‘Fantastic New Procedure!’ until surgical science and time have proven the procedure worthy,” he says. “I don’t cut corners to cut cost,” he adds. “I always work with highly professional anaesthesiologists in approved operating theatres, and I consult regularly with my plastic and cosmetic surgeon colleagues about problem cases, with the patient’s consent, which ensures the best clinical outcome.”
SPECIAL INTERESTS
“My other fields of focus include all trauma reconstructive surgery, skin cancers, breast reconstruction. I have a special interest in congenital hand surgery,” he says. “I am also involved in training new plastic surgery consultants at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.”
PERSONAL INTERESTS
CREDENTIALS
Dr Van der Velde is a member of:
APRASSA (The Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of Southern Africa)
ISAPS (The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)
HPCSA (The Health Professional Council of South Africa)
SASSH (The South African Society for Surgery of the Hand)
BIGOSA (The Breast Interest Group of South Africa)
The Irish Medical Council
He is also a Plastic Surgery Examiner for the CMSA (College of Medicine of South Africa).